By Judah Dorsey
In the fall of 2021, I decided to memorize a poem by Deitrich Boenhoffer titled, "Who Am I?" In it, Bonhoeffer wrestles with the nature of his imprisonment by nazi German powers. At times he carries himself resolutely, fearless of depositions and death, like one accustomed to win. Other times he bears imprisonment like a caged bird, struggling for breath as though hands were comprising his throat.
I like this poem because I think we can all relate to it to some degree. Obviously, we are not wrongfully imprisoned, opposing nazi powers, or subject to the death sentence of a maniacal dictator. At the same time, we each have our own struggles and daily battles. We are victorious some days, sucking wind on others, and sometimes bereft of all fight and life. I like this poem because it really shows us who Dietrich Bonhoeffer is. Does he hold to his faith in the face of captivity and death? How does his faith inform how he lives amidst his suffering? What actually brings him comfort during this horrible trial near the end of his life?
Recently in the Capital Fellows program, we have taken several personality assessments to gain a better understanding of what motivates and drives us. These assessments have been very helpful in better understanding ourselves and our vocational path. While these assessments have been valuable assets in job searching and self-reflection, there is a limit to how deep they can uncover who we are.
While I am grateful for all the assessments, discussions, meals, and sermons we go through as fellows, I am most grateful for their fellowship. I am beyond thankful to have
friends who support and care for me in my sufferings and daily battles. Through joys and sadness, laughter and longing, euphoria and despair, the Capital Fellows program has helped me better answer the question: Who am I?
Quoting the Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, and Spy…
"Whoever I am, thou knowest, O God, I am thine."
Judah Dorsey is a member of the Capital Fellows class of 2023-24. He is from Redmond, WA, and is a graduate of Covenant College. This year, he is working as an ecclesial intern in Worship Ministry at McLean Presbyterian Church in McLean, VA.
Pictures From The Week
Fellows helping serve lunch to staff at MPC.
Carter and pastor Rob running into each other in Charlottesville at a UVA-UNC men's basketball game!
Judah and Spencer go to an Ash Wednesday service.
Discussion at Capital Commons this past Monday evening.
Know a Potential Capital Fellow?
If you know a college senior or recent graduate who should consider joining the Capital Fellows program in 2024-25, please encourage them to get in touch with us. The easiest way to express interest in the program is through our Contact Us Form. You can learn more about the program, including application deadlines, by visiting the Capital Fellows website.
About Capital Fellows. Capital Fellows is an advanced leadership and discipleship program for recent college graduates. Through graduate courses, a paid internship, one-on-one mentoring, and many leadership and community service opportunities, fellows develop and apply their gifts in real-world situations while learning to integrate a Christian worldview into all areas of life. Capital Fellows is a unique opportunity to live and work in the Washington DC area and to be an active member of a supportive community that seeks to serve the city with the love of Christ. It is also a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience in the workplace while deeply exploring God’s design for us as workers and contributors to human flourishing.
Pray for the Capital Fellows
Thank you for praying for the Capital Fellows each week!
The Capital Fellows have entered the final three months of the Capital Fellows program - the home stretch. Please pray for them as they continue to grow deeper in their walk with the Lord and with each other. Pray that this final third of the program would be a rich encounter with God for each of them.
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About The Fellows Initiative
Capital Fellows is part of a network of similar programs across the country. This network is called The Fellows Initiative. There are 34 Fellows programs in TFI, roughly 3,000 alumni living around the world, and more Fellows programs on the way.
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