Live Intently Through Difficulty and Delight

It's been quite some time since I last posted, but I have great news: I plan on blogging at least once a week starting August 1. I will also be revamping the look and functionality of my blog and I can't wait to share it with you!

Many, many changes have taken place in my life recently and I will be sharing them with you over the next several posts. One change is the ending of my position at Patriot Talon upon my graduation in May. I left the school and the newspaper with some final thoughts and I would love to share them with you.
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It’s not that I don’t like change. In fact, change excites me, but letting go of certain experiences in my life can be extraordinarily tough.

I’ve been like this since my childhood, actually. As silly as it may seem, I would get upset when my baseball season would end or my choir play was finished. During the event, though, I was alive. It always felt like the best moment of my life.

I think it’s because I exert every ounce of myself into my current circumstance. This characteristic ensures I truly commit and enjoy circumstances like jobs, college and relationships, but it definitely doesn’t make transitions easier.

In a few days, I’ll be graduating and also completing a two-year run at the Patriot Talon, the last of which I served as Editor in Chief. My time at the Talon has provided some of the toughest challenges I’ve ever faced. I’ve been a part of difficult circumstances I probably can’t accurately express, served on committees to hire a new adviser, built pages well into the early morning and even lost hope in journalism at certain points.

In retrospect I’ve learned irreplaceable skills, like building a newspaper and running the staff — but that’s only the beginning.

There really is nothing greater than the smell of coffee in the newsroom, watching the editors perfect their dart skills and attempting to outwit each other with sassy remarks.

The absolute best part of my time at the Talon was the people I was privileged to meet. It was seeing a writer excited about their first byline. It was the delirious late-night moments in the newsroom. It was knowing the staff inside and out, disappointed and elated, at the point of giving up and thriving.

I’ve met some of my best friends while working at the Talon, and perhaps that is why this goodbye is particularly hard. Despite this sadness, it was completely worth living in the moment.

So, I challenge you to immerse yourself in your current circumstance in order to gain the most character, cultivate the truest friendships and experience blissful interactions. It’s so important to chase after what you’re pursuing with full abandon, even if by doing so it hurts to let it go. I believe this is what it means to live life to its fullest.

French poet, journalist and author Anatole France explained it best when he wrote: “All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.”

I know my journalism professors would advise me to end here, but I can’t finish without saying thank you.

Bonnie Davis, your joy is infectious. Thank you so much for your encouragement and optimism through last year.

To Kevin Dilley, there is not a doubt in my mind that you care about students and want them to succeed. You helped me believe my writing can still change people’s lives. Thank you so much for everything.

Andy “Lieutenant Dandy” Taylor, I can’t believe we got through this past year. I’ll always remember your two a.m. newsroom pep talks. Thank you. I have no doubt that you will do even greater things with the Talon.

To Kamren Thompson, thank you for being my design sensei, but more importantly thank you for being an incredible friend and listening when there was no one else.

To my staff this past year, there honestly aren’t words for me to appropriately thank you. I could not have imagined a more committed and talented group of people to work alongside.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives.

Click here to find the original article. 

Adventures, Reflections, and Lessons Learned

As I reflect on the past year of my life, I can't help but arrive at the same bit of wisdom I began with in my first post of 2011.

"The ability to see the beauty within the ashes is the fuel for our joy, and the foundations of our hope."

Please join me as I attempt to recap my last 365 days and illustrate what I have learned along the way.

If we were to use the analogy of mountains and valleys, I would describe this past year undoubtedly as a valley. A beautiful valley, but a valley for certain. However, I found hope in the beauties seen.

In 2011, I served as the Web Managing Editor for my school newspaper in the spring, won Best in Show at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association conference in Fort Worth, became elected as Editor in Chief of the newspaper for the fall semester, and wrote a series on religion.

I also got to be a Young Life leader, travel to Colorado, travel to Arkansas, build and nurture beautiful relationships, see a best friend become engaged, be a part of her wedding, move into a house with two amazing roommates, nanny for the sweetest autistic child, and register for my last semester of my undergraduate degree.

Truly though, no matter how big my travels may or may not be, and no matter how large or small my accomplishments seem, the time I spent investing in people and cultivating relationships and community surpass any highlight I could report. I'm so thankful for the people who have listened and supported me in a year of challenges, and for the people who allowed me to do so for them. I would never trade these moments whether they were characterized by tears or immeasurable joy.

Now, I implied earlier that I have faced a more difficult year. Please consider the use of the word "difficult" lightly, because I regard difficulty highly if it is learned from, and applied to life with wisdom.

"I believe I grow most through times of trial. whether the trial is self-inflicted or environmental. I hope never to find myself lacking in trials simply because I shelter myself from potential hurting.
 However, I do not wish to encounter difficulty as an extremist, believing I cannot grow otherwise...Instead may I find myself taking advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow from the lesser beauties in my life."

 For a further explanation, I invite you to read a blog I posted earlier this year concerning pride.

