Blog

Written By: Kate Dolan

RED is an American rock band that originated in the one and only Music City, U.S.A, This band not only known for their hard rock bordering on metal style, but also their overt Christian influences. RED was founded in 2002 by brothers Anthony and Randy Armstrong and their friend and lead vocalist Michael Barnes. Over the years the band has seen other members come and go but this core trio has carried their music to the present. This group landed their first record deal in 2004 and has released six albums since, the most recent being released in 2017. RED has received countless recognition from both Christian and secular music circles. In addition to their six dove awards, RED was also Grammy Nominated in 2006 for their album “End of Silence”.

Though RED does not necessarily write songs meant for a worship service, the music nonetheless carries deep messages. One of those messages is even in the band’s name itself, RED, symbolizing the blood of Christ. With over 24 million Spotify listens to their most popular song “Breathe Into Me” it is obvious that they have a different kind of reach than many Christian artist. Much of their music speaks hope into a genre that can tend to be pretty dark in nature.

There are not many people that have been able to capture both a hard rock crowd while simultaneously appealing to Christian listeners, but RED has done just that. They took a genre basically untouched by Christians and made a name for themselves. They have been known to take musical inspiration from bands like Slipknot. RED’s guitarist Anthony Armstrong defended this saying “people ask us, ‘Why do you like these bands that that is kind of just outright evil?’ and we’re just like ‘What?’ It just all comes down to the music, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we agree with the content of what they are saying or whatever.” It is obvious this band is all about the music, labeled by many as a group that is “tirelessly touring” but it does not seem as if RED is going to let up any time soon. Even after over a decade making music and sharing it with the world this band continues to churn out amazing rock music with their own unique flair.

Do not miss out on your opportunity to rock out with RED on November 9^th at 7:30 in the Lahaye Event Space.

Written By: Kay Torres

For four years, Lynchburg, Virginia, became my home.

Liberty University is what brought me and most Lynchburg residents to this small Virginia town. Liberty: it’s where we had our first taste of independence, our first roommate, our first college classes, and maybe for some you, your first (and hopefully only) “ring by spring”. Driving through University Blvd. and seeing the Blue Ridge Mountains is something I always took for granted going to school at Liberty. Those crisp spring evenings watching sunsets fall behind the Welcome Center are something that only a Liberty student will understand.

Liberty is a place where we meet lifelong friends and have life-changing experiences – all of this occurring within just 7,000 acres. The memories made on this campus will be held close to the hearts of Liberty students and alumni for the rest of our lives. This is where we learned who we are and how we want to influence the world.

Homecoming allows us to come back and re-live those memories, whether they’re not our favorite (late nights in the library) or they are (those late night Cook Out runs). Homecoming is a chance for us to come back and enjoy a walk down memory lane. Check out the new stadium, grab a bite at Reber-Thomas, and join us October 19^th-20^th for Homecoming weekend! Friday night we’re bringing back the Homecoming Bonfire – including food trucks, Coach Gill and more! Then on Saturday join us on University Blvd. before the football game for the Homecoming Parade!

Written By: Mikayla DiSarle

When proposed with the idea of playing a college club sport that I had never before played, let alone heard of, my immediate answer was “absolutely not.” I said those two words just three weeks before starting my freshman year at Liberty University. That’s why I was elated when it was raining the day of tryouts. The only reason I considered showing up to tryouts was out of respect of giving my word to the girl who invited me just several weeks prior. I texted her and asked if tryouts were still on. “Yep! We play rain or shine. See you there,” was the reply. My stomach flew to my throat. I thought of every excuse I could as to why I wouldn’t be able to make it but, finally, I grabbed my stuff and made my way to the field.

What sport was I terrified of, you may ask? A sport that combines grace and grit. A sport full of competition and fun. A sport on the rise. A sport none other than Ultimate Frisbee. The minute I stepped on the field at tryouts, I felt accepted. The Ultimate community is what drew me to the sport and has kept me coming back ever since. Whether I’m playing here at Liberty or back home in South Florida, I have been given encouragement and constructive criticism to help me reach my full potential. One small critique can completely change the way you play Ultimate. That’s why our team verse is Luke 16:10, “One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much,” or as we like to say, “Faithful in the little things.” As a team, we believe that if you are diligent in how you practice and strive to perform your best, your hard work will pay off in the long run.

