SA Reviews: Fearless
May 3, 2021
By this point, you have probably heard about Fearless (Taylor’s Version). Whether you already know every single word of the songs or have no idea why there is a duplicate album from the same artist 13 years later, this should hopefully fill you in.
Imagine this. A sixteen-year-old with big dreams signs with a promising new record label. That teenager proceeds to be the main artist on the label for the next decade. She becomes a global superstar. Through all the hate she gets from the Internet, other artists, their fans, and even their managers, she perseveres and comes back stronger than a nineties trend.
Then one day, the owner of the record label decides to sell the label. Who becomes the new owner? A manager of some of the main artists that encouraged the most hate against the label’s star. Not only does her recording label get sold to a man that has tried to ruin her multiple times, but she also is cheated out of owning any of her life work past, present, or future.
This all seems drastic and unfair, but unfortunately this is just scratching the surface of the hardships Taylor Swift has faced throughout her career. To give more details to the tale above, here are some names. Scott Borchetta has been in the music industry a long time, and in 2006 decided to start Big Machine Label Group. Swift was the main star for the label. Scooter Braun is a manager of stars including Kanye West and Justin Bieber, who have been publicly known to be anti-Swifties. Braun also owns Ithaca Holdings, which purchased Big Machine from Borchetta in 2019.
On top of all the wrongdoings in this change of ownership and Swift’s public “feuds” with other artists, she was denied ownership of her masters before the sale. The best offer they could give her was the chance to earn back one album at a time through each production of a new one. Though her pleading attempt at negotiation was long before the sale, she was blindsided when it happened. By the time Braun had ownership of the label, Swift had already left the label to join Republic Records. It was under this label that she released her first self-owned album Lover.
In late 2019, Swift confirmed she would begin legally re-recording her first five albums in November 2020. This brief summary brings the timeline up to right now: April 2021 and the release of Fearless (Taylor’s Version) which includes all the songs from 2008 as well as six new “From the Vault” bonus tracks.
But the question of the whole situation still remains, why? The simple answer is to own her work. Unfortunately, there are always other opinions. Skeptics criticized the star, calling her greedy and attention-seeking. Others said it was a risky move to put the same albums out again because it could lead to no sales. Putting yourself in her shoes might make you think there is nothing better than revenge. However, most fans are certain she is doing this solely for the purpose of rightfully owning all her hard work from her career. Anything else is just added perks.
Now that all this drama has been covered, hopefully everything makes a little bit more sense. Fearless (Taylor’s Version) is just the beginning for not only Taylor Swift, but hopefully future artists also owning more of their works as well. All these bold moves and standing up for herself just prove that Taylor Swift truly is fearless.
Sources:
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.
SA Reviews: Nomadland
April 30, 2021
The 93rd Academy Awards aired on April 25th, 2021, and the ceremony was full of surprises and historical wins. One such win was that of Nomadland, a film directed by Chloé Zhao. The movie is based on the non-fiction book Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century by Jessica Bruder, which was released in 2017. Nomadland was nominated for six award categories and won the coveted best picture category, best director, and best actress for Frances McDormand, who played the leading role of Fern.
The film tells the story of Fern, a widow who is forced to leave her home in Empire, Nevada after the 2008 financial crisis. With an unstable economy and not much of a choice, Fern packs her belongings into a converted van and travels from town to town looking for work. Throughout her journey, Fern explores the western landscape and adopts a nomadic lifestyle – learning how to live on the road and developing friendships along the way. Nomadland captures the highs and lows of van-life and provides a glimpse into the beautiful scenery of the American West.
At the Academy Awards, the movie took home several awards including best picture, the most prestigious honor of the night. Director Chloé Zhao became the first woman of color, and only the second woman, to win the award for best director in the Academy’s history. Directing a film about nomadic lifestyle and keeping the characters realistic and down to earth was a special task for Zhao. However, she has previously been known to cast non-professional actors in order to portray fictional versions of themselves. While Frances McDormand, recipient of the award for best actress in a leading role, and several other actors were professionally cast, many of the film’s notable characters are real-life nomads with true stories being depicted. This inclusion of real events and real people help to keep the movie grounded in truth, and Zhao was able to harness the weight and impact of each of the nomad’s stories.