Through various choices made and life altering decisions that needed to be made, my life changed so much in 2011 and this is what I have learned:

• Blessed are the choices taken in faith, no matter how scary the unknown outcome may be.
• God provides monetarily even if the way He provides hurts our pride. 
• Community is both vital and beautiful. He will continue to deepen our understanding of community throughout life.
• God answers. Although, most often in a way that greatly differs than what we think we are asking for. 
• Deeply immerse yourself in the present will of God. It may be painful when it is time for change, but it is life to its fullest. 
• You really are NEVER alone. 
• Be proactive about change you wish to see, of course while you seek Him, His word, and council.
• While making decisions remember He stands outside of time. He is sovereign.  
• Sometimes the greatest blessings are given when they are truly least expected. 
• When you find your identity in Christ, you are able to stand firm even when waves crash down. 

I greatly anticipate 2012. This year I will graduate college, hike the continental divide with some of my closest high school friends, and finish my last semester as Editor in Chief of the Patriot Talon. There will be so much change, but I am so excited to experience and learn what God has for me this year.

Won't you join me in pursing life to its fullest?

Tyler Community Member Envisions A 'Revolution'

Few individuals portray such a vibrant passion for serving the community as Travis White, local licensed professional counselor and executive director of Mission Tyler.

"Imagine if we, as believers, came together with one purpose, one calling, to connect to others with the love of Jesus Christ by meeting them at the point of their need," he said.  "It would be love the way God intended. It could start a revolution."
 

White runs the local christian non-profit ministry, Mission Tyler, that he said exists to help connect the resources of the local church to the needs of the local community. 

The organization of people works toward this ideal by educating, equipping, and empowering people in the community about being intentional with local service.  

WHITE

"(By) helping believers understand the needs in our community and how their giftedness, passion can connect," he said. 

This past Tuesday More than 150 community members gathered together at a Mission Tyler facilitated event called The City Gate.  Christians from 25 different ministries and 30 churches gathered together to worship, discuss the happenings within the different ministries and making connections with other people. 

"I'd like to think of it as a "collective" cup of coffee networking meeting but with many different like-minded people at once," he said.

One attendee said the night was amazing. "It was so cool to see all the people who showed up, not just physically, but with true hearts of 'connection.'" Others said they left feeling inspired and motivated for ways to serve in the future.

 Mission Tyler offers different outlets for service including:  reduced fee counseling for individuals, couples and families and other services. 

"We partner with other ministries and agencies in our community to address safe housing needs for low income, elderly and disabled through painting, basic construction, and yard, lot clearing project," White said.  

Most recently, the ministry organized and sent relief teams to Joplin, Mo after the tornado in May.  

"We have also used local experiences and networking to assist in mobilizing mission teams to other regional locations," he said. 

 For more information, visit www.oneloverevoloution.com.

Behind My Red Reporter Glasses: Thoughts On Student Grief

Have you recently lost a loved one?

Twenty-two to 30 percent of college students have lost a loved one in the last year, according to a study by David Balk.

I spent the last week and a half talking to various specialists on the subject of grieving, as well as students who recently lost someone, or who are still grieving, years after their loss. The information I came across was helpful, difficult to hear and impacting.

I spoke with a student who lost her brother in April of this year. Her grief was very real and transparent. She had one of the sweetest spirits I've encountered, but she bravely described the circumstances that have been the toughest throughout her loss. She said people often meant to offer consoling advice such as "it's been three months, smile and be happy," and "Ben would want you to be happy." 

The student continued by describing the pain those phrases inflicted, rather then the positive affect they were meant to have.

Local Licensed Professional Counselor, Travis White, emphasized the importance of a good support system after the loss of a loved one, but he also offered the following advice to the friends of the person grieving: Listen. Just listen.

White explained five common stages of grief including denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally, acceptance. Although he said everyone will go through the phases in different orders, and some may not experience every stage. 

Another Student I spoke with lost a loved one four-and-a-half years ago. She described her situation in detail, mentioning a period of depression following the loss. She said it affected her academically- she didn't return back to school for a week, and even still, it was hard. 

Presently, this student is a senior in college, and the death of her loved one motivates her positively in her academics and career goals.

Losing a loved one during college is especially difficult because student are often: geographically distant from their usual support systems, coping with academic pressures and forging one’s autonomy, according to the Students of AMF research.

Both students mentioned above offered the following advice to someone who has recently lost someone: "Don't blame yourself," and "allow yourself to grieve."

What has been your experience with grief? How have you dealt with it? 

To read the article the post is based off of, and to find out more about these students experiences with grief, check out the  Patriot Talon this Tuesday, Sept. 13. Their stories will engage you, and I believe, move you.    Also, check out LPC, Chris Legg. He recently posted a series of posts concerning grief. 

Exciting Changes and Untraveled Territory

It has been a while since my last post, and within the absence of posts, many changes have taken place in my life. 

I would love to share them with you.

The whirlwind of change began with making one of the toughest choices, perhaps the toughest choice, I've ever made. After months of thought, prayer, and council I made a choice to resign from a job that I held for five years, in order to pursue my education and related tasks. Leaving my job was much tougher than I thought it would be. I loved my job very much, and felt honored to have received the privileges and opportunities I gained over the years- but the struggle came in much more intimate ways then professional. Five years is a long time to spend in a repetitive activity, and within those years I invested deeply into the people I worked with, and the owners of the company. Also, I grew up behind those counters; I became an adult during my time there.

