Inspire, Spring 2008

the-night vigils. Big might be better when it comes to prayer. More of God’s people can, and do, approach the throne with sincerity every day. The size also matters when it comes to ministries both local and global — so many students willing to get their hands dirty and no shortage of opportunities. They helped clean up Xenia after an F4 tornado hit in 2000 and traveled to New Orleans to gut and rebuild houses in the Katrina aftermath (not to mention the jaw-dropping $100,000 they donated to that cause). And they participate in dozens of unsung weekly ministries locally. Some changes are refreshing, too. Though Cedarville doesn’t yet fully reflect the kingdom of God socioeconomically or racially, our campus is more diverse and strives to develop further in this area. In addition, the Division of Student Life works hard to emphasize biblical principles of holiness, à la Romans 12, rather than just lay down the law. In general, the campus culture now concentrates on real-world godliness rather than codes of conduct. And that focus allows for deeper, more honest dialogue about significant theological, political, and social issues whether in Cedars or in chapel, at the lunch table or in classes. All this happens within the framework of an unchanging doctrinal statement. These are the good things, both profound and humorous, that keep me here. Then and now, Cedarville wasn’t — and isn’t — perfect. I know full well that some students, staff, and faculty, to quote Thoreau again, “lead lives of quiet desperation” here. I also know that some students actually find, or leave, the faith after they graduate. Some pursue that moment of pleasure, reaping regret, while others may live moral lives but not godly ones. Indeed, this place is no panacea. But I also know that for me and many others, Cedarville University has often been a place of hope, a place that can, at its best, spur spiritual growth. Iron sharpens iron here as we challenge one another to reject the lazy faith that values comfort more than questions, safety more than sacrifice, and appearance more than authenticity. The process is far from clean. But at the core, then and now, is a heart as welcoming as home. An associate professor of English, Julie L. (Stackhouse) Moore ’87 directs the Department of Language and Literature’s Writing Center. Julie’s poetry chapbook, Election Day , was published by Finishing Line Press in 2006 (accessible at amazon.com), and her book, Slipping Out of Bloom , was selected as a finalist in Carnegie Mellon University Press’ Poetry Series. Her poems have appeared or are forthcoming in many publications, including Sou’Wester , The MacGuffin , Willow Review , The Sow’s Ear Poetry Review , Flint Hills Review , The Cresset, Christianity and Literature , The Christian Century , and The Christian Science Monitor . You may contact her at moorej@cedarville.edu . Chuck McKinney still greets students at the entrance to the dining hall. June 14–27, 2008 www. cedar v i l l e . edu/summers tudi es Get Your Feet Wet Cedarville Experience The Summer Studi es i s a two-week co l l ege exper i ence f or h i gh schoo l jun i ors and sen i ors . Scho l arsh i ps are ava i l abl e for ch i l dren o f a l umn i . i