My personal favorite aspect of the film is the cinematography. Nomadland was nominated for the category of best cinematography, and although it ended up losing the category to Mank, I nevertheless appreciated the camera work. The large sprawling landscapes of the American West juxtaposed against the tiny, intimate spaces of renovated vans and campers creates an effect that provides wide-open spaces to explore, yet still feels incredibly claustrophobic. Fern travels through Black Rock Desert in Nevada, searches through Badlands National Park, and ends her journey at Point Arena near San Francisco, California. The camera switches between close-ups of Fern to show detailed emotion and large, empty backdrops to showcase the vastness of the desert and how empty the nomadic lifestyle can often feel. Overall, the cinematography offers beautiful images of raw emotion and nature in its purest form.
This year’s Academy Awards were promising and rewarding, and Zhao showcased her potential to be a strong contender in a multitude of categories. Nomadland is simply a striking film about American wanderlust, the human connection, and searching for the true definition of home.
References:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9770150/plotsummary?ref_=tt_stry_pl#synopsis
https://time.com/5938982/nomadland-true-story/
Written by: Zachary Grabill
Zachary is a Sophomore studying Business Administration: Project Management. He is passionate about music, traveling, and adventure, and enjoys sharing his experiences with others. He appreciates the opportunity to write for the blog as a platform to both entertain and discuss culture from a creative and personal perspective.
Not Like Other Girls
April 26, 2021
“I’m not like other girls.” Maybe it’s not a phrase you’ve heard directly out of someone’s mouth, but I’m sure you’ve heard it in the form of, “Other girls (fill in the blank), but I….” It’s not just girls, boys do it too. “Some guys (fill in the blank), but I….” It’s portrayed in media as well: social, visual, and print. Whether it’s the “quirky and unique” girls on TikTok or a male character in a movie who reads poetry in a school full of jocks, we are surrounded by the “I’m not like other girls” phenomenon. This is not a new troupe either. Breaking the norm has been popular for decades at least, if not centuries. In the 20s it was flappers, in the 50s it was greasers, in the 90s it was grunge girls – the list is endless.
While this trend can be seen clearly through social media, it has been popularized most through books, movies, and television shows. Think about the movies you have seen most recently. Over the weekend, I watched 10 Things I Hate About You. The main character, loveable Kat Stratford, has one defining feature – she is not like other girls. While she is not as popular as her typical teenage sister, she is romanticized as deeper than all the others because she doesn’t care about boys, or parties, or even being nice like all the other shallow girls. Rather, she likes punk, backing into cars, and badgering her English teacher. The more movies with female leads you watch, the more you’ll probably notice the main character is not like other girls.
This phenomenon came to a head in 2019 when memes about the “not like other” girls started circulating. These memes flipped the table and put down the girls who try to be distinctive. Both sides of the coin are harmful because of their inflation of one thing and put down of others. Some inflate their egos by putting down girls who hold to feminine stereotypes, and others turn girls who don’t hold to feminine social norms into harsh memes.
Still, now more than ever it seems we are desperate to stand out from the crowd. We are afraid to be basic. Many of us show we have this fear in the silliest of ways. Personally, I remember purposely not buying a pair of Air Force 1 shoes and not trying a pumpkin spice latte (which I will now admit I like) for years, because I was afraid to be like all the other girls. Maybe you try to make sure your music is really out there and cool, or maybe you only take pictures on disposables to set yourself apart from all the iPhone cameras.
Where does this need for individualism come from? While most are under the perception that individualism is mostly found in Western cultures, recent studies have shown that it is on the rise all around the world. Countries who seem to place greater value on individualism tend to have a few things in common including socio-economic development, less infectious diseases, and less climactic stress. This relates to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Cultures that are less focused on simply surviving are able to focus on more psychological needs, like the need for individualism or self-discovery. So, in a way, it is a blessing that the “I’m not like other girls” phenomenon exists; it means our culture largely feels safe, provided for, and is free enough to explore self-identity.
It has to be noted though, that even though we so often want to stand out, even those who do usually fall into some sort of label be it flapper, greaser, grunge, soft girl… you name it. It’s interesting that so many of us have the desire to belong to a community while also having the desire to be an identifiable individual.
