The Power of Words

When I first accepted the position of ULC Director, I immediately knew I wanted to begin some type of blog as a platform for part of my encouragement to the student leaders.  I have always found that I express myself best through writing.  Having recently taken up the blogger lifestyle myself, I felt what better way of leading and serving than to utilize the same passion and expression of my heart through writing, in my job? 

I can’t tell you what exactly this blog will look like over the course of the year.  I can’t tell you how often it will be read by leaders on this campus.  I can’t tell you how the Spirit of God will speak through those who write for this blog.  I can’t even tell you who all will write for it.  However, I can tell you some of the inspiration behind the title, and my vision for this form of ministry. 

So here goes nothing--> I’m a words person.  Words of affirmation are my second love language, and by and far, the words spoken by various people over the course of my twenty-one years have helped shape me into the person I am today.  I often say that words can hurt, but even more so, words can heal.  I am sure all of you can think of a specific moment (or more) in your life where someone said something to you that hurt – and because of that part of you changed.  Perhaps someone said something that has stuck with you for years, because you have found part of your identity and purpose in it.  Perhaps it was something that made you question your gifts and abilities, your call, your faith and beliefs, your worth.  In my mind, whoever coined the phrase “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me,” wasn’t being very realistic, because there are times when the words of someone can and do hurt.

It is my hope, however, that there have been far more times in your life where someone (or a number of people) have spoken words of truth and encouragement into your life, that have also changed you in some way.  Perhaps you have a good friend who calls you out on things when you are being a tad ridiculous.  Perhaps you have someone in your life who allows and encourages you to feel exactly what you are feeling in a moment, and the words they speak are so accepting and affirming that you feel a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding.  Perhaps they are words that remind you WHOSE you are in moments when you seem to have forgotten.  Perhaps they are words that strike a heart chord in such a way that you never look at life and the gift of a day the same way again.  Perhaps they are words that are so timely and uplifting that a greater power must have been at work.  The power of words and phrases continues to amaze me and it is my prayer for you that the words you would speak, as well as the words that would be spoken to you would be a reflection of whose you are, and would bring life.

This year we have begun using the word IMPACT to describe ourselves as leaders serving under the Department of Student Life.  We each play an important role in the life of our campus community, and individually, as well as corporately, we make an IMPACT.  When trying to come up with a name for this blog, I felt compelled to create a phrase using IMPACT as an acronym.  First off, this blog has a fairly simple title – IMPACT.  That part is not very creative.  However, just below the title you will find words that speak directly to my heart for what this blog has the potential to be.  IMPACT: Inspiring. Motivating. Passionate. Active. Community. Transformative.

Let me explain--> It is the desire of ULC to inspire and motivate each of you as you live into and serve out of who you are in your individual roles.  Everyone on the ULC staff has served in a leadership position in some way during our time at AU, and so we know how important it is to know there are people who are praying for you and acknowledging the good and difficult work you are doing.  We also have a desire for IMPACT to be a community of servants who are passionate about what they are doing, as well as actively pursuing their work as though they were serving Christ.  Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”  I feel compelled to ask, who are you serving this day?

Lastly, you are all leaders in your own way – you have been selected for the role you are in and you have been given an opportunity to lead and serve those around you.  You have the ability to transform the lives you encounter because of the opportunity you’ve been given.

IMPACT Leaders 2014-2015

Friends, thank you for being you.  Thank you for giving your time, energy and self to our community.  You are appreciated.  You matter.  You make a difference.  It is my hope and prayer that this blog would inspire and motive you to be a passionate, active community of leaders who have the power to be transformative, both on our campus, and in our world. 

Until next time,

Courtney Rice

ULC Director, 2014-2015
Morrison Hall RA, 2013-2014