It’s not lost on any of us that we are currently living in a culture that greatly values individual expression. This isn’t a new concept by any means, but never has there been so many avenues of expression so readily available to us while being so widely encouraged. There are endless ways for any of us to convey our individual personalities and interests through a thousand different subgenres of niche music, fashion trends that fit nearly any style, the convenience of high quality photography and videography in our pockets, and endless open forums of social media platforms for any loose thought that springs forth from our cerebrum. While these forms of creativity often ebb and flow, spawning and fading at any given moment, there’s one (increasingly) common practice that remains slightly more permanent: the ink on our skin. Though this trend is literally etched into our bodies (weird word picture, sorry), it still very much is a trend in the sense that the way our culture has perceived, and accepted tattoos has changed over the course of the last few centuries.

Today, we view tattoos drastically different than western culture did less than even 40 years ago (I mean, it was illegal to give someone a tattoo from 1967 to 1997 in New York City^[1]). If you’ve felt the sting of the needle once yourself (or three times like myself) then it’s very possible you’ve also experienced the indignation or disappointment (so much worse) of a parent or older family member because of your decision. Again, the public acceptability of tattoos was a lot different just a few generations ago. Let us get a little context going here.

Tattoos generally found their way to America through sailors returning from the South Pacific and picking up the local practices. Moving from sailors to soldiers as a form of identification in the event of their death, tattoos were predominantly seen on members of the armed forces in the 19th century.^[2] Throughout most of the 20th century, tattoos, although growing in popularity in the American populace, were generally frowned upon and adamantly opposed in the workplace. Change truly began to brew when Rock and Roll took an iconic place in American culture in the 1980’s, and along with it, the growing prevalence of piercings and body ink. Celebrity A-listers sported ink more and more in the 90’s, taking what was once seen as, “a barbaric survival, often associated with a morbid or abnormal personality”^[3], into being considered, “the height of fashion across America in the early ’90s.”^[4] In more recent years, social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest have given tattoo artists massive exposure starting a domino effect of the public’s interest in tattoos, more parlors being opened, artistic ability increasing, and in turn, the growth of normality of body ink.

Now, it should be said at this point that I have no intention in this piece to advocate for or against getting a tattoo. From what I previously stated before, I obviously have a clear opinion of my own regarding them. There’s also been some opinions in the Christian community surrounding tattoos, so I’d like to shift the conversation that way instead.

If you’ve spent time in a more traditional Christian environment, then you’ve likely been acquainted with a view leaned more towards opposition to tattoos. However, similar to trends we’ve followed up until this point, the perspective has shifted in our current Christian culture. As far as on campus culture goes, The Liberty Way (our university’s lovely handbook that lays out policies and student dress code) gives full liberty (pun intended) to students to make the decision for themselves when it comes to getting a tattoo (with the inevitable input of their loving parents). And we can get a glimpse of where the perspective stands within our student body. If you take a stroll through main campus there’s a good chance you’ll encounter at least one, if not multiple, students with visible tattoos. This shouldn’t come as a surprise as recent statistics show that nearly 1 in 4 of those part of Gen Z have at least one tattoo.^[5] This could be a bit of a stretch, but the approach to tattoos could almost be seen as one that is similar to the clothing that we wear. This isn’t to suggest that tattoos no longer carry any meaning or symbolism, but there is a greater emphasis on how the art mingles with fashion and style. It’s quite the progression from where the view once stood not too long ago. How it will progress moving forward is not entirely clear, and although the ink may fade over time, I don’t think the movement will be fading anytime soon.

^[1] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/tattoos-were-illegal-new-york-city-exhibition-180962232/

^[2] https://greyjournal.net/art/the-evolution-of-tattooing-in-america/#rb-Hello-Sailor

^[3] https://reason.com/2014/03/08/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-new-york-city-t/

^[4] https://www.allure.com/story/history-of-tattoos-90s-2000s-2010s

^[5] https://www.statista.com/statistics/259601/share-of-americans-with-at-least-one-tattoo-by-age/

 

Written by Jordan Hassler

Jordan is a Junior studying Event Planning with a Biblical Studies minor. He enjoys expressing his creativity through words, and sharing his experiences and personality by way of writing. He’s passionate about music, nature, and forming genuine connections with others.

In our current society, social media has become so prominent and almost necessary for us to function. When we wake up each morning most of us check social media first thing to see what has happened overnight. A social media platform that has exploded over the past couple of years is TikTok. TikTok is an app where you can record 15-second to 3-minute videos on any topic you would like; even stand-up comedy.

