Embedded in all of our days, weeks, and years are opportunities to grow deeper in faith and closer in community. And we often take advantage of this special, transitional time of the year to commit to new spiritual habits—to devote time to God and to our spiritual growth.
We have an astounding number of faith resources available in this community among our faculty, staff, students, and guests. So this year, I am launching a spiritual life podcast and blog that will make those resources more widely available across our five schools, in hopes that we can better support and connect to one another in our spiritual lives. It is my hope that the regular messages may encourage and teach you something new on your commute, afternoon walk, or lunch break.
—Sara Barton, University Chaplain
Renewal Series: Wisdom Renews All Things
J. A. T. Smith, Associate Professor of English, reflects on the power of renewal to strengthen relationships, however flawed they may be.
Renewal Series: "More Jesus" in a Time of Hate and Unbelonging
Dr. Kevin Wong, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Education at the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, reflects on an experience that reminded him Jesus understands us in this time of pain.
Hospitality in a Time of Coronavirus
Dr. De Long shares examples of hospitality that provide spaces of welcome, inclusion, and belonging while we experience social distancing.
When Your Future is Unclear, Trust in the Lord
Daniel shares his thoughts about leaving Malibu and moving back to his parents’ home in Santa Paula, California due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. In this post, he reflects on Mark 16:1-8 and what it could possibly mean for disciples of Jesus today.
Cave Dwellers: Good Friday 2020
Rick Gibson reflects on living faithfully during Good Friday 2020. Rick shares how he is making sense of the Coronavirus pandemic through art, and he honors his mentor, Dr. Wayne Strom, who passed away of Coronavirus last week.
Sharing Stories about the World, in the Time of Coronavirus
Dr. Elizabeth Smith, Assistant Professor of Journalism at Seaver College, reflects on the power of storytelling in her own spiritual life and work as a journalist.
Spiritual Rhythms in the Time of Coronavirus
Dr. Lauren Amaro, Associate Professor of Communication at Seaver College, reflects on how she is coping professionally and personally during the COVID-19 crisis and invites us to slow down and consider practicing Sabbath rest.
Letting Go of the Pressure for a Purpose
“It is time we make room for the realization that “purpose” doesn’t have to be a vast idea of some grand calling in one’s career or in one’s faith, nor in the intersection of the two.” Rachel Marquez (Seaver '17), shares her journey to understanding and experiencing life with purpose as a daily calling.
Serving in Community as a Global Citizen
Jonathan Kwok (Seaver '17), currently serves as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho, Africa. In this blog post, Jonathan reflects on what service in community has meant after college and how he seeks to embody Pepperdine's values.