Ultimate is built off a few things: respect for the game and for each other, athleticism, and communication. Our coach constantly reminds us that “Communication is the key in life, marriage, and Ultimate.” Before playing, I knew sports to be refereed by an outside source. That way, if a call was made, it would be based on someone proficient in the sport who saw the bigger picture. Ultimate, however, is a self-officiated sport. Players abide by the “Spirit of the Game” which involves the golden rule – meaning you will treat others as you want to be treated. This concept blew my mind. Not only can I practice my communication skills in class or at work, but now I can practice a different aspect of communication on the field. I have learned how to articulate my position, respectfully express the rules of the game, and to stand my ground when necessary. These skills are as much a part of the grace and grit of the game as athletic ability.

As a Christian school, our team at Liberty strives to show the love of Christ in our sport. After every game, we invite the opposing team to join us in a group spirit circle. We thank them for playing, highlight any strengths we see in their team, and then ask if we can pray with them. They are all given the option, and no one is forced to stay. Most players will join in our word of prayer. No matter who won the last game or what calls were made, as representatives of Jesus Christ and Liberty University, we show respect to our opponents knowing that we are all united under the love of God.

As we walk to the end zone line to start the point, I look to my left and to my right and think about where we all started – as individuals. I was someone who came into the sport not wanting to play, skating along as the player that shows up to practice, does what is required, and leaves right after. Now, as I look at our team, I see a family. This is the family that I have needed as mine has been so far away. This is the family that has taught me winning is not everything, but it is pretty sweet. This is the family that always points me back to God, and He shows us what it truly means to win. As the disc is launched from the opposite end zone, we take off running, ready to take on whatever comes our way. Together. So, if you see some frisbee happening on our campus fields, come join in the experience and see where the disc will take you. Who knows, it may even guide you to your future family as it has with me.

Written By: Luis Rodriguez

Incredibles 2

Good things come to those who wait. So, after waiting for 14 years, Pixar finally came back with the sequel of Disney’s cutest superhero family. Incredibles 2 was a very anticipated movie, raising $182,687,905 in its opening weekend in the USA alone**. The storyline brings back one of the main issues the Parrs face: superheroes are not wanted anymore. This creates a tense environment as Bob still dreams to go back to his Mr. Incredible days and Helen has left her Elastigirl role in the past in order to focus on her family’s safety.

During the first Incredibles, Bob and Helen had trouble agreeing on what their position should be, given that being a hero is considered against the law. In this sequel, we can have a closer look at the normal lifestyle the Incredibles are forced to live in as society still condemns them for their heroic acts.

Disney took the feedback obtained from The Incredibles very seriously and used it to deliver a masterpiece. While we are able to see how Dash and Violet have mastered their powers and now are of great help while the family fights crime, Jack-Jack is the one who steals the show and our hearts. Even though he is still too young to control his powers and fight alongside the rest of the family, Jack-Jack and Uncle Edna, as she is now preferred to be called, are frequently the center of the attention along the storyline.

Whether it is Jack-Jack’s cuteness or our favorite tiny seamstress Edna Mole, there are a ton of acceptable reasons why you don’t want to miss our movie night on October 13 in the LaHaye Event Space. Incredibles 2 begins at 7:30 p.m. and another showing begins at 9:30 p.m. I’m so excited to see you there!

Resources

*https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3606756/

This semester we have an incredible lineup of Student Concerts. From the rock and roll feel of The Bergerons to the acoustic worship of Hope Cross to the edgy vocals of Julia Rothenberger, we’re so excited to provide these free shows to the student body. Below, we asked the students themselves some questions to help you get to know them better.

Joshua Sosin, lead singer of The Bergerons – 9/25

When did you get started in music?

I remember beatboxing in the car as a little kid and pretending a hockey stick was a guitar (typical Michigan kid). It wasn’t until I was in middle school that I started taking piano, my first instrument, seriously.

Are you a songwriter?

I’d say I’m a writer and sometimes songs spontaneously generate themselves out of that. I don’t really know where the songs come from, though.

Is there a musician that you look at and hope to model your career after?

