This biography was written by Athanasius, a bishop and theologian who was exiled because his explanations of the Trinity angered several emperors. The account details the life of Antony, a man who lived alone in the desert and whose story influenced many to also take to the desert in search of a more God-pleasing life. Antony not only realized that he should be a Christian, but that he needed to live out his faith it the way he thought best. Since he lived alone in the desert, his faith wasn't really that public...until Athanasius found him, that is...
Antony was brought up by his parents and at an early age was attracted to a simpler life than those around him. He heard of a man who "had lived the life of a hermit from his youth up" (60). This man more than anyone else was a role model for Antony. Because of him, Antony began searching out other men who lived similar lives of solitude. He learned from them, and he strove to imitate these men by working with his hands, giving to the needy, and praying vigorously. Antony's life was shaped by the men he followed, and he was still living as a hermit when Athanasius found him as a very old man. After the theologian wrote an account of Antony's life and lifestyle, many others wished to emulate him. Whole colonies of monks rose up in the desert. But what I find the most interesting in this story is this: Antony lived a life of solitude, and yet he still managed to influence people to follow him (whether he intended to or not). But he was also much more influential when his life was made available to others through the writing of Athanasius.
One of the biggest role models in my life, ESPECIALLY when it comes to my faith in Christ and how to live it out, is my lovely mother. She never encouraged me to go out into the desert, but when I felt called to ministry in eighth grade, my mom was the one who stood by me when the rest of my family wasn't sure what to think and my home congregation looked down on me for being so young...and a girl... But my mom was nothing but supportive of me as I struggled to figure out exactly what God wanted me to do with my life. And even now, as I wrestle with deciding which classes to take to get me where I need to go, whether to consider grad school, and how social life can get in the way of learning everything I need to know to be a good DCE, I know I can call my mom and she will pray with me and remind me that God is in control. She has always set an example of trusting God with her whole heart and encouraging others to do the same. She is a strong woman who strengthens those around her through her love and compassion. I hope that she has been able to pass on her strength to me and that I will be as supportive and encouraging of my own children and the youth in my ministry as she has been in my life.
