The Universe and I

I’m still in awe of the mysteries you left
How with soft whispers of breath
You explained the infinite

Once the words came off your lips
Galaxies and stars were commanded to exist
Each images of your greatness

To think that collisions of sparks
Would be perfectly positioned pieces of art
That in an array of patterned lights
Cold became heat and dust life

What a wonder to behold:
Burning gas and dusty planets growing as told
To see how the universe yearned to unfold

How amazing it would be:
To watch the first stars sparkle into being
Seeing your wonder spread across galaxies,
Knowing that in all this… you dreamed of me

A small life, an invisible soul
Nothing in comparison to creation’s whole
Yet one for whom you’d pay the highest toll

For while still unbeknownst to me,
The stars and galaxies proclaimed your glory
No, a love story

A tale of how you so adored
Someone so tiny and obscure
That you placed a million lights in the sky
Without a single reason why
Other than to be beheld by my eye

Written by: Naomi Hernandez

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In Honor of World Homeless Day: A Tale of Two Artists

A paper shred rests in my hand, smelling of secondhand cigarette smoke and marked with sloppy handwriting. Anyone else who caught sight of the note would think nothing of it. A scribbled message, likely nothing more than a quick reminder or thought, trash to be lost and found, nothing of importance.

But the eye betrays the true meaning behind everything. I know the value of this note. Worth can be found on this scribble of a page. It reads: “April 6th, 2022, West End Church, Robert the performing artist and Christian the poet.”

Can you see the value of my note yet? Likely not.

What if I told you of the notebook it came from? A small black sleeve no larger than the length and width of a hand, yet it was the most valuable possession Christian owned. Within its thin, small pages lay a collection of scattered words. Fragments of poetry, thoughts, and the breath of his life. The spirit of a man rested within those pages, his heart bleeding out on each one. Christian and Robert, struggling artists, both found themselves down on their luck for the time being. Now alone and homeless, the streets of West End Dallas found themselves guarding two masters of prose.

Christian conducted himself with a soft demeanor, a gentle and intelligent soul quite suited for his talent of poetry. Despite his worn-down attire and weary features, his passion shone through, and we spoke for several minutes of the struggles that come with being an aspiring writer. Robert, however, was a rapper. He too wrote his own work, and it could not have been more different from that of Christian. He sported a laid-back attitude, with a loud and somewhat sour disposition that rivaled that of Christian’s kind optimism. While Robert often rapped about the struggles of drug addiction, lust, and hangovers, Christian actively searched out the beauty in the world.

But more than that, there remained another stark difference between the two young men. Christian became a devout follower of the Lord several years ago. Robert however still refused to come to know the saving power of Christ. Perhaps this indicates why their view of the world appeared as if looking though two different lenses. Either way, that scrap of paper I now hold in my hand remains one of the few left in Christian’s notebook. He offered to write both his name and that of his friend’s on the page so I wouldn’t forget them.

Christian seemed to hold a great sense of weight to the idea of not being forgotten. He told me that writing things down marks a moment, and notes something of importance. So what he did for me I decided to do in return.

Christian and Robert, should I ever lose the note given to me, this page will stand as a testament to the moment I met you. I won’t forget you. And should I ever see you again, I promise I’ll always remember your names.

Written by: Naomi Hernandez

Image Credit: Naomi Hernandez

a love letter to my ocd

i hate you. 

i hate the way you control my life. 

i hate how you invade my every waking thought. 

how you pervade my dreams. 

i hate what you take from me.  

experiences. 

joy. 

excitement. 

i hate what you give me.  

fear. 

obsession. 

confusion.  

you deprive me of sleep,

of living in the moment,

of enjoying the life God has given me.  

every night i take an antidepressant, 

trying to keep the monster called “what if?” from eating through my mind. 

and yet. 

i love you. 

you’re a part of me. 

you’ve always been with me.  

you remind me 

of so many things. 

how fiercely i love. 

how devoted i am. 

how i desperately need to trust and be held 

and dwell in the arms of the Almighty. 

you remind me that i am small 

and i can’t do it 

and i need an all-powerful God to do it for me— 

something i always forget. 

you teach me Bible passages, 

pages upon pages of prose that soothe my soul. 

you bring me great hope 

even in the midst of great sorrow. 

you take a lot 

but you also give a lot 

and for that 

i guess 

i say 

thank you. 

