Small "p" and Big "P" Prophets

by Cyndie Cammack, OP, Graduate of CLDP Cohort 10

Dominican Sister of San Rafael

As I reflect on my learnings from the Collaborative Leadership Development Program (CLDP), I have found many moments of integration. I have begun to see myself through the eyes of others. I have let go of much and embraced other pieces of my personality, trusting in my agency as God directs. While moving into congregational leadership, there have been many opportunities for stretching, growing, trusting, praying, and relying on God and God’s revelations.  

During the final module for CLDP, we had a talk by Linda Buck, CSJ on prophetic leadership. While reflecting during the class, I had a sense of little p and Big P Prophets. Big P Prophets are fairly easy to see. Biblical prophets both major and minor all had the courage to speak the truth as they saw it -- sometimes with a nudge or two from God. They did not always get a positive reception and yet their words and actions have endured. When I look for Big P Prophets in our world, names come up like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela who spoke truth and asked for acceptance for a group of people. There are also Big P Prophets, like Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ, who speak about the place of women in our church and about the changing nature of our relationship to our planet. And there are Prophets like Malala Yousafzai, who risk speaking from their place with ideas and words that shake up the status quo.  

As the CLDP presentation went on, we were asked to contemplate the idea of prophets. What came up for me are all the individual people who stand with and support the Big P Prophets, or who in their own communities and lands speak up for truth. They risk speaking due to a deep inner conviction. They may be followers or leaders. They are often the unnamed who unsettle things, creating a place for change. These prophets are those who do many small things with great love, who risk speaking up not for recognition so much as to bring in other ideas and opinions, even when it is uncomfortable. Often small pieces of their message get through and what they were saying or mirroring finds its place.  

All prophets use their voices to speak truth, often disrupting the status quo. They have deep conviction about what they are speaking. They risk speaking it even when uncomfortable. They listen to the voice of God within themselves and feel like they cannot not speak. Prophets both big and little are known by their words and actions. Some are well known and some are minimally known. They all make a change in the lives of those around them and in the future of the world.  

Looking at the future of religious life with this understanding of prophets, I know in my heart and gut that we will go on. Can I describe it? No. But, I have glimpses at times, however nothing is firmly seen. I do know it will be good and will continue to serve God and God’s plan, just maybe without all the structure and human construct that we place on God’s design. Our vision is so limited. What can we dream together into the future? Am I ready and willing to use my voice for furthering God’s love in our world? Am I willing to risk the cost, whatever that may be?  

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