I was extremely blessed to grow up in White Oak with a solid group of Christian friends. However, I never really understood the significance of surrounding myself with a community of believers until I transferred to Texas A&M and was given two choices: I could make my relationship with the Lord my first priority and actively pursue Him or I could put my faith on the back burner until I graduated college.
Before I knew it, I was a week into my first semester at Texas A&M and Rush week had arrived. I gathered the times for Phi Lamb's Informationals and marked them on my calendar. I wasn't able to make the earlier meetings but there was one on Wednesday at 7:00PM and I was determined to attend!
After days of anticipation, Wednesday finally rolled around but, to my dismay, our Geology lab ran late which meant I would be pushing it if I wanted to make it to the Informational in time. My roommate, Aivan, offered to drop me off in hopes of saving time because it was already 7:00PM and we knew we would, inevitably, be hitting traffic on the way there. I distinctly remember being at the intersection of Joe Routt and Wellborn staring at the clock, which now read 7:15PM, and suggesting we just turn around and go back to the apartment. Aivan, however, encouraged me, "It's better to be late than never, right?" I nodded in agreement and embraced the fact that I would be arriving a good 25min late to the Informational. Not a day goes by when I don't thank God for the divine moment that was seized while stopped at the red light that Wednesday evening.
I quietly slipped in the back door and had made it just in time to hear two girls, Amanda and Abbey, enthusiastically declare, "We're cousins! And best friends! And roommates!" Then, while hugging each other tightly, they explained that they were the Songfest Committee Heads. I smiled as they danced off to the side so the officers could wrap up the Informational. Nikki hip-hopped her way to the microphone and prayed us out. My face beamed with joy as the Lord soothed my anxious heart and I thought to myself, "This is it. This is where I belong." I knew Phi Lamb was where I was meant to be! I may have been 25min late to the Informational, but God was right on time.
In the paragraphs that follow, I will do my best to touch on the ways in which God has used Sigma Phi Lambda and the friendships I've made to draw me closer to Him. Throughout the past three years, I have served as a Small Group Leader, Prayer Committee Head, and President. In doing so, I found my church home of 3yrs, met my best friends and learned the significance of relying on the Lord wholeheartedly in any and all situations. God revealed
Himself to me in ways I could have never imagined. He has shown me
the importance of surrounding myself with a community of believers who spur
each other on towards love, hold me accountable for my words and actions, speak
truth into me, and ultimately encourage me to glorify Him and make His name
great! I firmly believe people come into our lives for a reason. I believe God divinely places people along our path whether it be for a "reason, season, or lifetime" and that He uses others to reveal His best for us as we seek to follow Him. Perhaps this quote says it best: "Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or help you figure out who you are and/or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be, but when you lock eyes with them, you know at the very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way."
Sophomore Year:
I pledged Sigma Phi Lambda as a sophomore! I attended weekly Pledge Meetings led by two girls, Alex and Tori, who were as goofy as could be! The joy they had for the Lord was contagious and it was a blessing simply watching them work together! As the weeks went by, I felt a tug in my heart urging me to be Alex's friend...so at Pledge Retreat I swallowed my pride, walked up to her and before I even had time to think, the words, "CAN WE PLEASE BE FRIENDS?" came tumbling out of my mouth. Thankfully, she felt the same way...or at least she did a really good job pretending! HA! Little did I know just how much her friendship would impact my life and how meeting her was a divine appointment scheduled by God! I am so, so very thankful God placed her in my life because it was through Alex I found the church I would attend for the next three years, met my college minister, Mrs. Becky, who has heavily influenced my life, and found myself encouraged to swim upstream with my sisters and further develop my walk with the Lord in college.
Initiation 2012
Songfest 2012
Songfest 2013
She sat on me...but what else is new?
Alex made me laugh more times than I can remember and as you can see, the number of serious photos we took together can be counted on one hand...and that's not even HALF of them! She introduced me to drinking coffee through a straw so I'd only stain the back of my teeth instead of the front. Most importantly, however, she taught me so much about who I am in Christ while encouraging me to get to know Him and His character on a deeper level. She challenged my beliefs and put my faith to the test. We attended church together every Sunday, weekly Bible studies every Tuesday at the Wilkinson's for two years, and every Wednesday at the Stone's my sophomore year. I don't know where I would be had God not brought her into my life!
