#chi alpha

[how-the-heck-are-ya]

Honestly, the best group of friends a girl could have.

[passingchurchnotes]

[tracingbackirises]

I’ve decided that everyday for the next year I’m going to post about something/someone that I’m thankful for. Some things might be cliche and some things might be silly, but they’re all things I’m genuinely thankful for. Today, I want to say that I’m thankful for Chi Alpha (a Christian fellowship for college students). I tend to forget how fortunate I am to be a part of a community of such strong believers. I’m blessed to know every single one of them, and I know that before I knew them, I prayed for Christian friends. Meeting them and walking with them helped me to learn so much about God’s character, and it’s so encouraging to see people my age forsaking the world and running after Him. Chi Alpha has given me a family, and I am forever thankful for them.

[northernstories]

Meet Megan Hibbard, a theatre technology major, dance and art and design minor from Clarkston, Michigan. We asked Megan and the other dance majors and minors a few questions about NMU, in honor of National Dance Day:

Why did you choose the NMU Dance program?  

Megan: I chose the NMU Dance program because I wanted to continue to learn about dance and keep pursuing one of my passions. After joining and meeting our amazing professor, director, and choreographer, Jill Grundstrom, I knew I wanted to stick around!

What's an example of a cool, interesting or helpful thing that you have done as a part of your major?

Megan: Something that I love that we have really explored is why we do what we do. Jill takes a lot of time to explain to us why we do certain motions and exercises and how that effects our bodies. Speaking more generally, I love how much freedom we get to explore choreography inside of the studio and out!

What are you involved with on campus?

Megan: In addition to performing and lighting designing at the Forest Roberts Theatre, I am the worship leader at an on campus ministry called Chi Alpha. I do my best to split the time I’m not in classes between these two things!

What do you love about Dance or the NMU Dance program? 

Megan: When it comes down to it, I love the community of the NMU Dance program. Everything the arts comes down to is telling a story and expressing ideas through human connections. Even though it looks different for us in this pandemic, I will take anything I can get with these amazing people.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy?  

Megan: Outside of school, I love to make music, go to the beach and hang out with friends (especially if we are going to get coffee!)

Of your activities on- or off-campus, what has been the most rewarding and why?

Megan: To be honest I think that everything that I’m involved with on campus has worked together to be the most rewarding. I’m a barista at Starbucks which has taught me people skills, performing and designing at the theatre has given me connections with the Marquette community and what I want to do, and Chi Alpha has grown me spiritually and given me a chance to grow alongside some incredible people.

What does “be Northern” mean to you?

Megan: “Be Northern” to me means to be adventurous, be genuine, be helpful, and be united. Marquette is such a unique place where everyone is for each other! If you are kind, are there for others, and you keep trying even when you fail, you will fit right in!

What are your hopes or plans after graduation? 

Megan: I hope to continue my pursuits of worship leading and being a technician by going to work as a worship/creative pastor in a church!

Why do you wear a mask?

Megan: I wear a mask to keep myself, my friends, coworkers and professors safe!

How have you been practicing social distancing?

Megan: I wear a mask, keep my distance, and ask my friends if they have been practicing safe behaviors before seeing them!

How has COVID-19 changed your perspective or your lifestyle?

Megan: COVID-19 really paused everyone’s lives and as I am biased, I still feel that it just took a huge toll on the artistic community. This pandemic has reminded me of the importance of what we do, and how everyone needs human connection somehow.

[tracingbackirises]

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[bamberholiday]

My story is a story of providence.

I often though of it as lame or boring and was quite honestly resentful. But I’ve learned that there is beauty in it.

I have loved Jesus for as long as I can remember. Beyond that even. I grew up the “good girl.” I went to church, Sunday school, and youth group. I volunteered, had good manners, and tried my best to be kind to everyone. For all intents and purposes, I was a good Christian.

But I wasn’t an on fire Christian. I was stagnant. I didn’t do what God was asking of me. (Grace through faith alone, yes, but with that there should be a desire to give everything back. We cannot come close to matching the sacrifice that Jesus paid, but we should long to try.)

I’m not there yet, but I’m jumping ahead of myself.

I was in a state of doing what was asked of me and what I thought was expected. I knew the right answers -I was the good girl. But I didn’t put in any effort beyond that. I never sacrificed or have until it hurt. I didn’t spend time on my own building a relationship with God. I was relying on the community I was with to do it for me.

There was never an exact moment that I could point back to, but slowly, surely I’ve been changing that mentality. I’ve been spending time with my Lord. I’ve been building a relationship with my Abba, father, and learning to turn to him first. And let me tell you -it is the most rewarding thing that I’ve done in my short life.

I say my story is one of providence because God’s hand has been evident. He has keep me from a lot of harm and given me a solid foundation upon which to build my faith. I may have taken him for granted, but he’s always been there.

I’m not there yet, I’m not sure I’ll ever be. But I’m falling deeper in love with my savior and it’s kinda a snowball effect. The more I grow the more I want to. So I’ll rest in the joy and peace that come from him alone and keep seeking my savior.

Off in pursuit of Christ, Olivia