Spring 2021 | Vol. 5
INTRODUCTION 01 - Credits 02 - Pastoral Note
PROFILES 03 - A Religious Mutt 04 - Be Thankful For What You Have 05 - It Was Their Experience 06 - Motivated By God 07 - She Is Who She Is 08 - There Is Wisdom In Everything
WRITTEN
09 - A Spirituality of Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 10 - Interfaith United President Reflection 11 - Jewish Traditions Through Religious Practice 12 - Peace Amid Sorrow 13 - Sewn Together 14 - The Power To Say Yes
PHOTOGRAPHY 15 - Benita VanWinkle 16 - Benita VanWinkle 17 - Helen Doddato 18 - TJ Jones
CLOSING
19 - I Did Not Know What I Was Getting Myself Into 20 - The Weekly Ritual (Afterword)
REV. PRESTON DAVIS Co-editor JERI ROWE Co-editor OLIVIA LENDER Co-editor JACOB BERG Designer
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PASTORAL NOTE BY REV. PRESTON DAVIS In the summer of 2020, we were just beginning to wrap our minds around thebeginning long haul to of what would mean to livethe within Covid-19 In the summer of 2020, we were just wrap itour minds around longthe haul of whatpandemic. it would We attempted to move to from isolation to solitude, from thinking simply mean to live within the Covid-19 pandemic. We attempted move from isolation to solitude, from thinking about how to protect myself to protecting the most vulnerable. simply about how to protect myself to protecting the most vulnerable. There was another pandemic, however; one The thatlong has history a longer, deadlier There was another pandemic, however; one that has a longer, deadlier history. of violence history. The long history of violence against people of color was lifted-up against people of color was lifted-up when video after video came forward of Black and brown people being when video after video came forward of Black and brown people being killed or assaulted. The murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Tayler, and George Floyd shook many of us to killed or assaulted. The murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Tayler, and our core. It was happening again George and again. was an awful summer that was turning, oddlyagain enough, FloydItshook many of us to our core. It was happening and hopeful. again. It was an awful summer that was turning, oddly enough, hopeful. Hopeful?
Hopeful?
How?
How?
The hopeful part came when, it seemed, that we as a nation were moving toward a national reckoning on racism. Alas, have we mostly gone back to sleep from that possible reckoning? We’ve distracted and entertained ourselves away from addressing a more hopeful future. It was in a workshop led by Mr. Terry Chavis, Director of Multicultural Affairs, that the term “kaleidoscope” came up. He sees diversity and inclusion at its best not as a melting pot or salad. No food metaphors here. He sees diversity, equity, and inclusion as a kaleidoscope, a three-dimensional experience of color blending together and moving apart. A kaleidoscope is an experience of joy. Light pours through, refracting and reflecting an array of color. It’s a vision of that more hopeful future becoming a present reality. Infinite Space in its five years has been a space intentional about letting students, faculty, and staff tell their story of the way God moves in their lives. The God of the future, who will dry every tear (Rev. 21:4), who will exalt the valley and make the rough places a plain (Isaiah 40:4), is experienced in the present. We must pay attention to the sacred presence so that we do not become lost or inured to the violence around and within us. We must not fall asleep. In a way, what the stories, images, prayers, and poems in the pages ahead are doing are telling the story of how the God of the future is experienced in the present. The God of life and light pours through the multicolored lenses of the kaleidoscope of religious and spiritual experience. Infinite Space is the place to tell of the blue, green, yellows, black, brown, white and all colors that people experience of God's mercy, love, and justice. We recognize that light pours through in infinite ways, and that endless expression deserves celebration. The kaleidoscope confuses some. It can scare those who say “they see no color” or which “color” was not a thing. But is a thing: a sacred thing. You do not crush the kaleidoscope, as some would. Instead, you never stop turning the kaleidoscope, entranced by the beauty of color blending and bouncing. This issue of Infinite Space, we focus on multi-faith and multi-religious identity and experiences of the HPU community. We are a rainbow of color, creed, and confession. And when we live together, talk with one another, break bread with one another, light pours through. The kaleidoscope turns. We reflect a dance of color and light, losing track of where one begins and the other ends. As you turn the kaleidoscope it wakes you up. You cannot go back to sleep.