Written by Caroline

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the minstrel

i met a man along the road 

a minstrel, i think he said. 

he wore a guitar across his back 

and a hat upon his head.  

his voice felt soft like summer rain 

but rich, like sweet perfume.  

he sang a song that touched my soul 

and kissed me with its tune.  

i couldn’t sing it for you now 

not even if i tried.  

i only know it broke my heart 

then cast my grief aside.  

he knew everything i’ve ever known 

it’s like he read my mind. 

and looking back, i guess he did. 

his words stayed sweet and kind. 

he left me shortly after 

and i haven’t seen him since.  

i hardly know the song he sang 

but won’t forget it hence. 

someone asked me, after that day,  

do you think you saw God? 

who else could touch your soul like that 

and trod the road you trod? 

i thought about the question 

and finally agreed 

that yes, i must have seen the Lord 

and His voice, it sang to me. 

how else could He slip in my mind 

in the saddest, gladdest way, 

if He had not known all its thoughts 

and loved it anyway? 

Written by Caroline

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The Continuous Struggle

At the onset of all my mental health struggles, I truly believed that it would only be a season of my life. I’d get through the worst of it and eventually close that chapter. As if mental illness exists as a virus we simply need to flush out of our system. Now a sophomore in college, my mental health journey only continues to ebb and flow. I go through some days perfectly fine. I act productive, eagerly engage in relationships, and just function as a “normal” human being. Other days I find myself waking up, already weighted with melancholy, not fully convinced I ever truly knew myself. It can be the most jarring experience to feel on top of the world one day, completely shattered the next, and not know why. Unsurprisingly, the nature of most days rests in between those extremities. I can carry myself well but stay reminded of all the ways my past mental health struggles still permeate. On days like that, I hesitate to start meals or linger by my reflection for a fraction of a minute too long. I cancel plans because even though I woke up feeling okay, the thought of being around people now makes my heart beat too quickly and my breaths come out ragged. I sit to play the piano and find my fingers uncontrollably shaking. I let drafts of Instagram posts pile up over months, and debate, for hours, over the right captions or the correct order of photos. I overthink the most cut-and-dry situations and interactions feel completely helpless in convincing my brain that I don’t have to believe every thing I think.

At the start of every year, I choose a Bible verse and a word to focus on. This year, I chose “Abundance” as my word. As a college student, I find myself on the precipice of endless possibilities and feel an almost intoxicating amount of excitement regarding it. I knew, however, that when we think of “abundance” we tend to only fantasize the positives. We assume that abundance only means good things. That a full life equates one without hardship and error. Amidst all the mental health struggles I faced, I wanted to see God’s hand in them. To witness his sovereignty and authority in every aspect of life, not just the mountain tops. Yes, happiness and contentment are worthy and beautiful end goals to possess, but we shouldn’t feel guilty for experiencing something incongruent to them. 

As both a Christ-follower and psychology major, I now see the tension between the church and mental health more vividly than most. The neglect of psychological health continues to persist in today’s world, in both the sacred and secular spheres, and my frustration with this reality only continues to grow. For my fellow Christians who fight battles in secret, I want to remind you that your experiences and emotions deserve validation and conversation. No correlation exists between the strength of our faith and our mental stability. Believing that God turns his face from us when we go through difficult seasons minimizes and distorts not only our identity, but God’s as well.

This past semester, one of my professors introduced to us the idea that happiness and contentment existing as the “normal state” of human beings might prove incorrect. At first, some might find this proposal offensive and pessimistic, but I can’t think of a single biblical reference that disproves it. Maybe back in Eden, before Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, that idea stood on steady ground, but not now. Romans 8:22 reads, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” While I believe that God wishes for us to live our days with laughter and peace, the world that we find ourselves in harbors suffering and brokenness. However, I consider us blessed that we hold the ability to go through turmoil; it means we know something greater exists out there for us to experience. Something Heavenly. 

Now, every time I feel overloaded with serotonin I praise God for that moment of complete bliss, and every time I get hit with extreme heartache I praise God for steadfastness through it and his promise to return to us and redeem it. 