All things considered, the choice made for a tough transition.

“All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.” -Anatole France

 I currently work as a part-time nanny, and also teach dance a few hours a week, but I needed to find another part-time job to make ends meet this semester and next before I graduate in May 2012. So, I spent a week applying at every place I could think of that fit the hours I have available to work. I ended up finding a paid internship that doubles for an upper-division elective for my degree plan, which in turn cleared a little more time in my schedule.

Another change is I am newly serving as the Editor-n-Chief of the Patriot Talon this year. I am beyond excited for this opportunity, and can't wait to see what my staff can do.

I will continue to finish my higher education with expected graduation in May 2012, as I mentioned earlier, and will continue serving as a Young Life leader.

Reflecting on the past couple of weeks already amazes me. A million different emotions flew around in my mind as each choice came to fruition, and still continue to do so. Change is scary and requires hope and trust, and transitions can stretch someone very thin.

It's as though puzzle pieces are clicking together, and much differently than I would have pictured- well, truthfully I couldn't picture anything. I chose, and choose, to take it day by day, fully trusting him as I run this race. I am so excited for all of my new adventures.
Let's do it.

As life quickly unravels, we realize the things we love. We comprehend that melancholy thought and uncertainty actually enhance life with unique flavor, and sometimes this state of mind can be more valuable than a life of clarity. We cling to the constant promises that we trust to be true even if the promise is extremely vague in seasons. We find people need to be loved, and we are the souls to pour it out.

I'm Sorry, But I Just Don't See It.

There was a time in my life that I had such a disconnect concerning how to see spirituality in my very physical, everyday life. I would constantly intellectualize the concept as I sought to remove the wrench in the gears of my mind. I believe humanity is 100 percent physical and all the while 100 percent spiritual. If this is true, there must be some tangible way to see the spiritual while I work my job, attend school, socialize and so on. So, how do I see it?

The outpouring of my thoughts at the time: The infusion of the spiritual life into the physical.

We, the human race, are beings that have the unique possibility of containing the tantalizing spirit of God deep inside the crevices of our souls.
The spirit is of the God of the bible who created the earth, flooded the earth and restored it, who rescued the courageous trio from the fiery furnace, who sacrificed his son to save his people, and who will return to redeem them once and for all.
Whoever possesses this spirit has potential beyond anything in the material world. God uses his creation to display His beauty and perfection, and his creation includes humanity. Unique to all of His creation, humanity is the climax of his beloved masterpiece.
The concept of combining the spiritual with the physical is better comprehended when we realize the manifestations of the spirit of God in our lives; the fruit of our relationship with God- are tangible avenues of the spiritual within the physical.

I came to realize beauty and good conduct in our lives according to his word IS the spiritual. We could not exercise these things without the spirit of God within us, or simply God's grace on this world.

"Humans are amphibians - half spirit and half animal. As spirits they belong to the eternal world, but as animals they inhabit time. " - C.S. Lewis

Where Home Really Is

Home is a familiar sensation.

Home is full of safety and raw, genuine existing; a place where breathing is easy and fear is unthinkable, for it does not exist.

 "The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned." -Maya Angelou

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Over the course of my life I have lived in many different houses and two different states. I have done quite a bit of traveling, and consequently saw some beautiful places. Even still, "home" has nothing to do with a building or geographical location in my life.

"Home," to me, is the place where I am most myself. When I am at "home" I feel safe, raw, vulnerable and transparent in the healthiest of ways. "Home" helps me process, regroup my perspective and priorities, and most often inspires me.  Sometimes, a location feels like "home," but mostly actions, settings, or even people feel like "home." In my life, where I meet God is always "home," for God defines who I am.

The following are circumstances of "home" to me so far:

• Family.
• When I am dancing. On stage or in the studio with the lights off. 
• Writing, piano. 
• In community. People.
• When I am a part of something larger than myself.
• Adventures. Cities. Out of the ordinary. Travel.
• In the midst of outdoor beauty. 
• Reading with coffee.  Especially while its raining.

Home refreshes me and reminds me of who I am--so I may function smoothly.

So, today, I encourage you to identify where your "home" is.

“Home is a place not only of strong affections, but of entire unreserved; it is life's undress rehearsal, its backroom, its dressing room, from which we go forth to more careful and guarded intercourse, leaving behind."-Harriet Beecher

Share: what is "home" to you?

Imagine if you were SILENT (mature content)

Many precious lives are trapped into slavery: the abuse of their own personal sexuality for a strangers pleasure.

Children.Women. Souls.

Innocent children are forced to submit theirs bodies to repetitively selfish desires of others, and this becomes their lives. Their Identity.

"Human Trafficking is the fastest growing and second most profitable crime in the world. The majority of this multi-billion dollar industry exists in the form of sex trafficking, where women and children are bought, sold and exploited for profit in the global sex industry."

Many are sold, stolen, tricked, and manipulated into situations that radically change their lives stealing any sense of dignity or freedom. 