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A RELIGIOUS MUTT BY OLIVIA LENDER Dr. Mark Toole sees himself as one who “stands with a foot in the door” of both Dr. Mark Toole himself as one who “stands with a foot in the door” of both Christianity and Buddhism. Christianity andsees Buddhism. With Christianity, he’s he’s aa former formerpastor pastorofoftwo twodifferent differentChicago Chicagocongregations. congregations. It was at the second church, With Christianity, which a larger church, Toole gained to interfaith studies.exposure It waswas at the second church, which was aexposure larger church, Toole gained to interfaith studies. Due to his fascination with interfaith, Toole decided to go back to school and get his PhD at the University of Denver in comparative religious studies. This educational opportunity Due to his fascination with interfaith, Toole decided to go back to schoolallowed and Toole to participate in various religious ceremonies across all religions. get his PhD at the University of Denver in comparative religious studies. This educational opportunity allowed Toole to participate in various religious One of thoseacross religions is Buddhism. ceremonies all religions. One of those religions is Buddhism. Because his dad was in the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Mark Toole grew up in various areas of the United States, such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Chicago. But he was born in Japan. He learned how to use chopsticks and recognize Kanji symbols before he left at age 3. But little did he know how much Japan would influence him decades later. While Toole was in Colorado, he met Thich Nhat Hahn, a Vietnamese monk known worldwide for his spiritual teachings. Toole claims he is “the calmest spirit he has met and could explain complex topics in simple-to-understand terms to anyone.” This deepened Toole’s passion for practicing Buddhism. Today, as an associate professor of religion and philosophy, Toole teaches at High Point University and practices Buddhist meditations daily. He sees himself as a “religious mutt.” That’s not a bad thing in leading students in understanding religion. He prides himself on wanting students to be unsure where he stands religiously to ensure they do not think he is teaching them with a biased perspective. This way, they can gain an understanding of how others view the world without his own beliefs influencing them. He wants his students to learn religion through an academic lens rather than a devotional lens. To this day, Toole still values his Christian heritage. For instance, he enjoys spending Christmas with his two daughters. It’s about the religious legacy but even more about intimacy with family. Family, Toole says, will always be important to him no matter how he evolves religiously.
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BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE BY OLIVIA LENDER Everyday Terry Chavis drives home from his work and prays. Be humble, evenChavis on the drives tough days. Everyday Terry home from his work and prays. Be thankful for what you have. And know that I am given all I days. need. Be humble, even on the tough
Be for what you have. for this creation, how far he has come as an He thankful prays prayers of gratitude: And know that I am given all I need. individual, and the introspective moments in his life. Chavis is constantly reminded of Jesus’ impact on his life, whether he unlocks his phone to He praysthe prayers of gratitude: this creation, farright he has come as and an individual, and the introspective discover variety of wisdom for sayings or looks how to the of his bed moments in his life.beside Chavis is on constantly reminded of Jesus’ impact on his life, whether he unlocks his phone sees his Bible right him his nightstand. to discover the variety of wisdom sayings or looks to the right of his bed and sees his Bible right beside him on his nightstand. Keeping Jesus in mind, inspires Chavis’ wish to spread the message that “we are all made in the image of God and are here to love and understand each other.” to his current as to thespread Director Multicultural KeepingThis Jesusled in Chavis mind, inspires Chavis’role wish theofmessage that “we are all made in the image of Affairs High Point University in April 2020. wishes to led educate others God andatare here to love and understand each He other.” This Chavis to his current role as the Director of that we are all Affairs createdat onHigh an equal level, regardless of our2020. differences. Multicultural Point University in April He wishes to educate others that we are all created on an equal level, regardless of our differences. Due to his upbringing as a Lumbee Native American, Chavis wears a white turtle necklace, carved out of deer bone, the size of a half dollar. The turtle is sacred tribal animal of the Lumbee people. Even tribe building is in the shape of a turtle. Chavis grew up as a member or the Lumbee Tribe in Pembroke, North Carolina, a small town two hours south of High Point. In Pembroke, people often encouraged him to go to vocational school, however Chavis wanted something different. Chavis went to Mars Hill University for his undergraduate degree in Biology with Chemistry and Western Carolina University for his Masters in Higher Education Student Affairs. But when he came back to Pembroke, he realized how unique his background was. His