Live comedy shows have become less popular over time, so many comedians have participated in uploading their skits to the app such as Jason Cheny, Andrea Jin, and Dustin Nickerson. The videos are clips of their live shows. Still, it is nice because they are able to repurpose their content and share it with a bigger audience that either was not able to attend due to distance or reach new people that have a similar humor to the comedians who actively post. During the height of the pandemic, the clubs for comedy shows were closed, so many live creators moved to Tik Tok to continue to make income as well as reach their audience and new people during a difficult time.

Old or new comedians being on TikTok is beneficial for the creators because it gives the creator full creative control of their content to make sure their jokes land as intended. It also prevents the comedian from saying something possibly offensive and getting, according to our culture today, “cancelled.” Comedians being on TikTok allows them to edit their sets to make it look smoother and more professional. It prevents mistakes being shown like the infamous “uh/um” or pauses. Despite the fact that some argue that broadcasting standup on TikTok dilutes the art form’s originality, it is recognized that it would reach a much larger audience rather than if it were live.

According to Dustin Nickerson’s website, he is “the world’s most average person.” A comedian who performs in over 300 shows a year, his videos have been viewed over 20 million times, and he has appeared on Comedy Central, Hulu, Fox and Netflix alongside Kevin Hart. Through his jokes on marriage, having children, culture, growing up and always being called “Justin,” Dustin invites you into his world. Many others have used terms like “original,” “honest,” “poignant,” “observational,” “relatable” and “engaging” to describe Dustin’s brand of humor.

Bringing Dustin Nickerson to the stage of Liberty University provides a strong sense of community amongst our peers by letting us put aside our school induced stresses like homework, an upcoming exam which you should probably be studying for, or an essay. With events such as this we can come together for an hour and relax, laugh together, and even learn something new.

 

Written by Pimm Kiatrungrit

Pimm is a junior majoring in Digital Media & Journalism. She enjoys being a part of the blog team and getting to write about topics she is passionate about.

We are seeing a new trend that is influencing our culture and mindset. Scrolling through social media, we see more stretch marks, cellulite, freckles, and acne. Showing who you truly are is becoming more popular.

Social media has a choke-hold on our lives, so it is important to make sure we are following those who are spreading encouragement. It is okay to unfollow to keep a positive feed. There are so many influencers sharing ways to love your body on TikTok, Instagram, Podcasts, etc.

Here are five podcasts to listen to if you are struggling with insecurity and body image:

1. “Navigating Your Body Image in your 20s,” – Morning Rae
Allana Blumberg discusses how important it is to open up about your insecurities and self-doubt because everyone experiences it. We often feel like everyone around us has it all together and one hundred percent feel confident in their body, but the reality is that everyone has days when they wish they looked different. She encourages her listeners to focus on what they feel good about and to wear the clothes that make them confident. You will never truly be happy until you embrace who you truly are.

2. “Body Image & Self-Acceptance” – Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain
Emma Chamberlain quickly became one of the most famous influencers within Gen-Z. Although Emma has 16 million followers on Instagram, she still struggles with embracing who she is on the inside and the outside. In this podcast episode, she talks about how one comment on her post can change everything. She will post a picture on social media that she thinks she looks good in, but if a follower thinks differently, it will affect her initial mindset. Emma also talks about the importance of awareness and reflecting on what triggers your moments of sadness and self-doubt. If something is not adding to your self-worth, subtract it from your life.

3. “A Healthier Perspective on Body Image and Fitness,” – Happy & Healthy
Jeanine Amapola talks about aiming for progress, not perfection. Learning to love your body will not happen overnight. She opens up about not fully embracing herself, but coming to an understanding that you should not be missing out on precious moments because of insecurity. Life is too short to skip a good time just because you don’t feel cute. Jeanine discusses how she was so desperate for a formula to feel good, so she found her worth in Christ. Your body does not define you!

4. “Real Girls Radio” – Bad Body Image Days
Emma Doherty and Amelia Goldsmith converse about how to stop being self-deprecating. They talk about the toxicity of picking yourself apart while looking in the mirror in the morning. Your morning routine can make or break your day, so if you start it with negative self-talk, it is going to play out for the rest of your day. One tip they give is to surround your mirror with positive sticky notes as a reminder to choose love every morning. They also bring up how your circle can hurt your self-esteem. If you are surrounding yourself with people who bring you down, then it will stunt your journey to loving yourself. Surround yourself with people who love you for you.