"Traffickers, pimps, pornographers and gangs are eager to supply the demand in this profitable marketplace and they prey upon the young, the weak and the vulnerable, exchanging their bodies for cash.Because traffickers threaten, abuse, brainwash and/or starve new recruits to condition them, victims often remain silent and force a smile in order to survive."

This injustice is huge, and happens all over the globe, as well as in our backyard: the United States of America.

These people, children- ARE SILENT.

Please watch this video, it will melt your heart.


Their Stories from For The Silent on Vimeo.

 It is estimated that 1.2 million children are sexually trafficked each year, and a 1/3 of those are boys. 

Analysts say 100,000 American children are sexually trafficked in the American sex trade each year.

Sexual injustices of any kind are in the dark. They are hidden because of shame.

Someone must step up and become THEIR VOICE.

How can you help?
For The Silent is an incredible organization that contends for victims of sex trafficking. The non-profit does many things to shed light on trafficking. The staff at For The Silent believe in awareness, and assist individuals in bringing awareness. We must drag this dark subject out into the light in order to see change. Another great organization is Not For Sale.

I have hope in redemption. 

So, today, I write FOR THE SILENT.

Addiction: A Thief In The Night?

In the fall 2010 semester I wrote a series on student addiction for the Patriot Talon. Writing the series has become a highlight of my life thus far. The privilege of conversing with different specialists on the subject, and the personal conversations with various people concerning their past, or present addiction truly impacted my thoughts and functioning invaluably.

The types of addictions I wrote about included: Drug addictions, body image addictions/ eating disorders,  technology addictions, and sex and pornography addictions.

Here is an excerpt of a final column I wrote to sum up the series:

"I feel pressured to look a certain way because ...

I don't have many friends, so I ...

I was lonely and seeking intimacy, so I ...

You fill in the blank; but whatever it is, college kids likely struggle with it and may even be addicted to it.
While writing the series on addictions in student life, I must have heard six different variations of the same cry, a cry of need in some way: "I smoke weed because it releases inhibitions and dulls anxiety," and "I didn't date in high school, so I sought intimacy with pornography."

My favorite description of an addiction I found while interviewing experts is the counterfeit concept that Chris Legg, licensed professional counselor in Tyler, told me about.
"I think, overall, addictions are usually about us trying to meet a totally appropriate need, a totally appropriate desire, just in an inappropriate way," Legg said. "All addictions are counterfeit versions, and so the real thing that you want, you're still not getting."

I love this perspective because it humanizes the people controlled by their addiction.
Often times, I find spectators of addiction speak of it in such a morally black-and-white fashion, and what I mean by that is people commonly consider addicts to be fools because they just need to stop, since it's obviously "wrong" or "bad" for them.

Common stereotypes simply do not do justice to the real transparent lives of addicts.
Looking at addictions as simply counterfeit, cheap versions of real, legitimate needs people may be looking for, allows for healthy people to relate and empathize rather than chastise or belittle.

What I realized is addictions are really all the same underneath the various manifestations.
People are looking for something whether it is intimacy, acceptance or a way to escape their realities because of hurt, shame and remorse or to supplement low self-esteem, loneliness, anxiety or rejection.

Addicts are people who struggle in life just like you and me, but instead choose the cheap, fake, quick version of the Rolex watch they really want rather than saving up for the real thing.
It's easier in the short term, but often it obliterates the long term.

It's almost as though I have had and continue to have a ringside seat in watching people struggle with addictions, as I'm sure many of you do also.
I have many people in my life that have or do meet the criteria of an addict, including my older sister who struggled with addictions to many substances.
I have to say several of my friends and family, who smoke marijuana use other illicit drugs, drink in excess or are addicted to the way they look, stand among some of the most unique, intelligent and beautiful people I know.

I sincerely enjoy them as individuals, but I don't enjoy their substance abuse or addictive actions.
Addictions are so relevant in this generation, and I feel as though I've observed addictions swallow up the potential of people I love.
I want to see people live life to its fullest and watching people become dependant on a substance or an action that is rapidly or slowly eating away years of their lives, or inhibiting their lives to any degree really hurts me.

I've seen addictions ruin dreams, families, relationships and personal health."
Find the complete column printed in the Patriot Talon here.

What are your thoughts on addiction? Leave a comment, or post on my Facebook!

Changing Lanes

When I began driving I, of course, spent the required hours of practice driving before I recieved my license. One of the tasks I clearly remember struggling with was changing lanes. My dad would always instruct me to check my mirrors, look behind my shoulder, turn on my blinker, and then speed up during my transition to safely change lanes. In my own mind there was such a disconnect. For some reason, the only way I could interpret his guidance was to somehow switch lanes in a formation resembling the letter "L." I thought I had to slide over into the lane and then speed up, and this structure was the only way I could comprehend. Although this recollection sounds silly, and perhaps embarrassing, I believe it is a perfect metaphor for the many choices and transitions I, we, face in life.

When I encounter choices, changes and transitions I'm often only able to picture the situation from my pre-existing or created comprehension of what it will look like. Sometimes I cannot comprehend how these adjustments could look from a different view, or even from the other side. Many times I try and impose my understanding to the elements when sometimes I don't understand from where I am.

