Talmida is the Aramaic word for “disciple” and that is what best describes me. I am a student of life trying my best to be the hands, the feet and the voice of Jesus, bringing the kingdom of heaven to this hurting and broken world.

Luke 14:27 in Aramaic sounds like this:

“wman dia Saqel clibeh wate batari talmida la miSkax dihwe li.”

This is translated to:

“Whoever does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”

Jesus primarily spoke Aramaic, so the call to be his follower would have literally been heard as “tal-mi-da.” There is something special and mind boggling when I close my eyes and imagine what it would be like to be there in the midst of this revolutionary rabbi, hearing him give the invitation to be his talmida.

I have dedicated the rest of my life to being a disciple of Jesus. The journey is tough, confusing, heart-breaking, overwhelming, incredibly difficult, and filled with doubts. Yet it is a journey that provides the utmost joy, purpose, satisfaction and fulfillment.