5. “Moments Struggling with Body Image,” – Moments Podcast
Lexi Hidalgo chats about how the beauty standard is always changing. Instead of chasing after what type of “body” is trending, focus on being healthy. She tells us to think about the people we love most in life. We do not love people because of their appearance, but by the way they make us feel. We admire the way people smile, laugh, chase their dreams, etc… none of which is body related. Food gives you the energy to dance, swim, walk, and do whatever it is you are passionate about.

I know that loving your body is easier said than done, but with practice, it will get better. I’m assuming most of us reading this blog attend college. This means we are currently living in some of the most memorable years of our lives. When we look back, we are going to recollect the moments that made us feel alive. I encourage you from here on out to worry less about your outward appearance, but to focus on the beauty of living.

 

Written by Riley McAllister

Riley is a Senior Strategic Communications major with a concentration in Social Media Management. She loves keeping up with what is trending throughout media, and being able to write about it. Writing has always been a way for Riley to get creatively inspired. She is excited for her Student Activities blog journey!

We’re a couple weeks into the semester now and the pace of life only seems to be increasing day by day. Maybe you’re already feeling overwhelmed by the juggling act we’re all trying to manage: classes, social life, mental health, and maybe even a job on the side, just to name a few things. It gets exhausting real quick sprinting from Demoss to Green between classes, figuring out your weekend plans two months in advance, and dealing with the mile-long Convo lines on top of simply being a student. If you’re a Freshman, you might be wondering how it’s possible to sustain four years of this. Or, you could be an upperclassman like myself and are attempting just to avoid being burned out again eight weeks into the semester.

If reading that first paragraph alone prompted your Apple watch to ask if you just started a workout, take a deep breath, friend. First, it needs to be said (because we often forget it) that you are not alone in these endeavors. You are quite literally surrounded by others walking through this season of life alongside you. Second, you are not doomed to any sort of future that is shaped by what you are currently facing; change is always possible. In light of that, I’d like to share some insight from my own pursuit of peace in navigating the tempest that is college life.

Now, there’s a good chance you have some friends, or have simply encountered others around you, that seem to have the ability to handle stress and workloads much better than most. You may think that they’ve been given some superpower or spiritual gift that allows them to not succumb to being overwhelmed. However, it’s more likely that they’ve simply developed some healthy daily habits. While we all have our plates full (and possibly even bending), I believe that our habits play a big part in enabling us to deal with what’s on our metaphorical plates with greater endurance, contentment, and peace of mind. There’s one habit in particular I want to start, or perhaps more appropriately, continue the conversation on: rest.

In the realm of education, I believe we hear lots about work ethic, study habits, and organization. Ask the students who stay at the library till close (much respect for y’all) if they’ve ever been given tips or advice on being a better student. I think we have that conversation plenty and for good reason. Most of us can attest that we are working as hard as we can and have been acquainted with feeling worn down as a result. However, what if we’re getting burned out not because we’re working too hard, but because we’re not resting well enough? And I don’t mean the time we’re putting into getting rest, but how we’re resting.

I don’t know you individually to know how you choose to rest, but I do have a good grasp on the culture we participate in and how rest is most often approached. In the age we live in today, our natural inclination when it is time to relax and take a break from work, or really anything that stresses us out, is to grab our phones, laptops, or the tv remote. We are painfully aware that we often go straight to scrolling when we are in need of some comfort or distraction. And it makes sense too; there is a sense of ease that comes along with it that we long for. But, is it actually restful? Do we actually walk away from these things feeling refreshed, or just wishing that we could watch one more video?

Now, I believe there is certainly a time and place for entertainment in our lives. I mean, it’s literally part of our mission statement here at Student Activities. There are times when an outdoor movie night is much needed (shameless plug). Nonetheless, I would pose the thought that we are created and meant for more than just consumption. I would go even further to say that we were made to be creators and cultivators. Taking a brief look at the Creation account in Genesis gives us some insight into this. God, the one who just created the entire universe, says that He will make man in His own image.¹ In the following verses, His first command to mankind is to cultivate the very earth He just made.² In the garden, the most restful place, man is taking after our creative God and cultivating.

We may make the assumption that it takes effort to create or cultivate and therefore it can’t be restful for us. Trevin Wax addresses this very assumption in his article “Consume, Create, or Cultivate: Your Choice”³ (it’s much better than the one you’re currently reading).