Written by Gayle

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Working at the UWC

Getting hired at the University Writing Center happened when I least expected it to but needed it the most. Here, I am surrounded by my colleagues who always support and care for one another. This kind of work environment, rarer than it should be, remains the best part of working here. Throughout the office, people encourage one another in many ways.

We call my favorite form of encouragement Kudos cards. A system of writing notes to one another; the cards attest to something simple or something specific that the person succeeded in. Each note I receive makes me smile, and I keep every one of them as a reminder for a difficult day that people recognize what I do and appreciate it. I also tend to hold onto all cards given to me, a bit like a file for memories given to me by others.

What goes on in the office, pertaining to the job, helps solidify why my colleagues make this place fantastic. Upon entering the office, a slew of hellos and questions on how you are greet you; things like that make me feel like I truly belong with those I work with. It’s a warm feeling to have. Knowing that people who care and want to help you surround me, and that encourages me to want to help others, as well. Somebody always checks on you after a difficult situation, helping when the stress appears overwhelming, and a lot is going on in the office at once.

I am unable to put into words how thankful I am to work in such a comforting environment where I know I am accepted.

Working at the Writing Center holds many wonderful things, though this one will always hold my heart as one of the best things to happen to me.

Written by Belle

Image credit: Kayla

UWC from A-Z: Our Version of the Children’s Classic

We all remember when we learned our ABC’s: A represents Apple, B denotes for Bicycle, and so on until we reach Z. At the Writing Center, we take the alphabet very seriously because without it, we can’t read or write.

For this blog, we compiled a silly, personal version of the classic children’s’ exercise. This adaptation of the ABC’s corresponds to our quirky space we call an office! We hope you like it and that, maybe, it will make you laugh a little. Most of all, we hope you find it intriguing enough to schedule a visit with us!

Apples almost always represent A in the classic ABCs, but we pick APA and amazing for our A. Come to us instead of fighting APA guidelines alone. Active voice also represents A well, and we help people learn how to employ that to make stronger papers.

Books often show up for B in alphabet manuscripts, and most of our staff chose it, too, but we see some variation with bookworm and book-smart. One points out that books cover horizonal surfaces in our space. But another creative voice also tells us that beautiful blogs by our staffers epitomize the letter B. Yet another mentions our very Belle, a booklover just like the Disney princess.

C earned multiple connotations, too. As part of a Christ-centered institution, we cannot forget that His name starts with C. So does consultant, the title of those who help with papers. Caroline also opens with C; our Caroline oversees the entire blog process. Finally, we choose Christmas for our C because we keep pieces of every year alive year round in the UWC!

D symbolizes Director, Deneen (one of the Director’s two right hands), and the diverse decorations of which we overflow into the break room. Come see for yourself!

Expertise works for E, and consultants work hard to gain the expertise to help with papers and formatting. Our receptionists, too, maintain proficiency at the front desk, checking clients in with friendly care. Encourage also fits our E; students often exit our doors feeling like they can write, and they can!

F found a few good words for its letter: faith, format, and flowers. Faith sustains us all always, and we, as an office, faithfully pray for one another. Formats bring frustrated clients to our doors where we relieve that stress with sage advice. Flowers usually brighten our space, and we try to cultivate blooms, too, though we often fail.

Grammar simply must take top spot for G, but we give our G to God, too, because He provides for us, and we look to Him in adoration with grateful hearts. Oh, we cannot forget Gayle, who as our newest consultant, brightens this space. Nor can we fail to mention Gracie, our longest running receptionist, who welcomes clients with a glowing smile.

Homey, hospitality, and handouts all cozy up to the H spot on our list. Our setting feels homey, and our staff offers hospitality to all who enter it. Of course, many students stop by for our helpful handouts, which cover formatting and a plethora of subjects from grammar to idioms to specific assignments and much, much more. Find them on our website (please make “website” a hotlink).

Imagination runs rampant in the Center, so imagine how we can help with your pesky paper.

Jovial joking happens all the time in our office, and we often create inside jokes to bind us closer together. But our Senior Consultant Jessica also stands in for the J, and she absolutely provides the Director a second right hand.

Ks fill the office: Director Kā and consultants Kayla and Kaley bring the full force of K to bear kinetic energy in the UWC. Kindness, too, overflows here, a practice we fully believe matters.