The need for community is also highly observable. Friendship and bonds with others have been proven to increase happiness, prevent stress, and lessen the likelihood of depression. In fact, neuroscience has shown that the circuits in our brain are similar for social and tangible situations, meaning our brains have the same reward and punishment systems for our interactions with people and things. So, a positive interaction with a friend can have the same neurological effect as doing your favorite activity. On the other hand, an altercation with someone important to you or an embarrassing moment can be comparable to a physical injury. One research study by a Stanford psychologist found that when minority college freshmen received encouragement from senior students about the transitional hardships of college they had improved well-being and academic performance over the time of their college experience.
How should we deal with this phenomenon from a Biblical perspective? I think the way God has designed His church answers both the need for belonging and the need to be an individual. 1 Corinthians 12 opens by talking about spiritual gifts. Everyone who has the Holy Spirit has been given at least one spiritual gift for the good of the Church. The beauty of this is that there is not one spiritual gift; there are many, and we are each gifted in unique ways. This so wonderfully answers our desire to be unique.
Even more, 1 Corinthians 12 not only provides an answer to our need for individuality, but it also gives the answer to belonging. It goes on to talk about how we are many members of one body – the body of Christ. It says, “For the body does not consist of one member but of many. […] But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body” (14,18-20). We were made unique but not for ourselves. We were made a unique individual, so we can contribute to and help build up the Church.
So, in this, we can walk with confidence. I encourage you to enjoy what you enjoy – basic or unlike anyone else. Go ahead and drink a pumpkin spice latte if you like them, or if the music you like is crazy out there, keep listening to it! If you have put your faith in Christ and received the Holy Spirit, you can be assured that you are both unique and also belong to something much greater than yourself.
References:
ESV Bible
https://thebottomline.as.ucsb.edu/2019/10/im-not-like-other-girls
https://studybreaks.com/thoughts/pick-me
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/between-cultures/201704/belonging
Written by: Courtney Stone
Courtney is a Business Administration: Digital Marketing and Advertising major. She enjoys writing for the blog as a way to explore relevant topics and grow in written communication.
Relationships Done Different
April 19, 2021
Throughout this past year, we have faced countless changes, but one thing that has not changed is our desire to be known. Although we have been introduced to new barriers to relationships because of the pandemic, we still have this strong desire to be known in a relationship. Relationships were one of the first covenants God made with mankind. He gave us community on this side of eternity that reflected His love for us, and the love He has for community.
As Christians, we can tend to think we have it all together, but what if I told you we have been getting aspects of dating wrong this whole time? What if I told you the world had been getting certain traits of dating right that we have been ignoring as believers? I mean we are called to walk in humility, and humility calls us to step down and listen to all people. So, what if there are things we still can learn from society, or being good Christians doesn’t always make you good spouse material? Here are a few lists of things I have learned from others that have helped me step out of the utopia of dating and back into reality.
Step one: Drop your list.
Growing up, we would fantasize about the perfect spouse. He or she would come into our lives and love us in a way that leaves us speechless. They would have the perfect body, the perfect personality, and then on top of that, they would love the Lord better than anyone else we know. The unfortunate reality is this perfect person just does not fully existence. I am not saying there are not great options and some people come close, but no one can check every box. I know I am guilty of this very thing. I tend to be a “Type A” personality, and I love my mental lists, but we have to remember that the beauty of loving someone is loving each other through the shortcomings… it’s what Jesus did for us. In Single, Dating, Engaged, Married: Navigating Life and Love in the Modern Age by Ben Stuart, he says it this way, “I have found that peoples’ descriptions of their ideal dates’ attributes are really just idealized versions of themselves. But you don’t want to date you… You want to date, and marry, someone who complements you.”
Step two: Find the one that complements you.
I have found that most single Christians struggle with this one. Talking with Jonathan Pokluda, a pastor and author in Texas, I asked him for advice in relationships. He told me, “Complementing each other is more important than having chemistry with each other”. He clarified and stated that you still want to have chemistry, but that can develop more as time goes on. Then on the other hand you cannot develop the way a person complements you. As young Christians we look for chemistry but that does not help because it really only narrows it down so much before you realize you can have chemistry with a lot of people. Let’s think twenty years down the road. The fun newness of chemistry has worn off, and you still feel unsupported in your passions and you are trying to raise a family while still honoring God with your life, but they could care less about complimenting the other skills and passions. This leads to a lot of issues. A lot of people out in the world have gotten this aspect right. They look for someone that will help their career, support their family well, love them for who they are, and they do the best to equip their spouse to be the best version of themselves. Find someone that compliments your traits in life. They should make a great life partner that will help affirm who you are in Christ, not question it.