He writes, “We live in a culture that drives us toward consumption, not creation or cultivation. The result is we assume creating is work and consuming is rest. We assume that anything that demands something of us must be tiresome and strenuous”.

But that’s not always the case, is it? Think with me for a moment. Do we find greater satisfaction in admiring a certain skill, or in developing it ourselves? Sure, there is enjoyment to be found in a good meal, but what about one that we cooked? Could it be possible that taking the time to grow ourselves through creation and cultivation could leave us feeling more refreshed than simply consuming?

I won’t claim to have mastered this practice (my phone’s screen time will expose me on that one), but it is a habit that I am working on (hence the writing of this very blog). Don’t just take my word for it though, try it for yourself. As you do so, make sure to give yourself grace when you find yourself defaulting back to the rhythm of passive consumption; it’s not easy to break old habits to build new ones. We here at Student Activities are right along with you there in the journey though. As I said before, we hope to provide you opportunities for a little mindless consumption at the end of a long week. However, we also invite you to take part in something a little more along the lines of creation and cultivation in the form of performing at an open mic, Coffeehouse, or maybe just participating in the building of community.

Whatever cultivating or creating might look like for you, friend, my hope is that you’re able to build some healthier habits that will allow you to relieve some of that stress, break free from the trap of consumption culture, and find greater enjoyment and refreshment in your rest, both in this school year and in the years to come.

¹Genesis 1:26

²Genesis 1:28

³Consume, Create, or Cultivate: Your Choice

 

Written by Jordan Hassler

Jordan is a Junior studying Event Planning with a Biblical Studies minor. He enjoys expressing his creativity through words, and sharing his experiences and personality by way of writing. He’s passionate about music, nature, and forming genuine connections with others.

Technological advancement has paved the way for an enhanced entertainment experience whether on the silver screen or a television screen. Animation has advanced to the point where deceased actors and actresses can now be digitally placed into a scene with little to no noticeable difference between them and those who are still alive. For some projects, technological advancement has given the audience a better experience, but I argue that in some situations a crisper image actually hurts the quality of an overall work and in other ways visual appeal has become the misplaced priority over content.

The US adaptation of “The Office” is undoubtably going to be one of the revered artistic takeaways of our generation for its originality, side-splitting humor, and quotability. Although many maintain that the show had a significant dip in quality after the departure of Steve Carell as office manager Michael Scott, the show still reigned on the viewership leaderboards throughout its run. But around Season 8 or 9, the cameras for the show were upgraded to a higher definition. While the scenes look crisper, the believability of the plot of a small-grade camera crew documenting a random paper company in Scranton, PA became significantly less believable. At one point, it seemed like it was simply a few camera men with a mic attached to a camera, hiding in corners with some low quality equipment to be able to capture the Dunder-Mifflin workers in their element while remaining undetected but after upgrading equipment (and revealing a boom mic operator as well as at least two cameramen in Season 9 episode 12) the show plummeted in practical believability and to me overall quality despite visually being higher quality.

Although grainy at times, there was an aesthetic to 1990s movies and tv shows that is hard to beat. With blockbuster hits like The Sandlot, The Truman Show, Independence Day, Braveheart, and Good Will Hunting as well as hit television shows like Frasier, Seinfeld, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Home Improvement, Batman: the Animated Series, ER, Friends, and Rugrats, many regard the 90’s as being the greatest era in entertainment history. This is proven further by the fact that today’s studios keep trying to reboot pieces from the 90s and early 2000s such as Beavis and Butt-Head, The Lion King, and Will & Grace. Originality was the key to the decade – not necessarily a stunning visual presentation (although for the time they were in they were monumental). So, while we may be able to say that modern technology could make the shows better visually, there is little to improve on in terms of writing.

Even digitally created content has taken a blow in quality after the apparent shift from focusing on storytelling to focusing on the visual experience. While 3D works may have more of a visual pop, it seems to me like 2D Disney films have a more iconic nature to them than their 3D counterparts. Given the choice between Tarzan, Hercules, and Beauty & the Beast or Frozen, Tangled, and Moana, I am going to side with the historic masterpieces. From a storytelling perspective, it seems as though those films were most substantive (although all of these and most Disney projects are aided by fantastic soundtracks and voice acting). 3D and heavily computerized content has proven to be highly entertaining, but there’s just something about the 2D animated-feel that seems to strike viewers differently.

