Skip to main content

Learning From Students

Occasionally I stumble across a blog written by someone I don't know but wish I could sit down with them over a cup of coffee and just chat. There's a certain honesty to what they write and it comes through in a way that it highlights what I imagine are the best things about them. Things I wish were part of my character. That happened for me today when I came across portrait of a magnificent obsession.

After working at a Christian university for several years, I have to admit that I am tenderhearted for college students. They rock my world. This young woman has reminded me why I like them so much. They have reached adulthood but haven't yet lost their wonder. They have passionate opinions and haven't yet learned the social constraints that make everything happen with restraint and decorum. They are still willing to learn. They are, for the most part, still teachable.

Reading this young woman's blog was encouraging to me. It has reminded me of the wonder I once knew- it has helped me remember the joy of my salvation. I am always amazed at how God will use folks who may be less educated than I am and who may hold drastically different doctrinal positions than mine, to humble me. Humble and remind me that they've got something more right than I do... their exuberant, unashamed, unpretentious love of their Lord. I have always learned more from college students than they have ever learned from me.

Thanks, faith_to_move!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Your blog makes all the criticism and hate from today worth while.
It's truly amazing how God works things out isn't it? How He has set up fellowship in such a way amongst believers so that we can be here for each other...it is just phenomenal.
I think the world in general is forgetting how to approach the throne of God with a spirit of Humility. When we realize that is what God loves to see in us, then we also realize that He is the Master Teacher and knows EVERYTHING, which shows us that our study of theology will never teach us the entire scope of the character and nature of God, but it is a blessing of grace and mercy each day to recieve just a glimpse of who He is.
Anonymous said…
Hello rosemarie,
I just wanted to thank you for the encouragement in your comment on faith_to_move's blog today. She is a very close personal friend of mine, and your encouragement and kind words really meant a lot to us both. Have a blessed day!

Soli Deo Gloria,
carawayboy4ever
Your Servant in Christ Jesus
Anonymous said…
carawayboy4ever is your pic at Camp Hideaway?

P.S. Rosemarie is a very wise woman.
rosemarie said…
faith_to_move and carawayboy4ever-

I am glad you stopped by and hope you will come by again. Isn't it amazing that the God of the Universe wants us to know Him? That he gives us his Spirit to enable us to comprehend all He has given us is too lofty to consider...but it's true! (1Cor 2:10-12)

There is always a careful balance to walk when it comes to doctrine. There is one truth. There is one gospel which saves. There are things to die over and things which are adiaphora. I am just glad that He is responsible for my sanctification and that He doesn't do it all at once. Who could bear that intense and magnificent a change done instantly?

The study of theology is worth the effort. Paul reminded Timothy that the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sound faith. (1 Tim 1:5) We all need reminding to keep in the game, be willing to be wrong in our assumptions and embrace conviction as the gift it is.

You two have been a blessing, thanks!
Anonymous said…
C.L. Bolt:
No, it's actually from Camp Caraway, a Christian Boy's camp in Sophia, NC (it's right beside Asheboro, NC). I worked there as a Cabin Assistant in the summers of 2006 and 2008. It's an awesome place and was the place where I first surrendered my life to the LORD in 2000 and then accepted His Call to the Ministry in 2006.

rosemarie: Thanks again! :)

Popular posts from this blog

Super Church a song for the Emergent-sy

In the early 70s I was in a youth choir at my church. Our youth pastor was a musician and his way of connecting with us as a group was through the choir and music. Somehow there was an affiliation between him and The Continental Singers, New Hope and Jeremiah People. He was worked with Moishe Rosen of Jews for Jesus too, I think. Are any of these names familiar to you? Though I remember the church fondly I was a profoundly lost and troubled young woman during my years there. That and time have muddled the memories quite a bit. Today I was digging through some old paperwork and one of the books to the musical we did. It's Getting Late For the Great Planet Earth, a folk rock oratorio by Cam Floria. Yes, that's right. Cam Floria put Hal Lindsey to music. There's a lot to laugh about and some to groan about but as I was looking through the songs and remembering, I found this little ditty and I only wish I could sing it for you. Just remember that this is circa 1972 and even th...

It's all part of growing up

Today is my birthday. I am 51. I have officially lived longer than my mother. I have survived several major earthquakes, three fires, five floods, uterine cancer, having my infant body burned by percolating coffee and a childhood from hell. I have been stalked by a madman, been asked to be interviewed for the Australian version of 60 Minutes, received a bronze medal and helped foil a kidnap attempt of a celebrity. In my short 51 years, I have had an incredible life. I was asked by a former student what advice I would give a 30 year old that I have come to value now that I am in my 50s. The list of things that I value now that I didn't value then and vice versa is huge. Since my current topic is discipline, I would have to say that I wish I had cultivated discipline at an earlier age. Much earlier than my 30s. I wish I had learned the difference between need and want sooner. I have tried too hard to fulfill wants as if they were needs. The want vacuum just moves, it doesn...

Be yourself- don't waste your blog...

So... I read an article on my friend, Carla's blog . I have written about her on my blog before and have recommended her before. In this particular post she talks about one blogger's vision for a directory of Christian bloggers to help promote accountability. Which, on the surface sounds all good and 'Christianly' but Carla has reservations. Then I read the comments for her article and Steve Camp of Camp onThis fame has responded. I have also recommended his blog a number of times. For those of you who don't want to click the links, this is a brief synopsis. Some guy wants to have a Christian bloggers directory for accountability purposes, Carla questions the need since accountability begins in the bloggers local church, and she fears it will set up a click of bloggers who are "in" and those who are "out." Steve drives the point home and signs his comment "Don't waste your blog..." That's the part that has me spinning....