Step Three: Look for a home, not a hobby.
The final step of advice that has been passed on to me was stop overthinking it. Many singles tend to get in their own way. All too often we look for good ministry partners while neglecting to look for good homes. We look for the person that can quote the most Scripture, wears the big smile, and has the nice paycheck that will be able to support our dreams and ministries. I know I have been guilty of these things, and people have come into my life to remind me it is much simpler. When we think of a spouse, we need to understand that they are not just a ministry partner they are a life partner. If you need Scripture that backs up this idea, then look back to the first relationship with Adam and Eve. God did not command them to be church planters or anything ministry related. God actually commands them to make a home. In Genesis 1:28 “God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it…’”(ESV, 2011). God puts the home in high regard and in this life, it is important that you find someone that you can be yourself around. Find someone that you know you can build a home with while being who God created both of you to be in whatever beautiful or crazy way that might be.
When reading this please know that if you feel called to singleness there is nothing wrong with that. The Church has done a poor job of supporting singles in today’s churches but know that if you do feel drawn towards walking through this life with another person it is going to take work. We can trust God, and we should use the Bible to help us throughout this process but never neglect the wisdom you can learn for the people God has placed in your life.
Written by Riley Anderson
Riley is a junior majoring in Christian Leadership and Church Ministry with a minor in Biblical Studies.
Your Guide Through Guam
April 11, 2021
Imagine the warm sun hitting the sand, bright blue water, and palm trees swaying. Some may call that a vacation, but I get to call that my home.
After being born and raised in Guam, I am proud to call the beautiful island my home. Guam is located in the heart of the Western Pacific and is considered a U.S. territory. Guam has been taken over by three different colonial powers in the past 400 years: Spain, the United States, and Japan. With over 4,000 years of history left behind, there is always something new you can learn and experience.
It is the perfect destination to get away from the fast-paced life as you will be able to stop to relax and enjoy some simple living. Most will mistake Guam as a rural area where we don’t know how to speak English and live in grass huts, but Guam is so much more than our history left behind. It has become a melting pot of so many different cultures and has grown to be a bucket-list destination for everyone in the world. It is a full cultural experience that is so unique to itself that it will make you fall in love.
When you practically live in a vacation destination, you will often take for granted all the beauties the island has to offer. The hotels and resorts are great for giving you the vacation feel by the pool and spa, but if you really want to experience life as a local, you need to be ready to do a bit of exploring. The mile-long hikes and scenic waterfall trails make for such great adventures, and you are usually rewarded at the end with a nice swim to cool you down. You truly can never get bored when you are surrounded by the endless ocean, palm trees, and jaw-dropping sunsets. When the sky is lit up with the amazing colors of red and orange, it is like the cherry on top to every perfect day.
Any weekend I have free, it’s a must to grab my swimsuit and towel and head down to the beach. One of my favorite activities includes going down to Fish Eye and snorkeling alongside all the cool sea creatures and pretending to be one of them. The open waters allow me to experience so many different types of fish and habitats. If I’m lucky enough, sometimes I can catch a glimpse of some sea turtles. After a long day of paddle boarding and making new fish friends, I love to just kick back and enjoy a nice beach-side barbeque with my friends. Another must to check off on the “to-do list” would be to visit all the cool little local shops at Chamorro Village which occurs every Wednesday night. I love shopping at all the small shops and chowing on the best local cuisine while I’m there. You’re able to get the full experience with live island music playing and cultural dances being performed on the stage. My favorite thing is watching all the older couples get out on the dance floor and cha-cha like no one else is watching.
Part of getting the full experience is eating the best local foods. Each Chamorro dish you will try will be like nothing you’ve ever had before. We got all the dainty coffee shops and diners you have to hit, but personally some of the best local cuisine is actually made at fiestas where the elders have passed down their perfected recipes. The perfect fiesta plate consists of lumpia, red rice, barbeque chicken, keleguen, and finadene sauce on the side. Then to end the night with a bang, one slice of latiya will leave my stomach happy and satisfied. Just talking about it makes me drool a little! Luckily, it is very common to find a barbeque or family gathering happening every weekend that you could attend. Growing up, I was so used to being dragged to so many family gatherings where we would stay so late that I would be knocked out asleep in my parent’s lap while they continue to party on. It’s definitely the part that I miss most about being home.
