A Story of Life and Faith by Di Reilly
A story of life and faith: Coreopsis – ‘always cheerful’
It was my humble honour to chat with one of our long-term parishioners for the first of our new regular series of life-and-faith stories from our community. Inspired by the positive response of our blog readers to such stories published previously, the ministry team hope that in reading these stories we might be inspired, moved, encouraged, renewed and supported in our journey with God and find closeness and connection with each story told and with each other.
As Reverend Mary-Anne explained previously, we will “de-identify” our storyteller, protecting their privacy, honouring their courage, and hopefully inspiring others to share their stories – stories that may be difficult or painful to tell.
Recently I have been looking at flowers and their symbolism and thought it might be helpful to ascribe a particular flower to each storyteller, based solely on my subjective observation! However, I am open to suggestions! Hence this week’s story is titled Coreopsis. If you look it up, you will see the most glorious colours that ooze cheerfulness and warmth.
Let’s begin our conversation with Coreopsis …
What was life like for you as a young person?
Coreopsis hails from central Queensland and says life as a young person was tough, although at the time she didn’t think too much about it. Her father was a drinker, and he argued and fought, “a lot”. She is thoughtful and hesitant as she reflects, “we got through it. We just had to survive it.”
“Mum was fabulous,” she says. Her mother lacked the qualifications or training to work outside the home, but worked from home, hairdressing.
“I remember her squirreling money away so she would have enough to pay for meals. She was a marvellous person, always encouraging my sister and brother and I to get an education. To her, it was especially important for us girls, so that if you had a bad marriage, you could always support yourself. That was her big push for us girls. She did try to leave our father when she just had our brother (the first born) but her parents sent her back.”
She is circumspect when considering the reasons for her father’s behaviour. War service and learnt behaviour from her grandfather in an era when men “ruled the roost” are not explanations so much as observations.
“I remember going to sleep scratching my pillow so I couldn’t hear the arguing. But it taught me a lot, it taught me that I never wanted that life. I told my mother that if I never marry, I don’t care, I can live with me.”
“I also vowed and declared I would never marry anyone who drank a lot of alcohol.”
When did you begin to think of yourself as a Christian? What was that like for you?
“Mum always sent us to church because she made a promise at our baptism… so while she did not go as she was always cooking the Sunday dinner, I started at Sunday school with my friends at the local Methodist church.”
When she was old enough to ride her bike, Coreopsis rode to the Presbyterian church, “because I was christened Presbyterian after all, and that was important to Mum”, where she was confirmed and had her first communion and attended youth group.
Coreopsis reflects,
“Church became a sanctuary. It was a safe place with many wonderful, accepting people. Mum attended at Christmas and Easter. In a way she did me a great favour because I was able to understand that there were good people in the church who really cared.”
However, it wasn’t until later that Coreopsis began to think of herself as a Christian, when she moved to teacher’s college in Brisbane.
“I was living in a Uniting Church hostel, and it was there that I understood the whole thing about becoming a Christian and committing yourself to being a Christian”.
“My very best friend at school, who still is my dearest friend, was a member of the Salvation Army, which was very outreach focused and caring. It was because of her that I later joined the Salvation Army, much to Mum’s horror.”
Coreopsis was drawn to the Army’s mission. “It was practical Christianity to me.”
She lived for a while in an unmarried mother’s home run by the Salvation Army, looking after the young women in between teaching. As a young woman, she understood that “it could happen to anyone” and that acceptance and love was what was needed.
She met her husband while teaching for the State Government. They attended the Salvation Army for some time, and later found their way to Robina Anglican soon after it was established.
How has your life journey been shaped by your life in Christ?
“My life has been incredibly shaped by Christ,” she says happily. Teaching at a Christian school, regular worship, discussion and in-service professional development further nurtured and shaped her experience.
“I grew a lot during that time, spending time with people who were inspiring and accepting.”
Coreopsis was guided by faith when navigating difficult people and situations.
“I honestly believe the Lord has had his hand on my life, all these years,” she says. “He has guided me and called me and loved me all these years. Even when on times, especially in my young years, when I have not been as close to Him as I could have been.”
How would you encourage people who are finding their way in life and faith in our changing world?
Coreopsis encourages anyone and everyone, especially young people, to come to a church and try and see if it works for them. If it doesn’t, then try another church, because that one might. “Come to a church that is warm, friendly and welcoming… we can only try to emulate Jesus and accept people as they are, value them and show them love.”
“Try to find your place and know that God loves you, regardless of whether you attend church or not. But life is just better when he is leading, when he is involved.”
She feels the world is lot tougher and more confusing for young people today with the explosion of technology, peer pressure and society’s expectations.
“If only they knew their worth in the Lord, if only they knew how valuable they were to him, maybe it would change their thinking… they don’t need to prove themselves to their peer group or emulate someone else… you are precious and valuable as you are.”
Coreopsis, thank you, for sharing your story.
With gratitude,
Di.