Junior Year:
I remember meeting Madi and Rylea at Songfest practice like it was yesterday. It was the first practice of the year and just a few weeks before Big/Little Reveal. Once again, I felt the Lord tugging at my heart; I felt drawn to them. I began praying through the process and handed it to God. During the next few weeks, He made it very clear to me that these girls were meant to be in my life. When it came time to pref our potential Littles, they were the only two names I wrote down. We may not have known what was in store for us, but it came as no surprise to God when our relationship with each other quickly went from Big/Little to BEST FRIENDS!
This was at Big/Little Reveal, the beginning of a lifelong friendship!
This picture was taken on our trip to Los Angeles over Christmas break! When the original plans for the trip fell through, these two stepped up and said, "We're taking you to LA." Seeing that Los Angeles is where I plan on moving, they knew how much that trip meant to me, as well as my dreams, and they were going to do whatever it took to get me there! These two have done nothing but encourage me in my dreams. They have believed in me and they have been my motivation when I found it hard to motivate myself. They were the answers to my prayers and I thank God every single day for bringing them into my life.
SoROARity Birthday Party
I remember meeting Madi and Rylea at Songfest practice like it was yesterday. It was the first practice of the year and just a few weeks before Big/Little Reveal. Once again, I felt the Lord tugging at my heart; I felt drawn to them. I began praying through the process and handed it to God. During the next few weeks, He made it very clear to me that these girls were meant to be in my life. When it came time to pref our potential Littles, they were the only two names I wrote down. We may not have known what was in store for us, but it came as no surprise to God when our relationship with each other quickly went from Big/Little to BEST FRIENDS!
This was at Big/Little Reveal, the beginning of a lifelong friendship!
This picture was taken on our trip to Los Angeles over Christmas break! When the original plans for the trip fell through, these two stepped up and said, "We're taking you to LA." Seeing that Los Angeles is where I plan on moving, they knew how much that trip meant to me, as well as my dreams, and they were going to do whatever it took to get me there! These two have done nothing but encourage me in my dreams. They have believed in me and they have been my motivation when I found it hard to motivate myself. They were the answers to my prayers and I thank God every single day for bringing them into my life.
SoROARity Birthday Party
Miles for Milson 5K
Although they are younger than me, these girls are wise beyond their years and they have taught me a LOT about God, His love, His purpose for our lives, and His goodness! They remind me every day to conduct myself in a way that is worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27) as they push me towards His heart. They have made me a better person and I know they will only continue to do so! They accidentally switch up their words and say things like, "My weakles are ank!" They willingly buy frozen squid and eel from the Asian Market so we can prank our friends. They clean my dishes for me and dust the living room when I have to run a quick errand so I can come home to a clean apartment. They're my best friends and I know, without a doubt, the friendship we have can withstand anything because it is a friendship from the Lord!
Senior Year:
As some of you may know, I could have graduated last December. However, when I was nominated for President in the spring of my junior year, the Lord made it clear that I was meant to go through the three-week process of elections, regardless of the outcome. I had no idea what God had in store for me, but I wanted to make myself available to Him. I wanted to give Him room to work. After three of the LONGEST weeks of my life, I was elected as President of Sigma Phi Lambda. This was solely an illustration of God's grace and was nothing I deserved! It was evident God wanted me at Texas A&M the entire year, so I split up my hours, grabbed hold of His hand tightly and began yet another journey that would change my life forever.
I had no idea just how much being an officer would challenge me. I also had no idea how much it would change me. The five of us hardly knew each other. In fact, the most I knew about each of them was that Jess had commercial/model hands, Shiloe wasn’t afraid of grabbing the first cookie at Prayer Group, we used Julianne’s truck for music at Songfest practice, and I really wanted to hang out with Carly McDougal. The only common interest we had, and the only one we needed, was Jesus. However, our family was not complete just yet. The Lord had a different plan in mind, a plan that was far more than anything we could have asked for or imagined. He brought us Casey, the sixth and final member of our family and team, and the only thing I could recall about Casey was that she once posed in a photo with me at a Christmas party while dressed as one of the Three Wise Men. We may not have known we'd one day play a significant role in each other's lives, but God knew! I said “hello” to strangers last year/semester and am now, by the grace of God, saying “goodbye” (but actually "see ya later") to my best friends.