Not only is the food amazing, but the people there are too. You won’t go anywhere without being greeted with a nice smile and “Håfa Adai,” or hello as they say in Chamorro. The culture is so rich and evident in everyone you will meet, and it narrows down to two of the most important things: family and respect. This means having respect of the island and every person there. This also means treating any stranger like a friend and being welcoming to any visitor. I was taught from such a young age what this looks like first-hand that I never knew any differently. These are the kind of lessons that must be passed down to the younger generations, so the culture won’t die out over time.
What’s there not to love about a never-ending time in paradise? Once you visit the first time, you will automatically fall in love and leave a part of your heart there. My love for the island is endless, and I am forever grateful that I get to share a bit of home wherever I go.
If you want to sound like a real local, here are some basic words you can say in Chamorro!
Hello: Håfa Adai (HAW-fah-day) / Thank you: Si Yu’us ma’åse’ (see DZOO-oos mah-AW-see)
References:
Written by: Gaby Paulin
Gaby is a Sophomore studying Strategic Communications. Having grown up on the island of Guam, she is passionate about traveling and learning about other cultures. She loves expressing her love for people and community through her writing.
SA Reviews: This is Us
April 6, 2021
Everyone loves a great story you can connect to. We all love the overcomer stories and those movies that inspire us to be better. As for most of us, we all search for shows we can relate to and feel like we can become a part of the story. In 2016, the first episode of This Is Us aired on NBC and took over the viewer audience as it quickly grew in popularity. This Is Us represents and connects so many people over different topics in which we all struggle. This show has the perfect balance of tasteful depiction of family while still incorporating the challenges every family often faces.
The show was inspired by real people, hence, why it relates to so many people. Show writer, Dan Fogelman, was asked in an interview from what and where did his inspiration come. He said, “I was in my late 30s at the time—about 38—and I was struck by how wildly different the lives of my peers could be, even though we were all the same age. I had friends who were married, some single. Some had preteen children, others none. Some were satisfied in their careers, others less so. Some had experienced great loss—of parents, of friends—others hadn’t even lost a grandparent. And I thought, I’m going to write something about all these people, all exactly the same age and born on the same day.” We can all relate to at least one or two of these statements made by Fogelman. It is no surprise that a show based off real struggles stirs up such great empathy.
This show is such a breath of fresh air in a time like 2021. The TV show has come a long way as it finishes up season five. A beautiful story has unfolded throughout each season. In season one and two, the show covers the difficulties of finding your identity. One of the characters, Randall Pearson, was both abandoned and adopted at birth by the Pearson family. He grows up with this white family struggling with why he looks different and why a lot of the other kids would pick on him. Growing up in the ‘70s was not easy for Randall, but the show tells a captivating story of him finding success even when the odds are against him. As the show progresses, his biological dad steps into his life, and the show reveals a raw relationship between Randall and his biological father.
Although we all might not be able to relate to the adversity Randall faced, we can all relate to the feeling of trying to figure out who we are in this crazy world. This was also something the rest of the characters had to deal with. Whatever the adversity, the characters have to deal with the reality of death or the simple principle of struggling from a place of success.
We see that the daughter, Kate Pearson, struggles with control issues which lead her to anxiety. She ends up getting married to a husband who develops depression, and she has to learn how to love and support him in his daily battle to just get out of bed. In season three Kate’s husband, Toby, makes his depression public, and Kate is left in this place of trying to maneuver a new marriage and fighting infertility while still being a good spouse by supporting her struggling husband. This season shows the truth of life and even the most positive people, like Toby, have no exemptions from depression. It taught me lots of different principles of helping others that may be going through depression.
Above all of this, I love this show simply because of the relationship that Jack and Rebecca share as they maneuver married life. Jack and Rebecca are the mom and dad of the show. Jack was a Vietnam Veteran and as he comes back he meets Rebecca, and they quickly fall in love. Although this show is not based on Christian morals, it doesn’t take much to see that this world is longing for a Biblical family dynamic. Jack represents what a strong but humble man is supposed to look like. He wrestles with generational sins that he must face to break the cycle, so he can better love and support his family. Rebecca represents the strong and loving woman and how that plays out in the family dynamic. Her loyalty to Jack just shows she is the glue to the whole family and even the whole show. Even in the toughest episodes of the show, this couple strives to raise their kids in a loving home. Even though they never claim to be Christians, there are so many great lessons to learn from this family and how they work hard while keeping their love for each other as the priority. In this American individualist culture, it is so refreshing to see a depiction someone that focuses on a collectivist form of family. Even though I don’t recommend finding all your life advice from this show, I think the writers do a great job of roping in the audience and teaching us all some important lessons we face in life.
