Faith Story: Ayriole Frost

I didn’t grow up going to church. My grandfather on my father’s side was a Methodist minister and my mother was raised Catholic, but my family was much more interested in mysticism and spirituality rather than organized religion. I’ve since found out that had much to do with how my grandfather was treated by the Methodist church, but that’s a story for another day. I studied many different faith traditions, and considered myself pagan for a while; even now, some of my spiritual practices are rooted in the ancient practices of West Africa that I’ve learned from my father. I’ve always felt the presence of a higher power, but was resistant to organized religion. Suffice it to say, I read the bible, but it was more like the same way I read Lord of the Rings; a book of epic tales where I desperately searched for the voices of women and was sorely disappointed. I still love the stories and the world they create, but neither of these sagas pass the Bechdel test.

My introduction to church life was through being a musician. I participated in a Methodist choir in college and have always loved sacred music, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that when my college friend Sean Diller asked me to play here at Holy Trinity in 2012, I was blown away and never wanted to leave. We can all agree that the music here is on a level unparalleled; however, the music alone would not have convinced me to become a member of Holy Trinity or give financially. As a professional musician with 5 different jobs, my funds are limited; but my mother and I made the decision to give regularly and to contribute to the capital campaign.

What convinced me to do both of those things is what Holy Trinity stands for; radical inclusivity. While we still have our work cut out for us with our Anti-racism covenant and ministry, I’ve never encountered an institution of any kind, faith-based or not, that was willing to do the hard work of anti-racism and that truly wants to be a place that is inclusive of anyone who wants to be a part of it. A place that has been patient with me as I learned the meaning and significance of liturgy and the liturgical year in order to contribute more fully as a musician and staff member. A place that brings new meaning and perspective to the stories I read as a child. A place that truly wants to be welcoming of anyone who walks in the door, and is never finished with the work it requires to do so. I never imagined a place like Holy Trinity existed, and I’m happy to be a part of it.