Clinging to the Golden Cord

My name is Brooke Williams and I graduated from Anderson University in May of 2014 and am currently working towards my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from IWU. Throughout my time at AU, I served as a DC for Rice Hall, South/Tara apartments, and then became the DC advisor while sweet Becca Palmer was on maternity leave. While each year had its own blessings and trials, there was a common theme among them all. Each year, I experienced some sort of darkness that often kept me in a pit (some small and some large). There were moments where I honestly didn’t know why God wanted me to serve as a leader on campus and other times where I just believed I did not have enough strength to do what He was calling me to do. The truth is that sometimes being a student leader leaves you feeling empty, inadequate, and completely worn. When the semester’s work load is getting heavy and Satan is attacking your hall or ministry or choir, you begin wondering when you will feel peace and hope again. To this, I say that God is faithful. In times where you feel the darkness looming over you, He is the light. 

Whether you are coming to the end of your first year as a student leader, or you have served for many years and are about to graduate, I hope you remember how valuable you are on campus. Do not let the darkness discourage you. Last year, as I was nearing graduation, I was faced with this same struggle. I was taking 16 credit hours, working two jobs equaling 40+ hours a week, and serving as the DC advisor. To say I felt empty and depleted would be an understatement. I wallowed in my pit of bitterness and despair until God reminded me that His light is the only thing that can give me hope. I came upon this excerpt from the Jesus Calling Devotional from January 8, which says:

            “Softly I announce my presence. Shimmering hues of radiance tap gently at your consciousness, seeking entrance. Though I have all Power in heaven and on earth, I am infinitely tender with you. The weaker you are, the more gently I approach you. Let your weakness be a door to My Presence. Whenever you are feeling inadequate, remember that I am your ever-present Help.

            Hope in Me, and you will be protected from depression and self-pity. Hope is like a golden cord connecting you to heaven. The more you cling to this cord, the more I bear the weight of your burdens; thus, you are lightened. Heaviness is not of My kingdom. Cling to hope, and My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness.”

                                                            -Jesus Calling

While I love everything about this, my favorite part is when it states that “heaviness is not of My kingdom.” The struggles you are facing and the part of you that is telling you that you cannot take another step is not of God’s kingdom. When God is at work, Satan likes to come in and distort the truth, feeding you lies. While you may not be perfect, remember that you are a vessel for Christ, spreading His Truth and encouragement to those around you. When you feel depleted, look towards Christ to fill you. Lean on the other leaders around you to help hold you up when you feel like you can’t go another step alone. Remember that you are not alone. One of the amazing things about being a student leader is creating community and fostering deep relationships with those on your staff. These are the relationships that help you see the light among the darkness and who will speak truth to you to quiet the lies. Thank you for what you do. Though you may not see the fruits of your labor, know that you truly are making a difference on campus.

Brooke, and the DC staff, 2011-2012.

Brooke Williams,

DC, 2011-2014