A common finding nowadays is a movie filled with stunning visuals but low substance. 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong is not the type of movie someone goes to for the plot but rather for the action, but this serves as an example of the common practice of appealing purely to the visual and little to the core. The storyline of AMC’s The Walking Dead was powerfully told and visually masterful for many seasons but the quality dipped over time as mounds of money went into visual effects, but the writing became lackluster.

I am not some fuddy-dud who is stuck in an era long past – dangerously pessimistic about his own generation; on the contrary, I have great expectations for my generation creatively due to our place at the backend of so much history of art to be inspired by. There is a happy middle ground where visual awe and storytelling gusto converge in spectacular fashion, which still happens today. Avatar: The Last Airbender, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Avengers: Endgame, Interstellar, Whiplash, Toy Story 4, and others are recent examples of works that capture a combination of storytelling and visual awe. While I love a good piece of art, the story behind and within it is often what moves and transforms me, and though I am entertained by many modern works, I am often not changed by them even though they have been enhanced by technology. If we only care about the cover of a book while the pages within get put on the backburner, we will never advance in art but only inspire further mediocrity.

References:

https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/opinion/sunday/the-best-decade-ever-the-1990s-obviously.html

 

Written by: Landen Swain

Landen believes the human experience longs to be expressed; through our art, our labor, our songs, our storytelling. As a published playwright, author, and poet, he enjoys expressing his little chapter of the human experience through his writings and is thankful that the SA blog allows him to do that. He is published in numerous magazines, literary journals, and has several plays published by Off the Wall Plays, an online play publishing house.

Growing up in a King James Version only, no drums in sight, “the only rated R movie allowed is Passion of the Christ” type of church, I was exposed little to the vast world of entertainment, aside from CSI: Miami, The Andy Griffith Show, and the occasional Disney movie. Before easing up on many restrictions, I recall my parents becoming exceedingly wroth after discovering that my brother had a CD of a bunch of secular songs. The reason given for the stern prohibition of secular entertainment was usually that it promoted something that went against Scripture, and that I can understand, but what irked me was the common offhanded insult that those songs “sucked”.

Just because those songs or shows promoted (or even just mentioned) something not aligning with the Bible, that meant that the quality of the product was subpar. Yet, in the eyes of the people who looked down on all that was secular, everything that did align with the Bible was somehow superb, even though it was corny or mediocre. Some honestly believe that GAWVI is superior in skill to Eminem or that Shai Linne would rank over Tupac. None of this is to say that the Christian artists previously mentioned are bad. They are very good and some Christian artists like Kings Kaleidoscope, Lauren Daigle, and Kirk Franklin rank among or even above most music artists in the world.

But as Liberty University founder Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr. once said “if it’s Christian, it ought to be better,” and yet often that is not the case when compared to the what the world is producing. As I grew up, things that did not live up to the hype were continuously hyped up just because of the word “Christian” associated with it. For example, although I enjoy Chick-fil-A and think highly of them, there are those who elevate them to a status I don’t believe any fast food lives up to. Some would claim that the sole reason why Chick-fil-A is supposedly better than Popeye’s or Zaxby’s is just because they are associated with Christianity, and that somehow the others “suck” just because they are not.

Tove Lo’s “Habits (Stay High)” may talk about distracting oneself with the party life in order to forget about someone but at least the sound quality is high. It doesn’t sound like it was written in five minutes, and it isn’t corny like many songs on your local gospel music radio station. Game of Thrones may be obscene but at least there’s character development and quality acting.

Until Christians can provide examples for how they can make something that adheres to Scripture and yet is higher in quality than what the world often produces and promotes then we need to stop saying that things “suck” just because they are not Christian. Rockstar Larry Norman, paraphrasing an old Martin Luther quote, poses the question “Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?” in a song, and I keep wondering the same thing. How about instead of complaining that J. Cole talked about losing his virginity, we make music that is good enough so that people would choose that over his songs? Instead of dreading that people enjoy Game of Thrones, we can make Narnia.

What I think many Christians meant to say when they said something secular “sucks” was that something was not good for someone, but it does not mean that from an artistic perspective the work was not good. There are some things that promote something unbiblical and just flat out are bad in quality, but just because something mentions an act or practice that is sinful does not mean that it is inferior in creative execution.

