Gratefully Red

Last month I went to Rob Bell in Des Moines. At one point he asked for some audience participation. We wrote on cards “ I know how you feel” and exchanged them ( I still have mine in a my daily planner to see it everyday) if we have gone through certain experiences. These experiences help us re-prioritize what is most important. In talking about these painful experiences, the audience started feeling vulnerable and emotionally-connected to one another. Rob explained that when you talk about suffering with others, the ground is holy all of a sudden. There is this bond that transcends and distance is bridged, what he referred to as an "art of solidarity."

I have this same feeling not of suffering when I see a Northwestern College t-shirt but of joy. When I see a Red Raider of the past, present, or future I have a sense of joy that says I know how you feel. I am a Fern girl and have done the ‘special’ snow angels. I have seen the boys in their boxers on Super Bowl Sunday performing the Great White North. I have been apart of many many pranks. I have driven all over country to support the football team. I have made late night Perkins and Wal-mart runs. I feel a sense of “I know how you feel.”

It is hard for me to think that just ten years ago I was a high school senior. The year was 1999. I was busy in high school playing volleyball, basketball, golf, and on chapel planning committee, spending time with friends, in the orchestra, speech, and more. I was exchanging senior pictures with friends and living the “good” life. Now as I look at the last ten years I see a multitude of God’s goodness and faithfulness in my life. Ten years ago at this time I would have not even thought about where I was going to going to go to college. Now 5 years after I graduated I see how great college was, what it taught me, and how I made the perfect decision on where to go.

Next week I head to my alma mater for my 5-year class reunion. I received a magnet in the mail that said Gratefully Red. I truly am gratefully red.

Here is what I learned from college.

I learned that you can be a follower of Christ and also be a fierce athletic competitor.

I learned what true and authentic community looks like. When you lose a grandparent there are friends there to build you up and comfort you. I found what true Christian community in worship, prayer, encouragement, and love.

I saw what deep unconditional, love looks like.

I learned how to have complete uninhibited fun with out any alcohol necessary.

I learned how to be a leader.

I learned to love Survivor.

I learned how to come out of my shell and be the social person I am today.

I learned to love culture and things that are different than what I am.

But most of all I learned what it means to be a follower of Christ. Northwestern put people in my life to teach me what grace looks like. They taught me what service looks like. The people I knew and met did not treat me like a dollar amount that paid tuition but a follower of Christ. They encouraged me to use my gifts to further his kingdom. I had professors who had a deep faith and love for what they did. They all knew my name. I had professors who came to my volleyball games as a Northwestern athletic supporter. I attended Chapels that challenged me and praise and worships that cut to the heart and soul of who I was and what I was doing.

When I wear my Northwestern sweatshirt or fly my flag I am proud of school I attended and what they have done for me.

So thank you Northwestern College for making me not only the teacher I am today but also the Disciple of Christ that I am today.

That is why I am Gratefully Red!