Story by Faith Addington, Catholic Columnist
Often working behind the scenes is one of our most beloved staff members here at Aquinas College: Mike Ingram. Mike has been a part of Aquinas College for a little over five years, serving in our Housing & Residence Life and most recently as our Director of Campus Ministry. For being such an integral part of our campus community, I knew we would all benefit from hearing his advice to students regarding our faith. Mike Ingram recommended the following:
“My initial reaction to the question, ‘What do I do to maintain my faith?’ was perhaps a rather odd response. Nothing. I don’t do anything to maintain my faith. My faith is an integral part of who I am. To exist in the world in my day-to-day life is to be a person of faith. And of course, this at times is extremely difficult. So, what do I do in those times? I find comfort in quiet contemplation and lean on those I most trust for guidance and wisdom, hope and inspiration. From sitting in the chapel before what I affectionately call ‘Our Lady’s Crucifix,’ to sitting in my office in AB looking out the window at the crisscrossing paths through the woods to sitting in my office at home looking at my collection of books reminiscing on all the journeys and adventures they have taken me on, it turns out what I do to maintain my faith is I do a lot of sitting. More importantly, however, is the contemplation, silence, and prayer I experience in the sitting that helps maintain my faith. From there I find those I trust most, those closest to me and I share with them the fruits of my contemplation. I share with them all that I heard in the silence. This is my advice to students: find a place that brings you comfort, a place to simply be still and know that God is all around you. And then, find a person or persons you can trust, someone with whom you can be completely honest and say, I’m having a hard time with my faith. Even if they don’t have the answers, they may at least be a comfort to you and help you find true rest and peace in the loving comfort of God.”
For those of you who have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Mike, he can be found in his office on the third floor of AB in the Campus Ministry suite. Or if you happen to see him around campus – this is very likely due to how many responsibilities, committees and boards on which he serves – make sure you stop and thank him for all of the time he has devoted to giving us the best college experience possible.
The Saint 