Hmmmm. I’m definitely inspired by Paul Simon; he’s spanned genres and generations and is now basically a bard/sage figure for our time. I love him and I’d love to write until I leave the world.

When you’re not performing or writing, what are you doing?

Usually, I like to spend my free time reading, biking, having conversations with people dear to me, eating fruit and drinking espresso-based things. I also play Dungeons and Dragons and watch a lot of Vine Compilations.

What is the best show experience you’ve ever had?

When I was six, I saw Switchfoot at St. Andrews Hall in Detroit. It was the tour for the album Nothing is Sound, and I remember the song “We Are One Tonight” hit me so hard that I couldn’t stop crying. I was a sensitive kid. In regards to Bergerons shows, we played at Speakertree this summer with Oceanic and Caroline Guske and I loved that!

Hope Cross – 10/16

When did you get started in music? 

When I was six years old I discovered my voice, and when I was 11 years old I started writing songs.

Are you a songwriter? 

Yes!

Is there a musician that you look at and hope to model your career after? 

There are too many to choose! My writing is heavily influenced by Jon Foreman and Coldplay but my style is influenced by Maggie Rogers, Billie Eilish, Haim, and Ashe!

When you’re not performing or writing, what are you doing?

I am probably drinking coffee with friends or reading a book, cooking a new Pinterest recipe, traveling to a new place, or taking photos.

What is the best show experience you’ve ever had?

My favorite show I have been to this far in my life was a Hippo Campus show last year at the Jefferson in Charlottesville, VA!

Julia Rothenberger – 11/13

When did you get started in music? And are you a songwriter?

I got started with music pretty young just playing keys and singing for my youth group around age 12, and that was probably around the time I started to try writing my own songs. Just silly innocent love songs rhyming “eyes” with “skies”. I love looking back at those!

Is there a musician that you look at and hope to model your career after? 

Regarding artists I follow, I’ve always loved Justin Vernon (more famously known for his Bon Iver project). He’s a really modest guy with this hard-working creative discipline – I would love to model my career after that kind of example.

When you’re not performing or writing, what are you doing?

When I’m not doing music, you could probably find me outside. I’m a real introvert and so I love entertaining myself by being alone in the woods or on a walk somewhere. If I don’t get that every couple of days, I feel like a zombie!

What is the best show experience you’ve ever had?

The best show experience I’ve had so far was a student concert I was invited to perform at LaHaye last year in September with Oceanic – it was right at the start of a new and exciting year and I saw so much energy in the crowd and felt so supported and confident in that moment! Live music is really all about creating those special kinds of unspoken moments within a crowd. I love it!

For more information about the shows, visit our music page.

Written By: Trae Christian

If you are like me, you probably accept the fact that you spend way too much time using technology – especially on social media. As a college student, I know how important it is to manage my time wisely, and scrolling through Instagram can very easily cut into time that should be used to complete homework. The temptation to be glued to social media is strong, but when I think about how many hours a day I spend on my phone I do get a bit concerned. When I was in high school my mom would always tell me not to spend so much time on my phone, but it wasn’t until this summer that I realized how important it is to manage my time with technology. Unplugging is not easy, especially since having a phone and laptop has been a part of my life and so many people’s lives for so long now. However, there are so many benefits to stepping away from technology for a little, and those benefits point back to the importance of unplugging.

Did you know that spending too much time using technology affects mental health? The facts about overly using a device is mind-blowing to me. I honestly don’t want to know how many times a day I check my phone, because I know the numbers will disgust me. Often, I find myself pushing my home screen button for no reason, hoping that I will be greeted by some sort of notification. This behavior is common, according to Psychology Today, which states, “Dopamine causes you to want, desire, seek out, and search.” When we do check our phones and see a notification from someone, this dopamine is being released in our brains, making us desire to check it again and again. The dopamine release shows how difficult it is to unplug, and it makes me happy to know that I’m not the only person who really enjoys the activity that happens on my phone. To keep myself from checking my phone a lot, I try to keep it in a separate room or in my backpack while I’m doing homework so I don’t get tempted to waste time on it.