Let’s look at L and see what the staff thinks. Lord starts with L, and Jesus, our Lord, loves us. We know love because He first loved us. Library also begins with L, and our Little Library offers free books for the taking. Take one and leave another, or simply take one. Your choice. Found outside our doors, it only closes when Security locks the building.

MLA takes first place for M, as it should, since many students request assistance with it. But let’s not forget that mint also begins with M, and we always provide mints for students and staff alike.

Nerd, or some form thereof, overwhelmingly won top honors for N. Others noted that noun also begins with N, and we use lots of nouns in writing. Naomi counts, too, as a proper noun; we certainly love her. You will, too, so come for a visit.

O garnered only two words: The Office, our current theme, and owls, our mascot. How many owls reside in the UWC? We don’t know because we never counted them, but if you visit, you can count them for us.

P managed to inspire different thoughts in every mind save two, who both noted the plants we attempt to keep. In fact, the Center holds many plants, and we actually designate a keeper to maintain them

Query and quirky both came to minds as we assembled this list. While the majority of our staff picked quirky to describe us, one pointed out that we answer writing queries for students, staff, and faculty.

Rhetoric describes much of our work, and you can certainly rely on us to help you with your writing concerns. Rachel, too, relies on the R when she signs her name, and we’re glad she joined our ranks because she brings joy along everywhere she goes.

S, like many other letters, gained three representations: sessions, students, and servant hearts. Sessions need students, and students need our servant hearts to welcome them, allay their fears, and provide guidance for their writing concerns.

Turabian pops in for T, reminding us that biblical scholars and some historians prefer this format over all others. However, thesaurus also starts with T, and we highly recommend using one to add variety to writing.

U takes the front position for most words that fit its letter. UWC and University both lead the way because they represent us and our space in the universe. Within the UWC, clients find understanding since we, too, struggle to find the perfect words and recognize the pain they feel. Underrated, too, describes us, as many students never even learn about our services.

V finds identity in value. Discover value added to your education when you learn to communicate more effectively with our services. But also note that we very much value every student who comes our way and uses our skills to his or her benefit.

W shows the welcoming, wonderous, wonderful, windowless, Writing Center, where we often employ Webster’s words right at hand in his dictionary. We also prefer to see papers in Word documents for ease of use, and we publish our own words on WordPress.

X brings us closer to the end of this silliness, and we land on the Xerox machine where we make many copies of handouts to share with clients.

Y fails to stymie us, for we place yellow legal pads on consultation tables. Both clients and consultants utilize them for note taking lest someone need a reminder of content later. Don’t forget, too, that we remain open year-round for any and every semester and class.

Z closes the alphabet and likewise closes our list. Here we offer two opposite ideas: zany and zone. Academically speaking, Lev Vygotsky developed the “Zone of Proximal Development,” meaning, that in our zone, we meet clients where they land in the learning process (Deneen’s class). Lastly, we contend that we and our room appear eclectically zany to many who seek us out.

We hope you enjoyed this alphabet journey and found something that inspires you to come visit us: check out our artwork, get help with a paper, or simply wander in to say hello. Hidden in the deep, not-so-dark recesses of the Collins’ basement, we overlook the vending machine and rest between the elevator and a stairwell. The only office in the belly of the building, we offer Light and clarity on the written word. Stop by today.

Written by: All staff!

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The Gift of Peace

Peace: we hear about this topic from a young age, whether from the Bible or from a history class. I want to investigate what it means in the Bible and as a fruit of the Spirit.

Peace looks different in everyone’s eyes, but true peace comes from God, so let’s dive into what it means as an aspect of Christianity.

The fruit of the Spirit includes multiple items, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” When looking at peace as a part of the fruit, it becomes clear how it works well with other pieces. Acting kind and gentle tends to display peace, and an atmosphere of peace conveys joy to those around us. Everyone longs for peace, and by displaying the fruit of the Spirit, peace spreads to others.

Look at peace as separate from the fruit, more than simply a gift from God. In Ephesians 2:14-15, Paul talks about Jesus being peace and how he makes peace: “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside his flesh in the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of two, thus making peace.” Jesus came down from heaven and died for the sins of the world so peace might exit; however, some seem to struggle in choosing to accept the gift.

