This past weekend Holly and a college friend came home to spend some time together (HERE!! Yay!!) I love it when my kiddos have friends over!
We had a wonderful and insightful conversation about faith, professors, and different religious beliefs. These two are majoring in Psychology and Anthropology (with a minor in art history, and a masters in Marine Archeology), so the topics of evolution and the study of the human mind and characteristics are prominent in their studies.
They communicated to me about how many of their professors are either openly atheist or extremely liberal in their belief system. Both girls mentioned that while they are strong in their faith in God, they appreciate the open-mindedness and differences of opinions in many college professors and students.
I am grateful that they appreciate others and their differences, yet cringe (just a little) at their optimistic attitudes about the “open-minded” part. Knowing that these college years are often the years when young adults ARE challenged in their faith, these can be difficult years to stay connected to church, and their precious minds are still being introduced to such a variety of opinions that may make them inquire as to whether “their belief” is the true belief, can (and does) bring a parent to their knees even more.
Parents, with your college child possibly home for the holidays, now is the perfect time to engage in conversation about faith, various religions they’ve been introduced to, and their personal beliefs. They just may have questions for you, or (like mine) say that they’d like to speak with a minister (or someone more biblically educated than muyah) who can answer some questions they may have come upon in their studies. Inquiring minds want to know…guide them to the right source.
Students, congratulations on surviving another semester of college. Some of you are just beginning, while others can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Wherever you are in your studies, I want to encourage you to always be a student of God. When you have questions, seek them in the bible, visit Christian websites like https://www.gotquestions.org/, make an appointment with a local minister to chat with. Get plugged in to a church near your campus.
Parents and students, always be persistent in your prayer life. God is available 24/7. He is always ready, actually…eagerly waiting, to hear from you.
I pray that y’all have a safe and insightful and restful Christmas season together. If you’re apart, call/facetime/whatever you can do to have some real voice time together, not just a text/card/email.
Remember…always be a student of God, seeking wisdom and understanding through His word.
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. Philippians 1:9
Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. Proverbs 3:5-6
Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31
Don’t worry—I am with you. Don’t be afraid—I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that brings victory. Isaiah 41:10
Many blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
(My girl is the one interested in Marine Archeology. She wants to focus on shipwrecks, surfing, and BIBLICAL history. Cool! She said that she wants to be that person who proves to people that the bible is not just fictional stories, but it is real and true. Amen!)
Time with my daughter…priceless