upbringing taught him to look at the world through the lens of spherical perspective. This means that instead of looking at life through a pyramid perspective, where someone or something is at the top, Chavis believes that we all have equal power and place. For instance, though Dr. Nido Qubein is the president of High Point University, he ultimately has the same goal as everyone else at the university, which is to ensure that the students are happy. He feels that everyone has an equally important designated role in the community. Chavis' cultural background taught him how to view the world through fairness and equality. For instance, he recalls a story from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He heard it at this year’s annual HPU MLK celebration. It’s a story of a time when he and his brother were driving through Georgia’s back roads seeing cars coming at them flashing their high beams. Dr. King’s brother said he was going to flash his on at the next person. Dr. King thought otherwise. “I wouldn’t do that,” King told his brother. “Doing that will endanger all of us on this road. Somebody has to dim the lights.” The story helps remind us we can’t return force with force or fire with fire. Chavis wishes to follow in King’s footsteps and bring a positive light to society. “I want to encourage students at High Point University to recognize and celebrate other cultures than just their own,” he says. “I want them to acknowledge cultural blind spots, and advocate for minorities.” As Chavis drives home, he thinks about all that and how he’s working to make a positive impact at HPU. When he does, he prays, thanks Jesus and listens to gospel music. That makes him happy.
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IT WAS THEIR EXPERIENCE BY OLIVIA LENDER At a time where there were less than twelve Jewish students on campus, in the late 1990’s, Dr. Frederick Schneid made HPU’s Jewish Student Association Hillel At a time where there wereaffiliated. less than twelve Jewish students on campus, in the late 1990’s, Dr. Frederick Schneid made HPU’s Jewish Student Association Hillel affiliated. The university’s tiny Jewish population was too small to be a Hillel. Yet, Dr. oversaw the students go for the High Holidays and The university’s tiny JewishSchneid population was providing too smallatoplace be afor Hillel. Yet, Dr.toSchneid oversaw providing a arranging opportunities the students. opportunities for the place for the students to go for the Birthright-Israel High Holidays and arranging for Birthright-Israel students. Though he was the faculty advisor, he let the students run the programs because it was their experience. Though he was the faculty advisor, he let experience the students run the programs Dr. Schneid’s was much different. because it was their experience. Dr. Schneid’s experience was much different. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York where he was enfolded into a large Jewish He grew up in Brooklyn, New York whereIthewas wasnot enfolded intoattended a large Jewish community. was not until community. until he graduate school inIt Indiana that he attended graduate school inexperienced Indiana thatnot he being experienced not being inwith a population with people. other Jewish people. in a population other Jewish In graduate school, wassmall one of a very of small number of Jewish students. In graduate school, he was one of ahe very number Jewish students. In 1994, Dr. Schneid began working at High Point University as a professor of European and military history. In addition to being a faculty advisor for Jewish students, he was director of the Honors program for ten years (200-2010) and is currently the Director of the Individualized Majors Program. He became the chair of the Department of History in 2010. Every Friday, Dr. Schneid looks forward to coming home from work to honor the Sabbath (the day of rest). He enjoys this time of the week because it provides him with the opportunity to shut down his technology, reflect on his week, and spend time with his family. He and his wife have one main rule, that his children must be home for the Sabbath dinner on Friday night. Shabbat dinners are a weekly tradition in Dr. Schneid’s house. Each week, Dr. Schneid’s wife bakes challah breads for the family to enjoy, along with wine, and a candle lighting. The Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Passover are the most holy holidays of the year. Specifically, Dr. Schneid enjoys Passover due to its historical significance. Each Passover goes something like this: In the week before the holiday, the Schneids cleans out their pantry of food items that contain “Hametz”food with yeast or flour that causes bread to rise. This food is strictly prohibited for Passover. They replace it with special Kosher for Passover food that substitutes matzo meal or potato meal for flour. Then, he and his family have Passover Seders on the first two nights of Passover, which commemorates the enslavement of the Hebrews in Egypt and their Exodus. This holiday allows Schneid’s passion for history to come through in a personal way as he happily celebrates with his family. Today there are almost 200 Jewish students on campus. In Dr. Schneid’s 27 years at HPU, he has watched and helped the population to grow and blossom into what it is today, including the new Jewish Studies minor which will begin with the new 2021-2022 academic year.