These five girls taught me the importance of circling everything in prayer, whether it was Chapter Meetings, Officer Meetings, date parties, or Songfest practice. They encouraged me to pray boldly and confidently about my biggest dreams, and they encouraged me to seek the Lord first in everything. They spoke truth into me. They showed me what it looks like to walk with beautiful feet no matter where we go. They reminded me that God is faithful and that He is sovereign and we are called to joyfully submit to His will. They quote Heavyweights regularly and the first song that came to mind when we needed to kill time was I've Been Workin' on the Railroad, so nearly 200ppl began singing it in unison while we waited for the technical difficulty to be resolved. We laughed together, we cried together, we got off track at officer meetings every single week, but most importantly, we grew together in Christ's love!
This blog post doesn't even put a dent on the lessons the Lord has taught me through Phi Lamb and the friendships I've made! However, it is my prayer that this blog post encourages you to find community right where you are if you haven't done so already because I promise, it will change your life. I know, without a doubt, my life would be completely different had I not taken that right turn down Joe Routt 3yrs ago, but I did, and I thank God every day because of it. Although I am unable to share with you every single friendship I made and lessons I learned, I pray this tiny glimpse reassures you that the Lord divinely places people in our lives for a reason. We meet people through His design!
I will forever cherish my time in Sigma Phi Lambda! Both the memories I've made and the lessons I've learned along the way will be engraved on my heart forever, for it is because of my "Sisters for the Lord" I have found myself encouraged and challenged to be a virtuous woman of God! It's not every day you have the opportunity to chase after the Lord with 400 girls; it's the chance of a lifetime. I'm going to miss hugging them every single Monday evening, secretly sticking name tags on the back of each other's shirts until there's 50 of them, holding hands with them as we quote our sorority's verse together, and jumping up and down with them in boisterous laughter as we clap, dance and sing our sorority's song. We have walked through the storms of life together. We have prayed for each other during the good times and the bad. We have spent hours on end at Prayer Group each week, sharing testimonies and getting to know the hearts of our sisters. We have molded each other. We have challenged each other. Most importantly, we have encouraged one another to become more like Christ by challenging each other to walk with beautiful feet, ensuring there is significance behind every step as we seek to further God's Kingdom. It was through this sorority I was reminded that we, as Christians, are called to be a light in the darkness and to let the light of Christ shine through our words, thoughts, and actions. Sigma Phi Lambda has been, by far, my biggest blessing while at Texas A&M! I don't know who or where I would be had I not been encouraged to join. I vividly remember where I stood when the Lord made it clear that this would be where I devoted my heart because you never forget the moments that change your life forever.
To my sisters, thank you. I love you all.
My sweet friend, Nicole
These girls have inspired me more than they will ever know. My only regret is that we didn't meet sooner, for I wish I had more time with them! However, I am extremely grateful for the time I did have with them. Although we stole their silverware for three weeks, tied an eel on their doorknob and placed baby squids on their back porch, they always had a happy attitude. I'll definitely miss pranking each other back-and-forth, but I'll miss their friendship more.
This was at Nationals! We tried remaking the cover of Bridesmaids.
I walked to class with these girls for the last time today! We've walked to class together and waited on each other afterwards every Tuesday/Thursday. It's these moments I'm going to miss the most!
We took a road trip to Magnolia. It was here that #OMK was invented, interpretive dancing became a nightly ritual, and they learned who Simon Birch was.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
I had no idea just how much being an officer would challenge me. I also had no idea how much it would change me. The five of us hardly knew each other. In fact, the most I knew about each of them was that Jess had commercial/model hands, Shiloe wasn’t afraid of grabbing the first cookie at Prayer Group, we used Julianne’s truck for music at Songfest practice, and I really wanted to hang out with Carly McDougal. The only common interest we had, and the only one we needed, was Jesus. However, our family was not complete just yet. The Lord had a different plan in mind, a plan that was far more than anything we could have asked for or imagined. He brought us Casey, the sixth and final member of our family and team, and the only thing I could recall about Casey was that she once posed in a photo with me at a Christmas party while dressed as one of the Three Wise Men. We may not have known we'd one day play a significant role in each other's lives, but God knew! I said “hello” to strangers last year/semester and am now, by the grace of God, saying “goodbye” (but actually "see ya later") to my best friends.
We surprised Casey at meeting and had matching shirts made with her face on it for her birthday.
