Mike told us his story. I found a common thread. Not only did he assert God continues to speak by his Spirit through the Scriptures, but the voices of those who helped him learn what it means to follow Jesus rang the same note. He recalled telling his mother at the age of 10 that he had become a Christian. She responded by saying, "I hope you know what you are doing." Some may have heard this as a swipe at a young boy who trusted in Jesus by a disinterested parent. I heard Mike retelling the story as a mother who unknowingly said the same thing Jesus said about those who would follow him. Before building a tower or going to war the cost must be measured – "I hope you know what you are doing." "Better know what you are doing."
Some years later Mike recalled hearing the same message from a Seminary professor, "Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me." "Better know what you are doing." I trust with a Dean who "gets" this preeminent message of Jesus, students will be helped in their course of following Jesus wherever he leads.