by Olivia Waldorf | Feb 28, 2017 | News Slider
Using analogies to express the existence of God, chapel speaker Rubel Shelly presented Tuesday in Allen Arena. Shelly began with the image of walking through a forest. He projected an image on screen of a camping sight featuring tents, chairs and a fire. Rubel expressed that the image shown invites human activity. He attributed what someone might do to this scene in real life to the “clearing of our cosmos,” saying that this world was already set up for human interaction and the world’s population is just invited to live in it. “Things don’t just happen on their own,” Shelly said. “There have been many scientists and theologians that have tried to disprove the existence of God, but have come to realize how many things we can’t describe, which helps in proving the help of a higher being.” Rubel shared the story of Paul from the Old Testament. He spoke of how a supposed invisible God created visible things. According to Rubel, science takes things that are visible; religion deals with the invisible. “The more people discover, the more natural explanations there are,” he said. “But these explanations come with the things we can’t explain, which points towards a higher power such as God. “This world didn’t happen by itself. There has to be an intelligence behind it. Human brotherhood is a miracle.” Rubel called the audience to explore God’s creation, saying that this is what Christians are called to do from the beginning. According to Rubel, no matter how advanced science has become, there are certain things it will never be able to define as they suggest invisible...
by Olivia Waldorf | Feb 23, 2017 | News Slider
This Tuesday, Lipscomb University welcomed Captain Ronald S. Johnson to the Gathering. Rhonda Lowry helped tell his story, asking him questions ranging from his faith to his experience in Ferguson. Being placed in charge of controlling the riots was something huge that Johnson felt God had given him, but he felt ready for it. Knowing the district and its people led him to take the lead when the riots broke out. Johnson said his faith had everything to do with it, saying that being called to a faithful life leads us to unimaginable places. Johnson grew up going to church and, like most people, had a hard time with a consistent faith. “Faith was something that I believed in. In tough times, I went to my faith, but in good times, I sometimes forgot about my faith,” Johnson said. As he grew older, his faith grew stronger. This was integral in leading up to his guiding Ferguson through the riots and protests. Johnson said a lot of young people came out because they had a voice. They embraced the differences of the culture and wanted something better for our country. Johnson continued, saying Ferguson wasn’t just a black and white issue. He said that people of different colors were saying, “Maybe I don’t understand every issue, but this is an issue my brother is facing.” This moved Johnson to see how this younger generation was a group of spiritual leaders. In regard to other spiritual leaders at Ferguson, Johnson said, “They need to see you out there. They might not like what they’re going to hear, but you need to come back.” He continually told the audience that there...
by Olivia Waldorf | Feb 10, 2017 | News Slider
Founded last semester, Delight Ministries continues to embrace students on campus. The group was started to invite Lipscomb’s female students into a community centered on God, rest, and good friends. Junior Sinney Chan heard about Delight through chapter’s president, Haley Gilliland. As an international student from China, Chan struggled to find her place not only within American culture, but within religion. Sinney said she never knew where to start when it came to God. She tried to immerse herself in many clubs and service groups on Lipscomb’s campus but never felt like it was the right fit. After becoming close with Gilliland, Chan knew that the girls in Delight would welcome and accept her just as her friend had. After a few meetings with the Delight group, Sinney was asked to join the team and help lead the close-knit bible group. “It helped me to see the love of God for all of us, regardless of gender, race, or age,” she said. “Delight has allowed me see the seeds that has God planted in our life, and how God is impacting us on a daily basis.” Chan attends weekly meetings on Wednesday nights, as well as bonding events that Delight provides, including weekend bonfires and laid-back sleepovers. Sinney said that since finding her faith freshman year, it has dwindled and wavered. “Study abroad was a really difficult time for me,” she said. “I was running low on a lot of things, faith in God being one. Delight has allowed me to see how God is a part of each girl’s life, including my own. “Because of Delight, I learned to appreciate God’s presence...
by Olivia Waldorf | Jan 24, 2017 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
“God said, ‘I’m going to give you a new passion and mission within music. Sing songs that will change people’s hearts and lives.’” said singer-songwriter Moriah Peters. On Tuesday Jan. 24th, Lipscomb’s typical Tuesday Gathering was anything but ordinary when Peters appeared on stage. A large crowd of students filled in almost every seat of Allen Arena for her special performance. She began with her soulful ballad “You Carry Me,” accompanied by her guitarist Julie Melucci. Once the music faded out, Peters’ “I Am Second” video played, in which she spoke about the support her family and friends gave her during her time on “American Idol.” Peters recalled her mother’s pushing her to audition, saying, “I came downstairs and the American Idol audition-map and tickets were on the table.” She took what she calls a leap of faith and sang before the judges. Peters had always been very vocal and open about her faith, and when she told the judges that she was saving her first kiss for marriage they thought her inexperienced. After the audition, they told her that she had a great voice, but that she was trying too hard to be perfect. They instructed her to go out into the world and make mistakes and then to come back after she had more life experience. A lot of people don’t let their faith intersect with their careers, but Peters had different plans. She kept God at the forefront of her career, often praying and asking him which direction she should take her career. After trying out different musical avenues, Peters finally signed with a record label and put out her first album. With the...
by Olivia Waldorf | Mar 16, 2015 | News Slider
For some, balancing work and hobbies may be a lot to handle, but for one Lipscomb student, selling the products of two hobbies is her job. Freshman Jamie Pratt got her first taste of photography when she was young and quickly developed a love for being behind the camera. She eventually reached out to assist other Nashville photographers, which lead to photographing weddings. While this was something entirely new to Pratt, she realized she had uncovered a new passion. “[Wedding photography] wasn’t my end goal, but they are probably one of my favorite things to shoot,” Pratt said. “It’s just such a fun atmosphere and there’s so many different aspects to take pictures of.” Pratt’s photography business took off from there, as she built her client base and sold more of her work. She decided to put her photographic talent on display by building a website. Aside from photographing weddings and snapping candids, Pratt said she also enjoys landscape photography. “Capturing that moment with nature or something and getting that split second, where, if you’d waited a little longer, the picture wouldn’t have turned out,” she said. Since Pratt launched her website, more photos having been selling and business is picking up. Pratt’s talent doesn’t stop with photography, though. She also sells paintings and hand-painted shoes. Pratt said that she did not know she could paint until her senior year in high school. She said her paintings are usually inspired by photos she has taken or places she has been. “I just like the things that have little details,” she said. “It’s always humbling when I can never get them...