Though God gave the gift of peace, which He offers in times of need, worldly ways tend to make it seem difficult to achieve. Paul mentions praying for peace in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.” I personally struggle with the practice of praying for peace; even asking for help feels difficult, but God made peace for everyone. God gives all of us peace if asked for, and Paul talks about practicing asking for it and finding it with you. Philippians 4:9 shows this: “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

God uses peace to spread His word and guide us to the path that we should take. Isaiah 55:12 mentions how His creations rejoice when they see someone lead by peace: “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Peace, a strong part of a believer, often goes overlooked. We hear about God’s children spreading peace wherever they go. Matthew 5:9 shows this: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This verse speaks to me as someone who avoids conflict and tries to find peace in every situation. It feels like God confirms that I am doing His will by spreading peace.

The topic of peace varies in so many ways depending on one’s point of view. The memories of talking about peace in history fail to reflect the definition of peace to me. Through my eyes, the definition of peace includes a part of Christianity and a gift from God.

Written by Belle

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Have Patience, Have Patience

As a little girl visiting my grandparents, my grandmother always sang me a song every time I felt impatient. The lyrics said,

“Have patience, have patience, don’t be in such a hurry. If you lack in patience, then all you’ll have is worry.”

Years later, I still remember that little song whenever I feel like rushing myself, others, or even God.

The Bible offers several pieces of good advice regarding patience. In Proverbs, Solomon tells us to tame our tempers with patience. He says, “Hot tempers cause arguments, but patience brings peace” (Proverbs 15:18). When we feel tempted to lash out at others in anger, we must remember that patience serves as the antidote to anger. When we want to settle something rather than argue about it, we must practice patient with those we disagree with.

Patience also helps us persevere. In Romans, Paul tells us that even when things get hard, patience will get us through it. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12) Whenever we face difficult times, we know that with sufficient patience, we may persevere. God tells us to have patience because He knows that He will take care of our worries in due time. While we have patience, it encourages us to constantly pray for what we need instead of impatience in trying to provide what we need ourselves.

Lastly, we should always have patience with each other, because God sets that example for us. Paul also says in Romans, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had” (Romans 15:5). Just as God asks us to love each other, we must also show patience with each other as Christ embodied patience with us in our sins.

So, whenever we are tempted to rush things or do it all ourselves, let’s take a moment to slow down. Remember that God has everything covered. Practice patience with someone who gets on your nerves, or even sing my grandmother’s little song about patience. God takes care of all of our troubles if we persevere and pray.

Written by Gracie

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Joy

Oftentimes, when we hear of God’s wrath and judgement, we feel tempted to entertain images of an angry God. We think, “God loves us, but He mostly wants to punish us for our sins.” When we get this idea of God, we forget that God embodies happiness! God exemplifies joy and wants us to experience a joyful life.

At the birth of Jesus, the angel in Luke said, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:10-11) Jesus’ entrance into the world brought us news of great joy! The fact that we may be redeemed from our sins by simply believing in Christ remains good news indeed!

Now, one may ask, “God has everything, so what about us could possibly make Him happy?” The Bible actually tells us what makes God happy! Luke says, “I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance,” (Luke 15:7). When one of God’s lost people finally comes to Him, all of heaven overflows with joy. Imagine someone giving all of their pain to Jesus, and, at that same moment, a radiant smile spreading across God’s face.

Another passage that proves that God has a joyous nature resides in David’s Psalms. David says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore,” Psalm (16:11). David describes God’s presence as overflowing with joy and that He extends pleasures from His hands. God wants us all to live a joy- and fun-filled life. He hands His people good and pleasurable things.

Lastly, when we encounter difficulties, James the disciple gives us an idea of how to react. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness,” (James 1:2). Now, when we come across difficulties and feel tempted to view Him as simply an angry God, we must remember to count it all joy. God does not mete out difficulties and trials to us. He gives us everlasting joy in order to deal with the hardships.

Dear reader, consider this list of just some of God’s marvelous creations, a list of a few of the pleasures in His right hand: sunsets, warmth, deep breaths, birdsong, all the shades of colors, textures, languages, soft breezes, the sound of running water, phases of the moon, every way to make a song, grass and leaves—and the list goes on.

It remains quite difficult to believe that an angry God created all of these and more.

Written by Gracie

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