References:
Written by Riley Anderson
Riley is a junior majoring in Christian Leadership and Church Ministry with a minor in Biblical Studies.
Fighting Cynicism
April 5, 2021
Where do you want to be in five years? Odds are, if you are reading this, then you are most likely a student at Liberty University with a five-year plan and a lot of hope to make that plan a reality. Let me ask you a question; what is your plan after those five years? Life continues after that five year plan, and as it does, you will certainly experience a healthy amount of successes and failures.
If you are a student, I want to encourage you to keep in mind that life goes on after you graduate and get a job. It can be so daunting to look ahead at a full life on this planet, but there needs to be preparation in order to live the life that you desire. So many people that I talk to do not have much of a perspective of life beyond a couple years after college. I would like to encourage you to continue to look forward to the future, no matter how old you are. It should be noted that the decisions that we make now as humans will affect who we are and who we become later in life.
There are steps that need to be taken that will help fight cynicism and keep us moving forward as a great neighbor and friend to those around us. Cynicism is defined as a lack of trust in humans because they are solely driven by self-interest or desires (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). This can most clearly be seen in elderly people as there are generally only two types of them. One type is kind, giving, and full of life while the other is angry, distrustful, and likes to live life alone.
Most of us can picture one of each of these types of people. What most people don’t understand is that these people do not just appear overnight. The actions and mentality that we have now, on a daily basis, will affect who and how we are as we get older. Simplified, our current actions define our future self. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid the cynical future that seems to encompass too many people in our society. There needs to be active steps taken towards seeking out discipleship and accountability through friendships from older and younger people.
Humans are made to be in community, and in order to remain healthy, we cannot remain in isolation. There is wisdom in staying in community. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001). Through doing life with people who are pushing us towards Christ, we can set in place good practices to help us strive towards always loving others as ourselves. The golden rule is the antithesis of cynicism. Loving God and loving others will bring forth a meaningful and happy life.
No matter what your plans for the future are, keep this knowledge at the forefront of your life. It can help keep you going in the direction that you truly desire.
Written by: Josiah Frisbie
Josiah enjoys writing for the blog because he believes in the power of discussing relevant topics. He wants to be challenged in his writing and research style while still growing and striving for knowledge.
What Living in Another Country Taught Me About Love
March 23, 2021
In my first year out of high school, I experienced the most change, challenge, and growth of my entire life. Instead of taking the traditional college route, I started college online and moved to the Dominican Republic, with nine other fresh out of high school students, to intern with a mission organization for one year.
This is not something I ever imagined myself doing, especially not at 18 years old. I was not looking to satisfy some sort of wanderlust travel bug, and I was not looking for some grand experience. I was very content with where I was in life, but I felt the Lord calling me to go higher and deeper into His love. So, at 18 years old I moved to a Caribbean Island.
For a year I worked in Women’s Social Work running a daily girl’s club alongside a Dominican woman named Amalfi. Amalfi is kind and strong, and she has a passion for sharing the Gospel and building relationships. Every day, elementary and middle school girls would come to our site to have Bible lessons, prayer, and work on crafts or school projects. My mind and journal are filled with countless memories of the days I spent with those girls. If I close my eyes, I can very vividly remember the way the cool breeze felt coming through the windows as I awoke from a mid-day siesta to the sound of little girls who arrived to class early, whispering, “Sarita! Sarita!” (praise God for countries that value naps!) Hundreds of these memories are stored away in my heart like I can reach out and touch them. But most of all, I can still feel the tangible presence of Love.
My life in the Dominican Republic was simple, my days were filled with people and conversations. There were many days when all I did was just sit next to someone and talk. We spent hours in people’s homes, sitting on their porches drinking coffee, and hearing about their lives. By most people’s standards, this may seem unproductive, but my simple days of just being with people taught me so much about who Jesus is. He is Immanuel – God With Us. He is Love incarnate.