One day it just clicked. Afters hours, days, months of practice and licensed driving I acquired the skill of changing lanes, but it wasn't just the skill I assimilated, I gained the perspective of transitioning in a diagonal line rather than an "L." This new perspective was much easier, safer, and made more sense. The struggle was not a question of destination, but rather how to run the course to the end. Sometimes it takes life experience paired with perseverance and other key character traits to grow.

The interesting thing about the whole learning process was my dad right there coaching me. The entire time he outlined step by step instruction, but still, it took time to grasp. The disconnect had little to do with rebellion, for I wanted the ability to perform well, but instead it had much to do with how I processed the given action. After all, I had someone right beside me guiding me.

The solution to my quandary was found in the relentless attempts of applying the instruction I received, the courage and dignity to keep trying, and never running away from my given guidance. The same is true for our lives.     

"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew." -Francis de Sales 

Emotions: Immaturity or Treasure?

 

Addressing concepts of human emotion: Should we transcend emotion to benefit a situation? Are emotions viewed as ignorance?

     Remember the phrases "big girls don't cry" or "men don't cry?" These phrases and similar ones seem to inadvertently shape cultures view on emotions. Many of us grow up thinking it's bad to be upset and that we are not allowed to be emotional about situations we encounter. Over the course of my life, I have noticed that emotions are commonly stifled rather than dealt with. When I really dissected this concept, I came up with contradicting ideas.   

     I believe emotion naturally occurs within human beings and cannot be stifled. We are human. Even if a situation is viewed from the appropriate point of view, emotions will follow. I would venture to say that emotion is not ignorant nor evil, but rather beautiful and beneficial if the actions following the emotion are rightly accomplished. I do not ever want to transcend emotion. I want to instead achieve discernment and self-control, so my actions may be thoughtful and pleasing to my heavenly father. Life without emotion would be dull and without lesson.

     "Men owe the grandeur of their their lives to tremendous difficulties." -Charles Spurgeon

     I feel many people attempt to avoid emotion because they believe it is negative, largely due to their past experiences. Experiences of people, including themselves, reacting negatively out of their given emotion. Instead of learning from the beauty of their emotion, people try to cancel it out, which worsens the problem over time.

     I believe the key is what you do with the emotion. What does it lead to? It is good to be slow to anger, but if it does occur, the lesson is in how you deal with it. Do you cause harm out of your anger, or do you squelch your pride and love instead by putting the other person above your own selfish emotion. Example: lets say you inflict harm on others because of anger...your new objective is to learn from it. Realize it is wrong and apply it to your life. The same concept can be applied to an array of different emotions.

     However, I do not believe all anger, jealousy and other emotions are always negative- sometimes these emotions can be appropriate. This is evidence that perhaps emotions are not evil at the origin, but it is instead the fallen nature of this world that sours our convictions. Most every good thing outside of God is broken- even our emotion.

     "There can be no knowledge without emotion. We may be aware of a truth, yet until we have felt its force, it is not ours. To the cognition of the brain must be added the experience of the soul."  -Arnold Bennett. 

Prerequisites for Creativity

Recently I have found myself lacking in inspiration and passion for activities I am normally  incredibly inspired and passionate about.

I love so many things, one of which is creating. To create life-oriented circumstances through the mediums of writing, dance, canvas, music... and the list continues. Creating is how I express, teach, illustrate, love, relate and so often is my therapy. I even describe it as "just breathing" to demonstrate its necessity to my heart.

I have realized that in order for me to complete these things, I must be inspired at least enough to pick up the pen or turn on the music.

The thing is, even my inspiration has a prerequisite. If my heart is not inspired by the Inspir-er Himself,  I cannot even complete things that are so close to my heart.

When I cannot complete these things, I feel hollow and unsure when living life in most all ways. I lack intentionality because of this.

In order for this series of events to take place, I must simply look to Him and trust him. 

I am thankful to identify this entire process so I may troubleshoot these situations in the future. However, I must point out that inspiration comes in many ways and I believe it is unreasonable to expect a similar sensation all of the time. Sometimes I have to do life without feeling like I am spurred on to do so.

Inspire-er>Inspiration>Creativity>Breathing>Pure heart, good conscience, sincere faith.
Without this sequence, all things are strained.(1 Tim 1:5-7)

I encourage you to seek your inspiration. Seek you inspire-er. You may just find your hope and purpose in life.

I apologize for the lack of posts this last month. I am excited to say I will be posting once or twice a week for the summer months.

Next post: Emotions.

A Wise Man Loves Truth, Reproof

I love Journalism.

I love working at the Patriot Talon.

     I enjoy these things because I am passionate about justice, truth and people. The untainted mission behind the art of journalism requires these elements in order to function properly and efficiently. Within the heartbeat of journalists lies the responsibility to deliver truth, shine light on injustice committed in government, administrations or communities, and also to tell the stories of real people; stories that would potentially never be heard. Journalists seek to give voice to the otherwise voiceless.

     However, sometimes the truth is not flattering, or a movement that evokes pride. Sometimes, the truth is ugly and offensive.