Christians have vegetables and fruit. The world has ice cream. People are going to gravitate towards ice cream even though it is ultimately not good for them, since it’s more appealing, better marketed, and tastier. Christians can either complain that the world loves dairy products, or they can take what they have and make a smoothie or acai bowl. Psalm 34:8 compels us to “Taste and see that the LORD is good;” and yet, when many people consume that which has “Christian” attached to it, they sense a lack in quality. In our art, in our crafts, in our everything, may we produce quality in thanks, reverence, and praise to the Father who gave us talents to point back to His majesty.

References:

https://www.liberty.edu/news/2012/03/07/liberty-university-honors-founder-dr-jerry-falwell-at-library-groundbreaking/

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2034%3A8&version=NIV

https://genius.com/Larry-norman-why-should-the-devil-have-all-the-good-music-lyrics

 

Written by: Landen Swain

Landen believes the human experience longs to be expressed; through our art, our labor, our songs, our storytelling. As a published playwright, author, and poet, he enjoys expressing his little chapter of the human experience through his writings and is thankful that the SA blog allows him to do that. He is published in numerous magazines, literary journals, and has several plays published by Off the Wall Plays, an online play publishing house.

It is finally summertime! After a hectic year of classes, we can finally enjoy this summer sun. As we exhale from this past semester, we take up our summer jobs and disperse all over the world. This summer, I have the privilege to work for a church in Memphis, Tennessee.

This past summer, I went to Memphis for the first time and had no idea what to expect. This summer as I get to return to work at Bellevue Baptist Church, and I am ecstatic to go back to my Memphis family  to work with 4^th and 5^th grade ministry this summer.

As I visit and live in Memphis, I have discovered how uniquely beautiful Memphis is in comparison to different cities. I have traveled the world, and I have stood on the beaches of the Bahamas, seen Paris at night, and walk the streets of New York City but through it all there is no place like Memphis. The city of Memphis is packed with history, food, and culture.

The city was formally established in the early 18^th century and is located on the southwest corner of Tennessee. It is built on the Mississippi River and is a central point in the US. Memphis is home of the National Civil Rights Museum. The museum is located at what was formally the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot and killed in 1968. After visiting this sobering museum, I recognized that the Lorraine Motel still has the same cars parked there from the day Dr. King was shot, and they have a reef hanging in the balcony where he was shot to honor him and the movement he started. Another historical landmark is Beale Street. This downtown street is known for all the constant live music and restaurants found here. The city of Memphis has deep roots in jazz and rock and roll. The great singers, Elvis Presley and Justin Timberlake, are from Memphis as well. On top of that, Elvis has a mansion named “Graceland” which was his home.

The city is also known for its great variety of food and local restaurants. The city has many different BBQ restaurants: Central BBQ, Rendezvous, and Commissary all in which have been noted as local favorites. Central BBQ is the hang out place and is famous for their BBQ nachos. Outside of BBQ there is also some great fried chicken places to try. Gus’s World-Famous Fried Chicken is a Memphis signature and one of my personal favorites. Another great place to get some good chicken is Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, and if you have an urge to eat some spicy chicken, this is the place for you! Then, if you are feeling tired after eating all this food, you have a huge variety of some great coffee shops that can be found through the whole city. All this food and coffee can be great ways to build community, but what really makes the city great is the culture.

The culture of Memphis rallies around the term “901”. 901 is the area code used in Memphis and the surrounding area, and the people of this city champion their city. They believe in Memphis and all of its local endeavors. While working at Bellevue, I made so many friends that are Memphis locals. They were able to show me all the beautiful art and music created by all the creative locals. A lot of my closest friends go to the University of Memphis, and they love it. I have never been to a city where so many different people with different backgrounds and different worldviews all still rally around a love for their city. Memphians are some of the friendliest people, and their hospitality is unmatched. Memphis was home to the first Passion Conference as they met in Shelby Farms Park. The church also has a huge impact on this city, and the ministry reaches far past the walls of their church building.

As I work at Bellevue for the second summer, I get to reflect on the history of the beautiful church in this growing city and look forward to the healthy growing change that is taking place even now. I have grown to love this beautiful, diverse, and growing city not just because of what it has to offer but because of the people that live here. So, if you ever want to eat some good food, meeting some incredible people, and make memories you will never forget, Memphis, Tennessee is the place to be.

 

Written by Riley Anderson

Riley is a junior majoring in Christian Leadership and Church Ministry with a minor in Biblical Studies.

