It’s funny how the most unexpected people can spark the deepest reflections. For me, it wasn’t a pastor, a church event, or even a Christian book that reignited my passion for studying my faith—it was a conversation with a Muslim colleague.

We were just two people, talking during a break at work, exchanging stories about our lives, families, and beliefs. Since I’m a curious person, she’s my go-to for any question that pops into my head regarding Islam. And she does the same with me and Christianity. It’s – an equitable exchange. 

It was one of her endless question strings that really got me thinking: How much do I *really* know about the faith and I’m choosing to follow? Can a person be a follower, a believer, and not know the history of their own faith? (For the record, the question that really got me was “Can you name the 12 Disciples of Jesus?” No. I could not). 

Rediscovering the Roots

That conversation lingered with me, and I started to reflect on my own journey with Christianity. Sure, I knew the major stories—the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. I could recite John 3:16 without blinking. But was my faith something I actively studied and lived out daily? Or had it become more of a passive backdrop to my life, something that I was in some way taking for granted?

I realized I had become comfortable. I wasn’t diving deep. I wasn’t asking the tough questions, though my son tends to do that for me, anyway. I wasn’t seeking to understand the richness of my faith in the way my colleague so clearly understood hers.

Break out the Shovel

I was inspired by our conversations. Knowing that I have my own Bible plan that I’m working through, I started digging in more again. Some things about faith will always be a mystery, but others, you just need a shovel. 

My Muslim friend had given me that shovel. I just needed to use it. 

What stood out to me the most from this experience wasn’t just the renewed connection to my own faith, but the realization that, at the heart of it all, we’re more connected than we think. My Muslim colleague’s devotion didn’t threaten my beliefs—it enriched them. Her commitment to her faith challenged me to deepen my own. In fact, I sometimes refer to her as “fellow child of Abraham” as Abraham is the “father” of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 

In a world that often focuses on what divides us, that workplace conversation reminded me of the beauty in sharing our stories and learning from each other’s journeys. Faith isn’t a competition; it’s a deeply personal pursuit of truth, purpose, and connection.

And by the way the 12 Disciples are Peter (who was originally called Simon), Andrew, James and John (sons of Zebedee, and otherwise known by the epically cool nickname “Sons of Thunder”), Bartholomew, Philip, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Jude, Simon (the Zealot), Matthew, Thaddeus, and Judas Iscariot (the traitor)

Rediscover for Yourself

So, here’s my question for you: When was the last time you really dug into your faith? Not out of obligation, but out of curiosity and a desire to grow? Sometimes, the spark we need doesn’t come from where we expect—and that’s the beauty of the journey.

Take a moment to reflect, ask questions, and dive deeper. You might be surprised by what you rediscover.

Your Pal,

TJ