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Finding Your Way Home By: Rev. Dr. Lisa D. Rhodes, Dean of the Chapel Homecoming evokes images of reunion, parades, pageants, friendships, fun, and football. It is also a time to welcome alumnae back home. But what does home really mean? When asked this question, Taylor Buck, C’2014 said, “Home is my true self.” Living for other people is often the case when one is growing up and coming of age. So many college students live life trying to discern who they really are because they have lived so many years trying to be somebody else. There are pressures and expectations from various people who want you to become someone that you are not. Home is being comfortable in your own personal space. It is feeling safe, secure, and at peace with who you are in any given moment, and also who you are becoming is an ongoing process. Home is your true self, your authentic self, your God-given birthright to be you and to hear —the “sound of the genuine” that is uniquely your inner voice. Home makes you smile and the smile comes from a deep place of joy because you know you are loved and accepted for who you are, not who others want you to be-the love and acceptance you feel are unconditional. If you do not feel comfortable in your own house, you are not at home...Find your way home. Poet May Sarton writes, “Now I Become myself. It’s taken time, many years and places. I have been dissolved and shaken, Worn other people’s faces...” “Who am I, and where do I belong?” These questions of identity are deeply personal but necessary. Along life’s journey, you may wear many faces, trying to see which face fits, and perhaps unknowingly, you may begin to mask your identity, silence your voice, and shy away from your true self. As a major part of the WISDOM (Women in Spiritual Discernment of Ministry) Center’s Residential Scholars Program, a small community of students create a safe space and a strong sisterhood in the Bessie Strong Hall. These students are encouraged through assigned readings to reflect on questions of identity with a vision toward discovering and rediscovering their authentic self and are encouraged to step into their vocation. In an essay they read entitled, Now I Become Myself, the WISDOM residential scholars engaged Parker Palmer’s Let Your Life Speak: Listening to the Voice of Vocation, with honesty. In our reflection meeting, they shared the realities of personal and vocational struggle for authentic selfhood and purpose. During Homecoming season, make wise choices that will move you closer to the core and center of your authentic self and in this movement listen for the “sound of the genuine,” for this will be God calling you to find your way home. Upcoming Sisters Chapel/WISDOM Center Events Homecoming Worship Services: 11:00AM Sunday, October 20, Reverend Tiffany Thomas, C’2008 Sunday October 27, Reverend Shareka Newton, C’2003 Praise Fest Concert 2013 Friday, November 8 7:00 PM Sisters Chapel Sisters Chapel Spiritual and Leadership Development Series October 29, 2013 Dr. Marilyn Davis November 12, 2013 Reverend Natasha Reid Rice, Esq. Ebenezer Baptist Church February 4, 2014 Dr. Rosetta Ross Free-Thinking Francis: A Review on the Current Pope By: Karys Belger C2016 The College of Cardinals has a saying when it comes time to elect a new leader of the Catholic Church: “After a fat pope, a lean pope.” This means that the pope elect is often gravely different from the one previous. Since his election as leader of the Catholic faith in March, it was clear Pope Francis was drastically different from his predecessor. He is the first pontiff to take the name Francis, the first to come from the Americas, and the first Jesuit. Even more unusual are the Holy Father’s opinions— unusual in the sense that they stray from traditional Catholic teachings. Pope Francis has expressed liberal views on a number of controversial topics from homosexuality and money laundering within the Vatican to the position of women in the church and the need for a more youthful religious viewpoint. His Holiness has been quoted saying that although he believes homosexual acts are indeed sinful, homosexuality itself is not. With regard to celibacy in the priesthood, Francis said in the book On Heaven and Earth that, “Celibacy is a matter of discipline, not faith. It can change.” His outlook represents a vividly open-minded opinion in a historically conservative faith. With regard to women in the church, the pope believes that females should have more authority, but he still doesn’t believe they should be ordained. His thoughts on unwed mothers are also forward thinking. In the past, priests have refused to baptize infants born to unwed mothers. The pope recognizes that these women have made a mistake but their children should not be penalized. Francis believes these mothers have done the right thing by giving their children life, despite the lack of paternal support. The Pope has expressed his desire to be more attainable and to create a church that is less Vatican-centric and more directed toward the people, particularly the poor. Much like the saint that he took his name from, Pope Francis is very much concerned with the well-being of the impoverished. He has stressed the rejection of “material worldliness” in favor of taking the money that would be spent on ornamentation and using it to better the lives of the disadvantaged citizens of the world. Yes, it’s quite clear that the new Bishop of Rome is proving to be a “lean pope” indeed. Spiritual Vitamin By: Alaja Phillips C’2015 It is no secret that new transitions and adjustments are imperative in your life. College life is intricate and it is easy to get overwhelmed. In times of confusion and frustration, remind yourself that all obstacles make you stronger and wiser. The view you have on a situation can change everything about it. Be mindful of the expectations you set. Ask yourself if your expectations are realistic and achievable. If you are wondering why it is taking so long to finish a project or end a situation, consider that it may be because the outcome you are expecting is unrealistic. Assess the possible outcomes for a situation. You may have a hard time making a final decision, but it is better to assess every possible outcome than to let doubt put a hold on progress--take out time to address doubt. This will reveal the most beneficial path for you to take. Do not mull over choices you have made in the past. Instead, ask yourself, “how will I do better next time?” It is counterproductive to focus on things that have already passed. Of course it is fine to reflect on the past to determine what went wrong for future reference, but try not to