Completely Themselves
I used to cry when I saw nuns. I know it sounds weird, but my heart would be so moved by their natural beauty, kind smiles, and joyful dispositions that I had no other option than to ugly cry and unsuccessfully try to compose myself. When I was twenty years old, I visited a cloistered convent with my teammates from the National Evangelization Teams Ministries (NET Ministries) and was completely undone! I met a nun with braces! BRACES! I just thought that Sisters had to deal with bad teeth because braces are expensive and they take a vow of poverty. Through the grates, the Sisters laughed and whispered to one another and I realized that Sisters have inside jokes! Of course they observe times of silence, but they also live in community and actually enjoy each other’s company. And to top it off, when one of my teammates did a backflip the Sisters cheered as if their team won the Superbowl! Beyond the applause, “Ooh!” and “Aah” filled the room . . . along with my sobs!
I was a mess around these Sisters because I wanted to be one. I wanted to be the Sister so in love with Jesus that it was written on my face. I wanted to be the Sister who was willing to surrender everything to the Lord and also receive care from Him through my community. I wanted to be the Sister who recognized that community life was going to be difficult but not without joy and laughter. I wanted to be the Sister who was completely herself with women who were completely themselves, all for the glory of God!
I no longer cry (all the time) when I see Sisters, but the internal effect is still the same. Sisters are a witness to me of what a life, as a religious sister or a lay woman, should look like. They are not ethereal, supernatural, perfect beings. Sisters are normal women who love God, and through their relationship with Him, exude confidence, joy, love, and learn how to thrive in community.
You probably don’t cry when you see a nun, but what do you experience when you see a Religious Sister or visit a religious community? How is your heart and mind moved? What can their presence teach you about who God is, how He wants to encounter you, and how He wants you to encounter Him?