     My Patriot Talon co-worker and friend Andy Taylor made a great point concerning truth in his most recent blog post:

"Some say that truth is relative and that it means something different to everyone. But while the truth may be debated, it should not be attacked," Taylor said.

     We recently published an editorial driven by our desire for truth and justice, because we believe the student voice is something worth fighting for. Through various circumstances described in the editorial, we believe our first amendment rights are being tampered with. The issue at hand is much, much larger than the termination of a  specific adviser that many do not favor.

     Taylor relayed in his posting that we did not want to commandeer the front page of the paper with this pressing issue, because many of the other stories published deserved great attention as well, but because of the circumstances we deemed the content worthy.  

      Many negative comments condemning the quality of our content and publication as a whole, leave us confused.

     It appears students who are unhappy with the editorial want to see only stories that promote a positive image for the University, which cancels out a main element of our function as journalists.

      The reaction from the student body leaves us beat-up, but also grateful.

     We are grateful for the corrections for a couple reasons: We are thankful that the student body, and whoever else, is engaging on a topic that matters. We also welcome correction because we can benefit from the feedback, and benefit from simply enduring the reproof although we cannot respond or defend ourselves.

Perhaps the students are forgetting we are students too.
I, we, will remain obligated to honesty.

Just when you think you have no pride...

     The past couple months of my life have impacted my character in the most unique of ways.

     I do not consider myself a prideful person, nor do I contemplate my humility in vain, but recently I have been reminded of my pride. I've not been reminded of this reality because of some self-righteous, extravagant display of my pride, but rather by my lack of humility, and continuous ability to be humbled.   

      Just when I think I can't possibly be humbled anymore, unceasingly I am humbled again. 

     Although the causes of humbling can be confusing, painful, chaotic and the origin of heartache- I wouldn't change it.

   Through various happenings, which add up to borderline what I believe to be my mortal breaking point, I arrive at this humble place resembling that of the most unworthy.

     The truth is, it hurts to be humbled. It hurts when you don't feel as though it can worsen but it does.  I do believe there's hope though..there is beauty within the ashes.

     My hope is: Counting it all joy, and recognizing there is a place to find my worth even though my humanity is weak.

     To be honest, I believe I grow most through times of trial. whether the trial is self-inflicted or environmental. I hope never to find myself lacking in trials simply because I shelter myself from potential hurting.
    However, I do not wish to encounter difficulty as an extremist, believing I cannot grow otherwise. For not many desire to get in a car wreck, or smash their hand in a door, or a fail a friendship for frivolous reasons.
     Instead may I find myself taking advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow from the lesser beauties in my life.

     To me, it is the most beautiful thing to watch someone pass through times of hurting, or trial and see how they come out on the other side- to see someone learn from, and acquire beautiful characteristics out of such an unattractive situation is: what life is about.

"A man can counterfeit love, he can counterfeit faith, he can counterfeit hope and all the other graces, but it is very difficult to counterfeit humility."-- D. L. Moody

Behind my red reporter glasses: personal thoughts on student atheism

I recently wrote another Student belief story for the newspaper on the topic of atheism. I really, really enjoyed writing the article and I feel honored the individuals were so honest and transparent with me about their beliefs.

Many of us may be familiar with atheism, but I came to learn that the actual definition, as it plays out in people's lives, is open to interpretation. The official definition according to the American Atheist organization is as follows:

Atheism is the lack of belief in a deity, which implies that nothing exists but natural phenomena. There are no forces, phenomena or entities, which exist or transcend outside physical nature, nor can there be.

The most surprising information I found in my research is that atheists are the least accepted social group in the United States, even compared to homosexuals, immigrants, Jews and Muslims.  Many people I shared that data with were not surprised, but I truly was shocked by it. It's intriguing to identify the different levels of what "is acceptable" and the morals of the general public, and then also to find the speculation or claim of the absence of deity to be more severe than the harsh stances many hold to the above mentioned social groups. One student I interviewed said “some people basically equate us to Satanists."
Perhaps this needs to be re-evaluated, withheld and or redistributed. I am in no way validating any belief or stance, but instead hoping to provoke thought. Atheists are people with souls just like anyone else. On the same token, may each one of us strive to be people who are respected in the way we conduct ourselves.

In correlation with the student age, the current generation is said to be the least religiously affiliated in comparison to others with 29% absent from claiming religious affiliation. This number does not cross indicate that they are all atheist, but as Jesse Galef from the Secular Student Alliance said, atheism among students is growing. The number of affiliates with SSA has more than doubled in the last 3 years. There is a lurking question behind this data..why? What is the reason behind the movement?
Many could assert the reasons of knowledge, enlightenment, secularization, lack of morals etc. While credit may be owed to the some of the above speculations, may I also present the idea that many have been hurt by our American church in in some way. So many people I know have been burned by the words and actions of those involved with religion, and I feel this is a major detour-ant to faith. I am aware this borderlines oversimplification, and I do not intend to generalize a complex subject.

