Carson has courageously followed the guidance of the Spirit into her call to ministry and has so generously shared that journey with those around her. She has invited her community to witness and participate in her discernment process and ongoing spiritual development, and encourages others in their own spiritual growth. Her openness and support have been inspirational and comforting to many, including me. She has helped me learn to listen for and follow the Spirit, and develop spiritual practices to help me feel connected and sustained throughout the journey. Simply put, Carson is the minister I desperately needed to make sense of my own journey, and she has my strongest recommendation for ordination.
Nikki Norris - Member of First Church UCC - Phoenix
One of Carson Hawks' most prominent traits is her indomitable faith. During our shared time in seminary, I was honored to be Carson's friend and support as she courageously worked to heal the deep wounds of her past. This journey - the path of the wounded healer - is a walk that is deeply honored in my tradition and one of powerful transformation. I witnessed Carson's walk through her darkness, through a time where she was in almost constant communication with the Godseed inside of her - either through conversation/ prayer or through the wide variety of spiritual practices she discovered and used.
She was faithful to her calling, persistent in her efforts to find the best and truest expression of what God was asking of her. Carson chose to face the most frightening spiritual questions, re-evaluating everything she had been taught about herself and God. Many people talk about what they believe, but only a few have enough faith and strength to test those beliefs. When Carson talks about the power of God's love to heal, you can hear truth in her words. You can hear that this wisdom was hard won through sweat and tears and a deep and powerful journey. When Carson speaks, she speaks with the power of a faith forged in fire.
Kai Koumatos - Seminary Peer and Interfaith Priest
Carson, like many whom she ministers to, grew up connected to the Spirit but injured by the church. The connection remains as the Spirit calls her to a ministry to heal the wounds of others. She is consistent in seeking truth through prayer and spiritual retreat, allowing the Spirit to communicate in the silence. Carson then takes the Spirit and shares with her community its power.
Charity Gleason-Davis, Office Coordinator - First Church UCC - Phoenix
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