the anchor of simplicity | Josie Vance

 
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This learning was written by Josie in preparation for Season 3 of the New Waters podcast.

Simplicity has been an anchor for me.

I’m not speaking of recent minimalist trends or simplicity as a spiritual discipline, but simplicity of faith. The freedom to not have all of the answers, but to trust deeply in the One who does.

Interestingly, Scripture instructs us, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15b). This has led many into intensive and worthwhile studies of apologetics. I’ve loved my own learning on this theme because I often take comfort in having the answers—my surety.

Yet I realize that surety, an anchor for many, is not found in having all of the answers. Actually, this may be a false anchor. My surety is to be placed in Jesus. He is my one true thing, he is “the reason for the hope that I have.” The anchor point for me is simple trust in him—believing he is who he says he is and allowing my naivety, even “playing the fool,” if you will. David, as he danced without inhibition, was willing. The woman breaking her jar of pricey perfume to anoint Jesus’ feet, was willing. Simple faith, displayed in extravagant worship. I am willing. And my strongest anchor point is the place where I abandon my craving for comfort and safety in surety, and instead just trust him.

Even in the writing of this, it sounds so lofty to me. Maybe it is! I suppose I could tell you a lot of things I think I know and maybe even “wow you” for a moment, but really, does it matter? Some might say that a greater sense of understanding (of culture, of context, of “the other”) are reliable anchor points; yet I’ve had moments of being so wrapped up in my own musings that the spotlight moves to pointless conjecture rather than life-giving conversation.

I have come to learn that the one thing I know that really matters—in this cacophony of know-it-alls in today’s culture—the one thing I know, is that I am loved by a God who is good. And this world—as it has been and will be, in my lifetime and beyond—is loved by a God who is good and who has a plan. Is that all I really need to know? Yes. Kind of. Simply, yet wonderfully, this is the anchor point for everything else I know or think I know.

Continue the conversation in Season 3 Episode 2 of the New Waters podcast.

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Josie Vance
Josie Vance

Josie is a leader-developer who serves as a consultant for organizational and cultural development at a college in the City of Edmonton. As a lifelong learner, she holds a Bachelor of Education and Master of Arts Leadership and Management. With 13+ years of experience in pastoral ministry—emphasizing equipping and team building toward outward engagement—Josie has a zealous eye on how the wider church intersects meaningfully with culture. She longs to see each of us living on purpose and in a way that transforms our world as we bring salt and light to our spheres of influence.

People are the centre of Josie’s world, starting with her family—including her best friend and partner, Jason, and their three teenaged children. With them and other adventurous friends and family, she loves to backpack in the Canadian Rockies, paddleboard and cross-country ski. When she needs to mellow out, she grabs a mocha and good book.

 
Bethany Nickel