Sister Linda Larkman

When I was 21 (back in 1971), I remember making a simple prayer to God asking for help to make the right decision about whether I should become engaged to a man I had been dating for the previous two years. Three weeks later I very gently declined. Inside of me I felt there was something yet to done in my life before I married. I always have considered my life to be a journey, which I have seen taking me down many different paths. I continued on a career in the field of advertising, media and marketing. I returned to college in my mid 30’s with the goal to advance my business career, which I did, and I really can say I have had many good business opportunities, experiences, challenges and friendships along the way. I’ve worked, traveled, was very active in volunteering within my community and church, helped friends and their families. I remained single, and once again turned down a marriage proposal in my late 30’s. I still held in my heart, the question, “God, what are you really asking me to do with my life?” I took care of my brother, father and great aunt all prior to their going on to their final rest in peace with the Lord. I continued to ask myself, “what am I really looking for in my own life?”

In October, 2007, I entered the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh. I believe this is the path that I am meant to follow in order to live more fully the passions that God has placed within me: prayer, community life, offering hospitality to all, and living peace and justice in ways that Christ makes more evident to me daily. As I travel this path, I know the Lord will use my past to help me fit right in and minister to others wherever He places me.

For me, the most important part of St. Benedict’s Rule is to “listen with the ear of your heart.” My prayer is that all of us continue to listen to the Spirit of the Lord.