Summer break has finally arrived. The past two semesters seemed longer than ever with little to no breaks, time-consuming assignments, and finals that never seemed to arrive. But now with all this free time, we realize just how exhausted we are. Instead of soaking up the sun and getting sunburn, we are struggling with how to overcome school burnout.

As slow as this semester passed, it also snuck up on us. Everyone was trying to make the most of things. Hanging out with friends and still submitting to Canvas on time proved to be a difficult balance. As students, we are masters of multi-tasking and managed to keep up. A nap or two (or fifty) may have been needed to get us through, but we scraped by in the end.

Now, the last assignments are submitted, the last plus swipes have been used, and we are finally all out of dining dollars. We finally have a break… now what? Plans of having the best summer ever seem less important than a week-long sleep in our own beds. It can be difficult to find a routine over summer break – especially when wanting to focus on destressing from academics.

Letting your mind and body rest is allowed. It keeps you healthy. What is important to be aware of is not to let your body get too comfortable in this state of rest. Though it sounds like an oxymoron, resting for too long can be damaging to our physical and mental health. Staying inactive for a prolonged period of time will cause lethargy, a lack of motivation, and potentially a state of depression. This is an easy spiral to fall into. If we stay in bed and rest for too long, we will become lazy and unmotivated. This lack of energy will then lead to not wanting to leave the house or the bed for anything. All those aspirations of beach days, road trips, and summer fun will be long gone. Once they are gone, a strong sense of FOMO will take over. This could ultimately lead to the most depressing summer ever.

Finding the balance of allowing the body to rest, the mind to recharge, and getting back out in the world is the goal. The best summer ever can’t happen if we stay in bed the whole time. Remember to take a break. You deserve it, but make sure you don’t fall into a pattern of inactivity.

The last thing this summer needs is to be wasted. Go out and enjoy it!

 

Written by: Anna Pender

Anna is a Senior Strategic Communications major. She is thankful to have the opportunity to write for the blog because it gives her a chance to explore and write about topics and events that she is passionate about and that are relevant to the world. She loves getting to be creative and share her personality through writing.

The end of the semester is here, and it is time to take the next step, but what should that next step be? Many of you may be walking across the stage as a graduate next week, or you may be like me – about to head into your final semester and starting to think about what you are going to do after you graduate from Liberty. Figuring out what to do next can be stressful, nerve-wracking, and exciting all at once. It is the time to think about what kind of life we want to live and who we want to be.

Many of us ask God to show us what we should do next. Often, we want Him to give us some kind of supernatural experience; we want God to shine a bright light directly onto the job we should apply for, the city we should move to, or the person we are supposed to marry in a way so obvious that we cannot possibly miss it. While I must admit that this kind of very clear instruction would be really nice, it does not often happen this way. We also often want to have direction for our entire lives. Everyone wants to have a 5-year plan. But how can we know where we will be in 5 years if we haven’t even decided where to go tomorrow?

As much as we want the path for our lives to be obvious, most of the time it’s not, and that can be discouraging and stressful. A lot of stress comes from a fear of making the wrong decision. Many believers experience this fear because of their sincere desire to be obedient to God. One way that we can be obedient to God is by not being anxious or worried about anything, including making decisions.

As we all walk down the path of decision making together, I would like to share with you some of the advice that some very wise people in my life have shared with me.

The first thing we can do is to remember that God has already told us what His will is for our lives. If you are wondering what God’s will is for your life, you can look to Scripture. In Luke 10:27, Jesus gives the Greatest Commandment which says, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Then, before Jesus ascended to Heaven, He gave the Great Commissionsaying, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” These two verses and commandments from Jesus show us what the will of God is for our lives, that we love God, love others, and that we make disciples who follow Him. No matter where we live or work, this should be our highest priority in how we live.

The second thing to remember is that we do not need to arrive at our dream job and live in our dream home right after college. These things take time and experience to achieve. Remembering this helps to take the pressure off of ourselves. Instead of looking for your dream job right out the gate, look for jobs that will help prepare you for that job later on. There is so much to learn along the way.

Lastly, know that if you are seeking the Lord and obeying Him that He will guide your steps. He will open doors and closed doors and give you opportunities to serve Him right where He wants you. But, we have to take the first steps in faith, if it is where you are meant to be, the Lord will make it happen, and if it is not, He will remove that opportunity from you. This is even shown in the life of Paul as he traveled on his missionary journeys. He would make his plans and prepare to go to one place, and the Holy Spirit would either allow him to go there, or he would redirect Paul to go elsewhere. You do not need to be anxious about making the wrong decisions because the Lord will direct you as you go.