During my research I interviewed many people who profess atheism and found some unique perspectives. One individual shared that although he identifies with atheism, he feels religion has had an incredible impact on society, and finds it's roll in history to be essential. Another man I spoke with had been a part of the christian religion for 40 years, and spent 20 of those on a christian commune. The atheist community seems to be very diverse in spiritual backgrounds and walks of life.  

The last subject I found to be interesting was morality. A central concept through each one of my conversations concerning atheism is the idea that humanity has an innate sense of moral built within us, which is independent of any belief system.
 
Check out my story on atheism located on the right of this blog under "silly little reporter girl."

To be a part of something larger than me.

     I was sitting in church a few weeks ago, and for a moment I withdrew from my literal surroundings just long enough to realize one specific element- the overwhelming feeling of connection within the concept of gathering together for a central reason.

• Being together "as one" to acquire wisdom, offer praise and to perhaps evoke change.  

     I Work for my school newspaper. We work together to bring light on important issues, tell incredible stories of otherwise unknown people, and maybe even make certain "wrongs" right.

• The purpose of our work, whether we realize it or not, is much bigger than ourselves. 

     There's this beautiful thing called Young Life. Through Young Life, I get this incredible opportunity to befriend some beautiful high school girls and to walk through life with them. 

• The purpose of Young Life is much larger than me. The organization impacts the lives of others.

     There is just something so unexplainable and beneficial about associating with something larger than your life. The impact on my character is irreplaceable, and the sensation is unique to most everything else.

     I believe experiences like these will impact people if the motive behind the action is truly to help, or love other people; if your motive is truly absent of selfish gain.

     So, whether you serve at a soup kitchen, or adopt, or volunteer at a food bank, or work with mentally challenged individuals, or travel overseas, or medical missions, or sing at a retirement home- the action is larger than you. 

     If you are not already, may I encourage you to be a part of something larger than you. Make time for it in your life, because I might just argue that it IS life at it's origin. I feel most alive in the midst of selfless activity. I believe every single person should take part in this in some way. Even if you're not a "people person," there's a way to benefit the world around you. 

     Check out some amazing stories related to this topic like the For the Silent story or the SKAD story located to under "silly little reporter girl" in the right column of this blog.

Natural disaster is close to my heart.

Thinking of, and praying for Japan. 

 In the midst of busy American life, disasters taking place in Japan are resonating in my thoughts.

I traveled to Sri Lanka in 2005 to do tsunami relief in the tiny village of Kosgoda. 

Recently I have felt as if I am revisiting Sri Lanka and all the emotions that accompanied the journey.

Here is a look into my memory:

 Over 1,200 people were killed on this train during the Tsunami. It now stands as a memorial for the lives lost.

 This house was destroyed by the wave, as well as the people in it. Sadly, this house was one of the least destroyed that I saw. Months after the Tsunami, the rubble was still knee deep.

 

 

 

 

 Pastor Isaac. Truly one of the most beautiful souls I have ever met.

 

 

 Some of the girls on my trip after a day of work. We are wearing skirts we bought locally.

 

 

 The breathtaking Sri Lanka sunset.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sri Lanka: I am thinking of you. I have not forgotten your brokenness. 

Japan: Praying for you. Look to Him who stands outside of time. May he bring peace that surpasses all understanding.

Friends please take time to think about the world around us. While we continue on with buying our Starbucks, being concerned with gaining five pounds, and sports scores..thousands have lost all rights to humanity. So let us simply recognize that this place, this world, is much larger than us. If we do, beautiful characteristics manifest in our person. Selfish desires of any kind, personal suffering and loss become minimized through the lenses of world magnification.

Behind my red reporter glasses: personal thoughts on Muslim belief

Currently, I am writing a series for my student newspaper entitled Student belief. In each article I explore and present a certain type of religion/belief, as well as illustrate the spiritual journey of a particular student who holds the given belief.

The religion I most recently wrote on is Muslim belief. I thought I would share the main elements of Islamic belief, since prior to my research I really had a non-existent grasp on the essence of the belief.

ISLAM is derived from the Arabic root "SALEMA": peace, purity, submission and obedience according to Jannah.org, a web source for Islamic belief information. 

The religion has two halves. the first half had five main components which are essential to being a part of Islam. The components include: belief in one God "Allah." Belief in the angels. Belief in the prophets such as Noah, Moses, Abraham, Jesus, and the prophet for Islam, Muhammad being the last. Belief in the holy books: The Quran, Bible and Torah. The last element is belief in The Day Of Judgment.

The second half of the religion, from my perspective, is the application side of Islamic belief. people who practice the Muslim faith must pray five times a day, and are required to abstain from all substance use and premarital sexual relations. They must not curse, and are urged to be extremely moral with clothing.

I found the moral side of the religion very intriguing in context of the college years.The years following high school are often deemed with the period of time where people "find themselves," or explore spiritually, and I find it incredible that many people in the Muslim religion continue to withhold from straying from the faith, or joining in on culture's version of the college years.

Here is an article that presents another point of view on Muslim college years:http://www.jannah.org/articles/dating.html.