With all the power that God has and the many ways He could have saved us, He chose to do so by dwelling among us. He came in the flesh to have a relationship with us. I think that life is a lot simpler than we make it out to be. There are so many things that we want to do and accomplish, and we work towards these things by making ourselves busy with activity and often neglecting the people around us. We forget that the Lord accomplished His plan of salvation by sending His Son to be with us so that by His grace and His work on the cross we could be with Him for eternity.
To quote Bob Goff – “What better way to live than to just be.” We were created to be in relationship with God and relationship with each other. Dominicans excel at relationships. Being both a collective and relationship-oriented culture, relationships form the basis of all areas of life, from school to business to religion. Life is structured around relationships. I watched as people lived out the Gospel by just showing up and being present. Whether someone was experiencing joy or pain, the community came around them to share in their suffering or celebration. They shared what they had, their possessions, their knowledge, their time, but most of all they just shared themselves. Love shows up, even if it shows up empty-handed. Ultimately, love is not a physical possession to be given, Love is a person, and He dwelt among us.
Living in another country taught me a lot, but every single day, the memories of my time there remind me to love others by being present and showing up. I have not come anywhere close to perfecting this, and I learn more every day about loving others well from my friends and family who love me well. The Lord is so kind to remind me daily that, despite my failures, my flaws, and my inconsistencies, He keeps showing up. Because He is Immanuel – God With Us.
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.
Learning From Content Creators
March 15, 2021
In the digital age of today, pretty much everyone is on social media. Having a social media account typically goes hand in hand with posting content on at least one platform. By posting content, we are all “content creators.” Sharing our passions with the Internet world can be scary, but this post is here to remind you that your content matters.
There is an assortment of content on the Internet ranging from short films on YouTube, photography on Instagram, and – most recently where I have been spending all my time – songwriting videos on TikTok. We see hundreds of other people’s creations every day and usually, they are pretty impressive. However, with the amount of media we consume daily combined with the ease of anyone creating and posting their own content, it can be easy to get lost in the noise. Whether that means feeling inadequate in comparison to others or not “going viral” from your best work, these thoughts are valid.
Sometimes the content we see is exactly the content we are striving to create. Unfortunately, this is not always encouraging. I enjoy writing poems, journaling, my own thoughts that make me laugh, but mainly song lyrics. Thanks to TikTok, I have been exposed to so many talented creators in my favorite area of writing. I love seeing the ingenuity of the lyrics, the complexity of the metaphors, and the variety of the melodies. I see these videos and feel inspired to write something that is of equal finesse.
However, the cycle of scrolling, being inspired, creating, and ultimately comparing is relentless, harsh, and unforgiving. Too many times I find myself sitting down to write something then comparing it to the original inspiration, before eventually getting frustrated and giving up. If you have ever tried to create something, you know the feeling of staring at the wall out of disappointment in yourself for not producing something world changing. Using other content as a muse is part of the process but comparing your work to someone else’s should not be.
Is it getting too real? Good news: this next part is where the wisdom shows up. When creating content, it is important to ask yourself two questions. 1. Why are you creating it? 2. Are you proud of it? By answering these questions, you can determine if your content truly matters. (Hint: it does!)
The first question is important because it addresses the purpose of the content. This helps to identify the motives behind the creation. If the content is simply to gain followers, likes, or comments, it probably should not be a main focus. The project should have real value. This value could just mean you are creating it to channel emotions. It could also be for school or a job and its purpose is to get a good grade or earn a paycheck. Either way, there should be a true purpose behind any content you create. Content with no purpose will not be satisfying.
The second question is arguably more important than the first, but should not be the only one answered. No matter the reason behind the content, it should ultimately be something you are proud to put your name on. It most likely took a lot of time, energy, and thought to create the final product. Only you know what the process was like during the development of the project. At the end of it, the result should bear your name with pride, and you should be excited to share it.
The outcome of comparisons to other creators is usually one of discouragement and a lowered self-esteem. Looking at such impressive content can produce thoughts of, “Why do I even try?” “They are so much better than me.” “I will never be that good.” This can lead to a downward spiral of self-doubt and insecurity. It is time to change that internal monologue.
Instead of approaching “better” content with such a negative mindset, try to flip the narrative. Look at the content deeper. Evaluate what makes it so good and how you can use some of the techniques in your own work. Start viewing other content as a student willing to learn rather than a critic of your own products. Have the new thought process of, “What did I like about what they did?” “How can I better myself to be on that level?” “What goals are they hitting that I can set for myself?”