I am walking down this path with you of trying to figure out what is next in life. It’s exciting because of the whole world of opportunities, but it also can be scary. You are not alone; your fellow graduates are in the same boat. So, send in that job application, ask someone on a date, move to that new city that has caught your eye, and while you are there, love God, love the people around you, and make disciples. The most important thing you can do is to be obedient to Him. If God has given you a specific direction to go, then be obedient to Him and know He will be with you. If you don’t know what to do next, just take the next step in faith as He will guide you and know that He will be with you.

 

Written by: Sarah Day

Sarah is a junior majoring in Youth Ministry. Sarah enjoys writing for the blog because she loves exploring the ways that the simplest things in our lives impact us in the most meaningful ways. She is passionate about connecting with people, talking about what truly matters and baking.

Within the Christian community, the topic of mental health can be considered sensitive or taboo. However, many believers struggle with issues that require professional treatment or counseling; as Christians, we must now learn to navigate the balance of spiritual and professional support as the need for mental health treatment continues to rise.

According to the National Alliance of Mental Health, in 2019, 20.6% of adults in the US suffer from a mental illness, representing 1 in 5 adults. The highest reported conditions included Major Depressive Episodes and Anxiety Disorders. However, only 43.8% of adults with mental illness sought professional help.

Consequently, in a recent study by the Barna group, it was discovered that non-Christians are twice as likely to seek counseling and professional help for mental illness. Within the Christian community, there is a thick stigma against seeking treatment for mental health, and until this past fall, I found myself convinced that going to counseling was evident of a lack of faith. I thought that by admitting I needed help for my anxiety and depression I was being sinful.

In most churches, there is a lack of availability for professional care in response to mental illness. While there are usually resources such as small groups, mentors, and pastors, these individuals do not have the training necessary to deal with serious conditions. In most situations, mental health issues can easily be misunderstood, and the solutions given by leaders in the church can be hurtful and confusing.

For me, anytime I brought up struggles with depression, anxiety, and even my relationship with food, I was met with three common misconceptions.

1. Have you surrendered your condition to the Lord?
2. God is just testing your faith. You should really pray more about this.
3. Mental illness is just a sign of spiritual immaturity; through prayer and growth, it’ll go away.

Each of these are not only inaccurate but have been detrimental in my journey to find liberation. I remember being prayed over week after week in youth groups and prayer times with no change in my situation. I began to question what I was doing wrong, was I saying the wrong words when I prayed? Was I not praying enough? I eventually tried to ignore my mental health situation. Thinking if I could forget about it, it would be okay. This led to an overflow of emotions and fears and doubts in my mind. The issue was never resolved, it just grew until I knew something had to change.

In the Fall of 2020, I made my first appointment with a mental health counselor and have been going regularly ever since. Through the help of a professional, I have found liberation, clarity, and self-confidence. The practice of professional counseling in conjunction with prayer and time in the word has been the perfect combination to help me understand my situation better.

If you are a Christian who is questioning seeking help for your mental health, I would advise that you seek a professional counselor who is also a Christian. Having a counselor who understands your faith and your worldview is so helpful in making progress and breaking down barriers. Counselors can incorporate as much or as little “faith-talk” into your sessions and homework. Everyone has a different comfort level and set of needs, but there is no pressure to over-spiritualize your very real struggles.

Admitting you need help is not a sign of weakness, it’s not wrong, and it’s not sinful or an act of doubt. It’s the first step in finding freedom.

I would like to add some advice to those of you who are not struggling with mental health issues but know someone who is. I have compiled a simple list of tips that will help you navigate conversations surrounding mental health with gentleness, kindness, and understanding.

1. Be present. Listen. Don’t provide solutions.
2. Be intentional. Pursue your friend even if it feels like they are pulling away.
3. Ask what they need or what would be helpful.
4. Pray for them on your own (or with them if that is something they are asking for).

References:
www.christianpost.com/news/non-christians-twice-as-likely-seek-mental-health-counseling-as-practicing-christians-barna-study.html

www.nami.org/mhstats

 

Written by: Lisa Diaczynsky

Lisa is a Junior studying Business Administration and Graphic Design. She enjoys writing for the blog to express her creativity as well as sharing her views and opinions. She is passionate about healthy relationships, graphic design, social/political reform and mental health.