Whenever I use my phone for an excessive amount of time I can feel myself becoming anxious. While researching for this post, I came across wise words from the Becoming Minimalist blog. The blog says, “In a world where outside noise is coming quicker and louder than ever, the need for solitude becomes more apparent… and easier to overlook. True solitude and meditation will always require the intentional action of shutting off the noise and the screens.” I find solitude by setting moments aside each day to spend time alone and talk to God, and this simple act brings me peace that helps me get through the rest of my day. A great way to practice solitude is to simply take a walk alone to give yourself time to process what is happening around you. Another great practice is to set aside time in your day to pray and read the Bible. This will not only help your spiritual life, but it will also bring you peace and solitude, which is seemingly difficult to come by in our world today.

Another downside of using social media continuously is that it may cause you to struggle with comparison. The United Kingdom’s Royal Society for Public Health surveyed 1,479 people ages 14-24, and one respondent said, “Instagram easily makes girls and women feel as if their bodies aren’t good enough, as people add filters and edit their pictures in order to make them look ‘perfect’.” I know this has personally been a struggle for me in a different way, which is that I see my peers moving into sought-after internships and jobs after college. While stepping away from social media has helped me in this situation, I have also had to come to the understanding that people mostly post the best parts of their lives on social media, so their lives are rarely what they appear to be online. A practice that has helped me is turning to Proverbs 3:5-6 which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” You may have heard this verse a ton of times like me, but it always helps to be reminded of this truth.

Overall, social media and technology aren’t bad, you just have to know how to manage it properly. It is important to point out the key areas that excessive use of technology could affect in order to effectively make a change. I hope this blog post helps you work towards becoming a healthier and more productive student. Personally, I realize that spending time on technology is not bad, but it can be if it is not done in moderation.

References

7 Important Reasons to Unplug, Find Space, and Fight Technology Addiction

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-wise/201209/why-were-all-addicted-texts-twitter-and-google

https://time.com/4793331/instagram-social-media-mental-health/

Written By: Clay Copper

In 2017, the United States saw a 12% increase in hate crimes, the fourth consecutive year with an increase.* Today, 53 years after the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission put a legal end to workplace discrimination against women, female professionals still earn only $.80 to the $1.00 of their male counterparts.* While the United States occupies just under 5% of the global population, the nation holds a 22% stake in the population of prisoners globally.* These topics should be wildly concerning to followers of Christ, regardless of denomination. In an effort to inform, grow, and learn, Q Ideas was started with a clear intention: Stay Curious. Think Well. Advance Good.*

Q Ideas has become an incredible tool for leaders of the Christian faith, whether they are leaders in the church, workforce, school, or culture, to thoughtfully engage in solution-seeking conversation with the Kingdom in mind. Q Ideas is a platform for education and conversation, always keeping in mind that “Christians are called to redeem entire cultures, not just individuals.”* Through essays, videos, podcasts, blogs, and conferences, Q hopes to make this calling a reality for this generation. With topics varying from media, arts and entertainment, business, education, government, the social sector, and the church, Q engages in challenging conversations in hopes of redeeming God’s creation here on Earth.

One of the most powerful tools that Q Ideas has developed is their annual Q Union conferences – a gathering place for college students to listen, learn, share perspective, and create context for their beliefs. For the second year, we will be bringing Q Union to the students of Liberty University as they provide lectures on “The Power of We” from three nationally broadcasted speakers: Christian author Bob Goff, church planter and author Jo Saxton, and founder and CEO of charity: water Scott Harrison. Alongside these national speakers, three student speakers will offer insight to relevant issues in their areas of study. This night will be filled with difficult cultural conversations with the intention of engaging with “active leaders hungry to shape the future of culture.”*

Join us for Q Union on Thursday, October 25, in the LaHaye Event Space, beginning at 7pm.

References:

https://www.prisonstudies.org/sites/default/files/resources/downloads/wppl_10.pdf

https://www.britannica.com/topic/womens-movement

https://money.com/equal-pay-day-2018-gender-wage-gap/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/05/11/hate-crime-rates-are-still-on-the-rise/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.e544ab5e86f1

https://qunion.squarespace.com/liberty

Written By: Natalie Bassie

There may be two Jimmy’s in the world of comedy, but there is only one Michael Jr. Michael Jr.’s love for an audience’s laughter was sparked while at a movie theater. When the movie malfunctioned, Michael Jr. stood in front of the screen, cracking jokes. Everything changed once again for comedian Michael Jr. the moment he performed a stand-up routine at a comedy club in California for a live audience. Not too long after, Michael Jr. then appeared via satellite on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Michael Jr. has made appearances on Oprah, The Tonight Show, The Late, Late Show, and has performed at The Laugh Factory, The Improv, and The Comedy Store. Not only has he appeared on a comedy stage, but also as an actor in the 2015 faith-based film, War Room.