For Big/Little Reveal, we did our best to "shepherd" the LITTLE lost lambs to their BIGS! Where there's a wool, there's a way!
This is our family portrait, minus Jess! Carly was the baby, Julianne was the mom (June Cleaver), Shiloe was the angsty teen, Jessica was the grandma, I was the crazy aunt, and Casey was the hip great aunt.
These five girls taught me the importance of circling everything in prayer, whether it was Chapter Meetings, Officer Meetings, date parties, or Songfest practice. They encouraged me to pray boldly and confidently about my biggest dreams, and they encouraged me to seek the Lord first in everything. They spoke truth into me. They showed me what it looks like to walk with beautiful feet no matter where we go. They reminded me that God is faithful and that He is sovereign and we are called to joyfully submit to His will. They quote Heavyweights regularly and the first song that came to mind when we needed to kill time was I've Been Workin' on the Railroad, so nearly 200ppl began singing it in unison while we waited for the technical difficulty to be resolved. We laughed together, we cried together, we got off track at officer meetings every single week, but most importantly, we grew together in Christ's love!
This blog post doesn't even put a dent on the lessons the Lord has taught me through Phi Lamb and the friendships I've made! However, it is my prayer that this blog post encourages you to find community right where you are if you haven't done so already because I promise, it will change your life. I know, without a doubt, my life would be completely different had I not taken that right turn down Joe Routt 3yrs ago, but I did, and I thank God every day because of it. Although I am unable to share with you every single friendship I made and lessons I learned, I pray this tiny glimpse reassures you that the Lord divinely places people in our lives for a reason. We meet people through His design!
I will forever cherish my time in Sigma Phi Lambda! Both the memories I've made and the lessons I've learned along the way will be engraved on my heart forever, for it is because of my "Sisters for the Lord" I have found myself encouraged and challenged to be a virtuous woman of God! It's not every day you have the opportunity to chase after the Lord with 400 girls; it's the chance of a lifetime. I'm going to miss hugging them every single Monday evening, secretly sticking name tags on the back of each other's shirts until there's 50 of them, holding hands with them as we quote our sorority's verse together, and jumping up and down with them in boisterous laughter as we clap, dance and sing our sorority's song. We have walked through the storms of life together. We have prayed for each other during the good times and the bad. We have spent hours on end at Prayer Group each week, sharing testimonies and getting to know the hearts of our sisters. We have molded each other. We have challenged each other. Most importantly, we have encouraged one another to become more like Christ by challenging each other to walk with beautiful feet, ensuring there is significance behind every step as we seek to further God's Kingdom. It was through this sorority I was reminded that we, as Christians, are called to be a light in the darkness and to let the light of Christ shine through our words, thoughts, and actions. Sigma Phi Lambda has been, by far, my biggest blessing while at Texas A&M! I don't know who or where I would be had I not been encouraged to join. I vividly remember where I stood when the Lord made it clear that this would be where I devoted my heart because you never forget the moments that change your life forever.
To my sisters, thank you. I love you all.
Nikki and Melissa, the VP and President my sophomore year!
My sweet friend, Nicole
These girls have inspired me more than they will ever know. My only regret is that we didn't meet sooner, for I wish I had more time with them! However, I am extremely grateful for the time I did have with them. Although we stole their silverware for three weeks, tied an eel on their doorknob and placed baby squids on their back porch, they always had a happy attitude. I'll definitely miss pranking each other back-and-forth, but I'll miss their friendship more.
This was at Nationals! We tried remaking the cover of Bridesmaids.
I walked to class with these girls for the last time today! We've walked to class together and waited on each other afterwards every Tuesday/Thursday. It's these moments I'm going to miss the most!
We took a road trip to Magnolia. It was here that #OMK was invented, interpretive dancing became a nightly ritual, and they learned who Simon Birch was.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Challenge: Don't abandon your faith. Get involved immediately, don't put it off! No matter where you go, whether it be College Station, TX or Los Angeles, CA, seek community and surround yourself with believers. Remember who you are in Christ. Strive to know Him more each day. Seek Him first and foremost above all things. Trust that His plan is far better than your own and follow wherever He leads you. Be a light in the darkness. Read His word daily. Challenge yourself and others. Most importantly, love like Jesus and abide in Him. Your love for one another will show who you belong to!
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and one mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!" Romans 15:5-6
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