During the creative process, it is crucial to remember that not every single piece of content has to be a groundbreaking masterpiece. Some days you are going to sit down and create something that is just plain bad. That is OKAY! Brainstorming is part of the journey. Something was still created. It is less important to make something “good” than it is to just create. So, go out there and make something you are proud of!
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.
SA Reviews: National Park Review
March 10, 2021
Here at Liberty University, exploring the beautiful backdrop of central Virginia is strongly encouraged. Surrounded by a multitude of hiking trails, lookouts, and overall adventurous natural landscapes, Lynchburg is an exciting place to be. However, in the past year quarantine and safety restrictions have made it hard for students to take part in many on-campus activities. The beauty of exploring your surroundings is that there are rarely (if any!) restrictions to keep people from enjoying the outdoors.
For those who have already sightseen around the area and are looking for a new adventure, there is much to be explored beyond the Peaks of Otter and the city of seven hills. My roommate and I took it upon ourselves to spend a day to visit a new place, and we decided on New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia.
The newest addition to the ever-growing list of National Parks, New River Gorge National Park is a place ready to be explored. Stretching for 53 miles throughout southern West Virginia, the park is rich in history and full of opportunities. The park is open to various recreational activities such as hiking, mountain-biking, and rock-climbing. The most notable activity is the exceptional whitewater rafting, as the New River is full of rapids and small waterfalls.
The New River itself is recognized as the second oldest river in the world, coming close behind the Finke River in southern Australia. The river begins in North Carolina and ends in West Virginia, and it is around 360 miles long. It is also low crossing, meaning plants, animals, and settlers have utilized it as a corridor to spread throughout the Appalachians for hundreds of years. Today the river is home to a wide variety of landmarks and attractions, and surrounding parks add to the versatility of the area.
With the journey fully mapped out, my roommate and I visited three landmarks in total: Sandstone Falls on the New River, the Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park, and the New River Gorge Bridge.
The first destination was Sandstone Falls State Park, a few miles down the river from the New River Gorge. This waterfall is the largest on the New River with a height of 25 feet. The park is spread across various small islands connected with a series of large wood and steel bridges. The first island is considered to be one of the most unique botanical ecosystems in West Virginia, and we were able to take an island loop trail that covered a majority of the area. Each trail system offers views of the upper and lower falls, each from a different perspective.
Sandstone Falls State Park, WV
After spending a while exploring the falls, we left and headed up the road to Babcock State Park in order to check out the Glade Creek Grist Mill. This mill is one of the most iconic locations in West Virginia, with a fully functioning replica of the original mill which once stood in its place. I was able to explore the area on foot while my roommate took some long-exposure photos of the miniature falls near the mill itself. Although we visited Babcock State Park in the winter, this mill is a gorgeous attraction year-round.
Glade Creek Grist Mill – Babcock State Park, WV
The final destination and the main highlight of the daytrip, the New River Gorge Bridge stood 876 feet above the ground, which was an awe-inspiring sight to see. Construction began in 1974 and the bridge was completed in 1977, fully open to the public. Upon completion it was the world’s highest bridge, a record held until it was broken in 2001, beaten by the Liuguanghe Bridge in China. One of the most fascinating things about the bridge is the festival that people hold on the bridge every year in October called “Bridge Day.” This celebration is full of demonstrations where people base jump off the bridge, walk along the bottom beams, and rappel off the side of the bridge. Although we were not there for this festival, we enjoyed the long drive that snaked from the top of the bridge to the bottom of the gorge, and explored our way up to the top again.
New River Gorge Bridge – New River Gorge National Park, WV
Our trip to New River Gorge National Park was a great experience, and we were both able to learn a lot about some of the history surrounding southern West Virginia. It was a long day, but an eventful one full of new experiences. Taking a daytrip is not always an option to some students, but when an opportunity presents itself, I will always encourage people to be spontaneous and explore the natural and man-made wonders that surround us.
References:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2021/01/22/new-river-gorge-national-park/
https://bridgewalk.com/history-of-the-bridge/
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/dispatch-new-river-gorge-our-newest-national-park
Written by: Zachary Grabill
Zachary is a Sophomore studying Business Administration: Project Management. He is passionate about music, traveling, and adventure, and enjoys sharing his experiences with others. He appreciates the opportunity to write for the blog as a platform to both entertain and discuss culture from a creative and personal perspective.