Michael Jr.’s humor is one that is known for being clean since the beginning of his career. His routines can be performed in front of any audience. Stand-up comedy can be sticky and sometimes too far when it comes to morality issues, but Michael Jr. has always stayed clear of the more risqué side of the job. He attributes this to his family, wanting to perform jokes that can be repeated even at the dinner table.

For someone who loves comedy and witty one-liners, it will be refreshing to experience a stand-up comedy routine where I do not have to worry about the appropriacy of what may be said next. Michael Jr. will perform October 26 in the Grand Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m., and he will surely leave us anticipating when we get to see him perform again!

References

https://michaeljr.com/biography

https://www.christianexaminer.com/article/michael-jr-explains-why-he-chose-clean-comedy-and-how-kids-influenced-his-decision/51021.htm

Written By: Kate Dolan

Let’s talk about plants, baby.

If you have been anywhere on social media lately, whether that be on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest, you have probably seen the current trend that everyone seems to be gravitating towards – indoor plant care. Regardless of if the reasoning behind the trend is solely for appearances or if it is truly a genuine love for all things foliage, no one can deny the draw to become the proud owner of a small cactus or aloe plant. I recently purchased eight plants at once on a whim, and I am quickly learning it is not all fun and games when it comes to plant care and maintenance.

Though owning and keeping something alive can be hard if you have never had much experience prior, the benefits are numerous and widespread. Dr. Jonathan S. Kaplan with Psychology Today states, “Having plants, going for a walk in the park, or even looking at a landscape poster could produce psychological benefits, reduce stress, and improve concentration.”* If you are anything like me, increased concentration and reduced stress do not seem like bad ideas in the midst of the hectic and demanding life of the average American college student. If you are not completely ready for the responsibility of a plant life resting on your shoulders, even pictures of plants in your living areas will suffice to change your outlook on school and life in general. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the power of plants.

There are numerous additional benefits to having plants in your general vicinity, according to Dr. Kaplan, that include but are not limited to:

• Increased attentiveness
• Improved attendance
• Raised productivity (by up to 15% according to Sophie Lee with NBC News*)
• Improved sense of well-being
• More restful sleep
• Lower levels of anxiety 
• Raised job satisfaction

I don’t know about you, but after looking at these benefits I’m left wondering why this indoor plant trend is just now becoming popular among young people. In a society where dissatisfaction, anxiety and lack of motivation run rampant, giving plants a try doesn’t seem all that crazy. And when it comes to sleeping, plants also play a positive role. More specifically, succulents, orchids, and snake plants emit oxygen while you sleep, leading to more restful and better sleep in general (according to Sophie Lee).

As an active college student, you may be thinking, “Kate, I can barely remember the assignments I have due every day, let alone keep track of watering and caring for something!” Well, I am here to tell you not to worry and that you are in luck. There is a vast amount of beautiful plants that take little to no maintenance yet still yield all the benefits. Being a generally forgetful person myself, my plants mostly consist of mini cacti and succulents, which I leave on my windowsill and forget about most of the time.

I do have a few plants that require a bit more TLC, and learning that has been a fun but also a humbling experience. If you want to spice up a room visually, Ferns, The String of Pearls, The Golden Pathos, and the Split-leaf Philodendron are among the best plants that are worth a bit more of your efforts.

I don’t pretend to be under the impression that plants are miracle workers that will help you win the lottery or get a date with that guy or gal you’ve been crushing on since freshman year, but they have proven to better the time spent indoors exponentially. Not to mention, plants also teach the responsibility that can only be learned from having to keep something alive, or in my case, from keeping eight things alive.

We all know the benefits of time in nature, but for those days when the only option is to stay inside and hit the books, why not try your hand at plant care and bring the great outdoors inside?

References:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-mindfulness/200903/plants-make-you-feel-better

https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/indoor-plants-can-instantly-boost-your-health-happiness-ncna781806