My husband and I are what some people would call musicaholics.  I’m not sure where his deep interest in music came from, but mine was born from two parents who each had a strong interest in listening to music.  My dad played the organ he bought for my sister and I, but played totally by ear, without any knowledge of music.  Both my mom and dad would sing many of the standards they loved.  I must say, those are very fond childhood memories.

My husband and I have been known to attend many different types of concerts supporting our eclectic taste in music, from classic, new age, country and gospel. Several years ago I attended a work conference which included a special event.  I was able to take my husband with me as he really wanted to see the performer, Jennifer Hudson.  We had great seats, up close and she didn’t disappoint anyone in attendance.  The concert was incredible!

Fast forward to yesterday.  I had an opportunity to experience chapel service with Ottawa University’s new student population in Surprise, Arizona.  Typically when one attends chapel, it is filled with a congregation of people who are liked minded and in close relationship with our Lord and Savior.  This isn’t necessarily the case for this group of 450 young adults.  Many of them are college athletes who were recruited by an OU coach and then learned OU has a steadfast affiliation with the Baptists, which therefore, requires weekly attendance at chapel.

To be honest, I’ve been deeply curious just how this experience would play out.  I’ve heard about students who try different angles to get out of this requirement, most unsuccessfully.  I also observed one of OUs very skilled mentors talking the chapel requirement through with one student who claimed to be an atheist and felt the whole chapel experience would be uncomfortable.

First, let me say that I am extremely proud to be an alumni of a university that is clear and firm in what their mission is and how it can positively affect the lives of so many people, both academically and spiritually.  Second, I’ve spent a lot of time over  the past two weeks considering what a powerful mission field OU has created to reach the hearts and minds of so many and what a significant ripple affect this investment will make for many years to come.

During yesterday’s chapel service a guest pastor boldly challenged the very diverse auditorium of young minds to be open to the possibilities of what God had in store for them.  The pastor was very clear that Gods love was there for all of us, given by grace and not by an attempt on our part to do enough good things.  I was trying to listen as if I was hearing this for the first time, and at a time when there are so many conflicting messages our young adults are bombarded with these days.

Despite my deep sense of wonder, I was still confident that a handful of young, impressionable people gave their hearts to God yesterday.  Most will have done so privately and quietly, but nevertheless, I rejoiced that lives were changed and I was there to feel it. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that there are eight non-athletes in this inaugural group who were recruited to eventually lead their praise and worship.  One of them, a big burly guy with gorgeous blond hair and a enchanting smile got up in front of his room full of peers and prayed with confidence, with boldness and with excitement.  He definitely knows where he’s going and is on a mission  to take as many of his student colleagues with him!

So about now I imagine you’re wondering how these two stories, about Jennifer Hudson and OU intertwine.  Let me catch you up!

Jennifer sings a song that has spoken to me since I heard it.  It’s called Believe and the chorus lyrics came to mind for me yesterday as I was leaving chapel.  See I was saying a prayer of thanks that my parents exposed me to Christianity very early in life and that I’ve been blessed to walk through this life with such assurance and belief. I’ve been known to say that I developed an unwavering faith and belief which has certainly served me well in a life (like many of yours) that has had its deep low points, but also many mountaintop high points as well.

The lyrics that I often sing from Believe are:

I raise my hands, bow my head, I’m finding more and more truth in the words written in red, they tell me there is more to life than just what I can see, oh, I believe.

That’s my hope for you, all those you love and care about and for every student not only in the OU campus but in every school.  Life will be hard, but the joys are immense and if we only Believe,  this life becomes the gateway to eternal Joy!  I also pray that each one of you are open to an opportunity to live out your beliefs in such a powerful way that you are causing those you meet to either confirm their faith right along with you, or wonder enough to ask you what you have that they need as well.

There is more to life that what we can see, so please help others find it too!

As I shared many times before, I tend to learn a lot as I’m writing this blog.  This week, I learned that the song Believe was originally recorded by the country duo Brooks and Dunn.  So if that version is of interest, please listen to it or both versions!  I’m sharing Jennifer’s version as those who know me best, know I’m especially moved by the power of a black gospel rendition!