When I spoke with an Islamic student, I asked her if it was hard to keep the moral code, and if she has ever questioned her faith. She told me that some of the moral standards  are hard to maintain when an individual is saturated in mainstream university culture, but she overall has not had trouble with it. She was quick to say that she has never doubted her faith and believes very strongly in it, despite the fact that she is occasionally publicly chastised with comments like being called a terrorist.

The strength of her faith, and the other people I interviewed, honestly stopped me in my tracks. It's so unique to meet people who are so rooted in what they believe. I am not claiming that all of the reasons why their faith is strong to be pure, but I can say that it was different and striking to hear the confidence in their voices.

While I do not profess Islamic belief to be my religion, and am in fact rooted firmly in truth I have found, it was amazing to research and learn about the religion.

I encourage everyone to learn about different belief systems and new concepts.

Even if you do not agree with other concepts and belief systems, it will strengthen what you believe to challenge your beliefs with difference and opposition. I do not mean challenge as a form of rebellion, but to find truth. However, if you do challenge what you know I believe it is important to have a good grasp on what you have found to be truth, so you do not lose all sense of self in the midst of different philosophies and beliefs.  

Additionally to perhaps strengthening your current belief, speaking with people about there beliefs can help you "meet them where they are." Whether you agree with them are not is not the purpose, but instead, to love them well.

we don't have to be tolerant, but open-minded to the point of genuine care for souls. 

They are people.

So, then, we must love.

Check out my article on Student Belief: Muslim college students article under the  'Silly little reporter girl' section in the right column.

The Broken, Blissful Journey.

Life- what we consider to be anyway.

Lessons. Lessons learned. Everything blossoms new character, and experience which defines the soul we become.

People. People penetrate all corners of everything. Some stay and some leave. Some break your heart and few lift you up, but oh how you love them nonetheless.

Love, give, give, give. Serve, love. Care, worry, provide. Listen, council, waiting in the silence. It’s really just breathing.

Heart breaks. You observe the brokenness and suffering, and some brings you joy and some inflicts your broken heart. There is…
LIFE created for them.
But
They
Do
Not
Hear.
And so we wait. Once we have spent everything we have physically and mentally, we wait in urgent patience- in constant petition for their souls.

Soul. Ours. Time slips through cracks as we ponder and develop soul. Challenging instincts, and recognizing truth discerned by something outside of ourselves.

Outside of ourselves we find LIFE.

Millennials: My voice in the midst of the sea

I recently requested that people submit subjects they would like me to blog about, and the following subject is one of the requests:

"Id love to hear your take on the growing movement among 20-somethings to ignore the traditional 'American dream' for one more minimalist, as well as, much more spiritual in life's approach."

---

I am a "Millennial." 

Millennials are defined as people who were born in the 1980's and 1990's who's behavior seems to contrast that of previous generations, according to several surveys.

We are: confident, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat and open to change. We are more ethnically and racially diverse than older adults. We're less religious, less likely to have served in the military, and are on track to become the most educated generation in American history according to the Pew Research Center.

 Just as this definition seems to glorify my generation for our characterization, in many ways these perceived positive characteristics may also account for the severe amount of negative backlash we lavish on the world as well. The description is a double edged sword.

The way I would define my generation would be: uninspired, demotivated, unwilling to settle for the status quo, as well as being full of potential, humanistic and brilliant. 

I think the lowered interest in the "American dream" could stem from several concepts. From a simplistic point of view, perhaps this generation is redefining what "successful" actually is. The "American dream" is/was considered to be the definition of success by the preceding generations, but maybe that is changing, maybe the framework for success is being replaced by a new structure created by Millennials. This new structure could be identified as one focused on moral concepts rather then money and business etc. On the other side of the spectrum, maybe this generation is demotivated to achieve the "American dream" because the use of technology has conditioned us to immediate gratification and in turn stunted work ethics.

Spirituality among my generation is extremely interesting. From my perspective, I see a lot of people who are very passionate about what they believe, and also many with no belief at all. I am currently writing a series on Student Belief for my college newspaper, which can be accessed on my blog page under "silly little reporter girl." During my research, I have come across some striking information which all points to the idea that my generation is less interested in religion than any past generations. This could be due to the religiously saturated environments millennials may have grown up in, or the lack thereof; the environment may cause them to stray the opposite direction simply because of our built in desire to boycott the status quo.

I know and believe that many in my generation are just not willing to settle for what is normal. Sometimes this causes a spirit of change, accomplishment, and determination, and sometimes this causes neutrality to progression.

Either which way that truth is on this subject, I have high hopes. My dream is to see this generation live up to the capabilities we have, and to not settle for anything less. There is such raw, wonderful potential within the characteristics we have been deemed with possessing.

Let's do it.

Millennial Statistics:

• We embrace self expression 

Nearly one-in-four have a piercing in some place other than an earlobe. 75% have created a profile on a social networking site. Nearly four-in-ten have a tattoo.

• We have decreased work ethic/ availability of jobs

37% of 18- to 29-year-olds are unemployed or out of the workforce, the highest share among this age group in more than three decades.

• We are disinterested in religion

One-in-four are unaffiliated with any religion, far more than the share of older adults when they were ages 18 to 29.

Source: The Pew Research Center