dwell on these memories for too long because after all they are just memories. No matter what the task is, continue to operate efficiently. Look at every opportunity as a chance for self growth and discovery. Always remember, you are toning yourself for something much greater. The Great Debate: Homecoming vs. Religion By: Jasmine M. Ellis c’2015 Homecoming is the time of the year when people have to make a lot of decisions. There’s which parties to attend, when to study and when to socialize, and the sometimes taboo issue of what to drink. Homecoming is definitely popular among the masses, but not all students participate in the festivities in the same way. Senior biology major at Boston University, Yasmin Othman, will be attending the first homecoming of her college experience in the Atlanta University Center. Othman spent time at Spelman in the Spring of 2013 as a Domestic Exchange student. Othman’s Islamic beliefs will shape her homecoming experience. “It’s my first time attending a homecoming because my university does not have one,” Othman said. “But I know it’s kind of a tacit rule that everyone will heavily drink during homecoming week, and that is something I won’t be participating in due to my religious beliefs. “Because I’ve been raised my entire life on many Islamic beliefs, it has become my personal code of conduct, so when I decide not to drink its less of ‘I won’t do this because my religion forbids me’ and more of ‘I won’t do this because I don’t think its something I personally need.’” It is tempting to follow the crowd. During homecoming, a lot of students want to be where the excitement is. For some students, like Ruth Evans C’2015, religion reminds her to refrain from activities that are not conducive to her spiritual health. “Being a believer in Jesus Christ influences my decisions during homecoming by guiding me to know what to participate in and what not to,” Evans said. “Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni of your school, which means [there are] parades, tailgates, rallies, picnics, homecoming dances, and competitions. For example, if the AUC invites an artist that has the same mindset of 2 Chainz, that degrades our beautiful, intelligent, amazing African-American sisters, the Holy Spirit within me would automatically deny participating in that.” However, when you don’t participate in social norms, which in college often includes drinking, many question that. Othman has been at the receiving end of comments and questions about why she does not participate in certain social activities. “It can be difficult at times due to the fact that not many people understand why I don’t do many things, among them drinking,” Othman said. “Usually when I turn down a drink the whole situation become this awkward game of 21 questions starting with ‘Wait....you don’t drink?! Why not? Is it a religious thing?”’ In American college culture, drinking is prevalent in the social scene. However, not all Americans indulge in alcoholic beverages. Othman elaborates on her thoughts towards society’s inclusiveness towards drinking. “I feel like society has time and time again equated having fun to drinking,” Othman said. After 21 years I can confidently say that I don’t need alcohol to have a fun time. But it’s also important to note that if you do have more fun drinking, then that’s completely fine, too.” Boundaries are an important aspect of homecoming for both returning and newly admitted students. Evans shares advice for students who are struggling to maintain their religious beliefs during homecoming “Know your purpose of being at homecoming. If you do not feel right going to one of the activities then do not let anyone peer pressure you into it. We know our boundaries, we know what is right, so don’t dwell in the foolishness,” Evans said. Religious Stereotypes By: Margan-Taylor Webber C’2014 Religious stereotypes exist for every religious sect. When people are ignorant to different belief systems, religious misconceptions form. With any group of individuals that conform to a certain set of beliefs may often have preconceived notions about another belief system. For example, Jehovah’s Witnesses are those who worship Jehovah as the creator of all things. One misconception is Jehovah’s witnesses being seen as unpatriotic, because they refuse to salute or pledge to the American flag. Another misunderstanding is that Jehovah’s Witnesses think everyone but the members of their religion are going to hell. Jehovah’s Witnesses are also widely known for approaching people with evangelical publications used to convert others to their religion. As these stereotypes may actually be consistent with the actions of many Jehovah’s Witnesses, there are reasons behind their actions. It is true that Jehovah’s Witnesses are persistent when trying to inform others of their religion, but their reasoning behind this is fundamental to their belief system. To Jehovah’s Witnesses, preaching the word is deemed a form of humanitarian effort and it gives non-believers some form of hope for their future. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that their allegiance only belongs to God’s Kingdom. Jehovah’s Witnesses are not involved in politics, government, or patriotism, because they believe that Jesus’ kingdom is not part of the world, therefore no worldly organization should be entertained. Although Jehovah’s Witnesses consider themselves Christians, they reject the Christian doctrine of eternal damnation to hell. Instead, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that after death human spirits are inactive and neither go to heaven nor hell. Ignorance coupled with preconceived notions will leave many clueless as to why followers of a particular religion behave the way they do. Instead of forming or immediately believing the stereotypes associated with certain religions, seek knowledge of their belief system to be able to distinguish between fact and myth. Religion & Social Trends Did You Know.... 1. In U.S., 77% Identify as Christian 2. Seven in 10 Americans Are Very or Moderately Religious 3. Mississippi Is Most Religious U.S. State 4. Americans Say More Religion in U.S. Would Be Positive 5. Most Religious U.S. Cities Are in the South and Utah 6. Rhode Island Most Catholic State, Arkansas Least 7. U.S. Catholic Hispanic Population Less Religious, Shrinking 8. In U.S., Rise in People with No Religious Preference Slows in 2012 9. In U.S., 46% Hold Creationist View of Human Origins 10. In U.S., Churchgoers Boast Better Mood, Especially on Sundays 11. In U.S., Very Religious Have Higher Wellbeing Across All Faiths 12. Americans, Including Catholics, Say Birth Control Is Morally OK by Gallup October 18,2013