The young lady pictured above is Kalista, an energetic, imaginative, funny and joyous kindergartener I had the pleasure of meeting last week. She’s excited about everything, particularly funny stories. I couldn’t help but smile as I shared a few hours with her and her mother.

It’s only appropriate that I mention Kalista and her mom, Tiffany, as we celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. today because they are living out one of King’s most famous quotes: “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.”

Tiffany and Kalista are part of the Buckner Family Pathways program in Lufkin. When Kalista was younger, Tiffany found herself unemployed with nowhere to turn for help. When she called Family Pathways, she took her first step in faith not knowing where it’d lead her.

Several years later, Kalista is thriving. Tiffany has earned her bachelor’s degree and is starting to work on her master’s degree this week. Her prospects of getting a great job are tremendous. As a result of her willingness to act on faith, Tiffany's life as well as Kalista’s have been radically transformed.

This week, let's celebrate the steps each of us take in faith without knowing where they will take us. And then take some more of them.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. –Hebrews 11:1

Deeper reflection:

• What does faith mean to you?
• What are some of the most recent steps of faith you have taken?

Next steps:

• Look for where God is calling you to step forward in faith and take it.