An ancient idea has new form in June: a fresh movement to re-devote ourselves to faithfulness. It’s called Fidelity Month.
I first encountered this idea halfway through last year’s Fidelity Month. After being a latecomer in 2024, this year I am looking forward to a full 30 days to focus on the month’s goal: “Heal division and restore unity through fidelity to God, our spouses and families, our communities, and country.”
Honestly, this effort comes at just the right time for me. I’ve felt discouraged by the discord in our society, which is amplified by my too-frequent scrolling on social media. The kids call it “doomscrolling,” and I’m guilty of it.
There is such pressure to identify with one of the warring camps. I’m concerned about the pull to define myself by what I’m against, rather than what I’m for. There is certainly right and wrong in this world. It’s important to stand up for it. However, as we seek a more perfect union, our fellow Americans — even when we disagree strongly — could and should be allies, not enemies.
That’s why I’m heartened and encouraged by the message at their website, www.fidelitymonth.com: “You are the most powerful example of human flourishing to a dark, broken world. What are the blessings God has given you? A spouse? Children? Friends? Neighbors? A local congregation? Serve God in them, and tell others about why they are important to you.”
Fidelity Month is a great time for us to go public with our efforts to be faithful to the big Good Things in our families, communities and nation.
In that spirit, allow me to share with you a few moments of fidelity that I am celebrating in this moment.
One came this morning as I rounded the corner at dawn:30 to ensure one of my teenagers was awake. Before I’d gotten to the foot of the stairs I called out, “are you awake?”
As the words left my mouth, I saw my lad at the top of the stairs, fully dressed, grinning at me. I felt delight, not just that he was ready ahead of schedule, but that he greeted my almost-nagging question not with a tone of frustration, but with a smile. That was a gift.
And I am thankful for another teenager in the house who commented a few nights ago that mom and dad do too much of the housework. Next thing I knew, my teen was sweeping and cleaning to help out. Not because anyone asked, but because it was a chance to serve.
And I feel such gratitude for my college student who came home last weekend (and is coming again this one) and comes to church with us. Looking down the pew, seeing him with his strong arms around his siblings as we all heard the word, was a gift.
Through it all, my wife’s sunny disposition and clear-eyed wisdom are the definition of fidelity and joy.
If you look for it, you see fidelity everywhere.
I was just corresponding this morning with another dad in the community. I remembered how, when our sons played on the same baseball team a few years ago, I watched his son win the game with a mammoth hit (after pitching many scoreless innings for us, too.) As the boys celebrated their big victory, this young man quietly gave the game ball to one of his teammates who had been struggling.
That’s a kid who is winning at life. His selfless thoughtfulness is fidelity in action.
His dad mentioned to me this morning that his son was just elected student body president for his school next year.
That’s the kind of person we need in office!
The fact is, we all have the chance to be that kind of servant-leader. It starts with a focus on faithfulness to the bigger picture.
To dive into this effort, the Fidelity Month website lists several intriguing webinars over the coming days.
They are also calling on Americans to mark June 24 as the Fidelity Month Day of Prayer and Fasting.
I’d love to see those events across Lewis County and Washington state. Drop me a line if you’d like to hold a time of prayer in your home or neighborhood. I’ll publicize them in an upcoming column if they are public or just celebrate the dedication to fidelity if they are private.
Please let me know how you are inspired to celebrate and dedicate yourself to faithfulness and fidelity this month. It’s the job of a lifetime, and like all good work, it’s better together.
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Brian Mittge is a community enthusiast who has written for The Chronicle since 2000 as a reporter, editor and columnist. He can be reached at brianmittge@hotmail.com.
