Cherryle Fruge, OFS – NEC Councilor

By Cherryle Fruge, OFS
National Executive Council Member

I want to share with you two things: the fruitfulness of my vocation in the Secular Franciscan Order, and how the call led me to serve as a National Executive Councilor.

I know there have been plenty of topics on vocation covered in formation, but my understanding of what a vocation means became clearer with each step I took towards servant leadership.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that if we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and available for the Holy Spirit to utilize and guide us wherever He so desires, we will discover we are continually being renewed each day.

With the national election of the Secular Franciscan National Executive Council approaching in September, as well as local and regional elections in your areas, I would like to encourage you to listen for the call.

Venturing into leadership brought great challenges, but I wouldn’t trade the experience because it enabled me to follow His Divine will. I tried to live by this profound message: “I, a prisoner in the Lord, urge you therefore to lead a life worthy of the vocation to which you were called. With all humility and gentleness, and with patience, support each other in love. Take every care to preserve the unity of the Spirit by the peace that binds you together.” Eph. 4:1-3

The greatest thing about leadership in the Secular Franciscan Order is that no matter how many struggles you face, you never walk alone. There are many valuable brothers and sisters always ready to lend guidance and support when needed. The Holy Spirit plants gifts along the way, which is His way of showing us how He guides.

The good Lord is always teaching and revealing that if we are patient with God’s Grace in action, we will discover the beautiful tapestry of His love surrounding us every day. Remember, He never sets us up for failure.

Instead, he prepares us to go forth spreading the Good News in the world of how He has been mending our brokenness by meshing His heart into our heart so that we become one with Him in all His goodness.

God bless you abundantly and give you peace. Just say, YES to serve. You won’t regret it.