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MOTIVATED BY GOD BY OLIVIA LENDER When she arrived in 2000, Dr. Nahed Eltantawy saw the United States as a place of opportunity. A year later, when 19 terrorists turned three planes into bombs andarrived hit the in Pentagon andNahed the World Trade saw Center Eltantawy When she 2000, Dr. Eltantawy theDr. United Statesfeared as a place of opportunity. A year that new19 home of opportunity mightplanes turn into home ofand hate. later,her when terrorists turned three intoa bombs hit the Pentagon and the World Trade Center Dr. Eltantawy feared that her new home of opportunity might turn into a home of hate. Prior to 9/11, Eltantawy proudly expressed her background to others and would enjoy conversations with expressed new peopleher about Egypt. Then, after the Prior striking to 9/11,upEltantawy proudly background to others and would enjoy striking up terrorist attack, she began to fear publicly speaking about her background. To she began to fear publicly conversations with new people about Egypt. Then, after the terrorist attack, this day, she will her not speak Arabic in airport of misunderstanding. speaking about background. Tothe this day, for shefear will not speak Arabic in the airport for fear of At Georgia State University, where she was seeking a doctorate in journalism, misunderstanding. At Georgia State University, where she was seeking a doctorate in journalism, her peers her peers supported her and kept asking, “Are you OK?” supported her and kept asking, “Are you OK?” Through all that, she practiced her religion and she continued to pray five times Through all that, she practiced her 9/11, religion and she to pray a day, as observant Muslims do. After however, she continued did not simply want five to times a day, as observant Muslims more do. After shebecome did notmore simply want toabout become become pious.9/11, She however, wanted to informed her more faith.pious. She wanted to become more informed her her faith. Eltantawy to study wanted her faithto in a new way. Eltantawy wanted to Eltantawy beganabout to study faith in a new began way. Eltantawy answer answer misguided questions as Muslims “are Muslims terrorists?” to defend misguided questions such assuch “are terrorists?” and and to defend herher religion in the media and religion in the media and to the people. to the people. Dr. Eltantawy grew up Muslim in Egypt, the middle daughter of an artist mother and a military doctor father. She experienced westernization due to her surroundings in the Catholic elementary and middle school and the British educational high school she attended. This led her to attend the American University of Cairo and work in the Ministry of Economy. Two years later, she had a career shift and worked for a job in journalism without any experience in the field. She stayed there until she met her husband, Hesham Eltohami. When her husband got a job as a networking engineer for a computer company, the two moved to Atlanta and Dr. Eltantawy went to Georgia State for a doctorate degree in journalism. Through the education, she received a student visa to stay in the United States. After she graduated from Georgia State University with a degree, she came to HPU in 2008 to teach journalism. Eltantawy—now the Associate Dean of Journalism at the Nido R. Qubien School of Communication—identifies as a Suni Muslim, which is not simply a title but a way of life. Everything she does revolves around God’s will. For instance, “if I am on my way home, I might be on the phone with one of my children and I might say, “I am on my way home, I will see you in a little bit, Inshaa Allah (God willing),”” Eltantawy explains. It is ultimately God’s decision, not hers. She takes nothing for granted. Nothing is given. She relies on God for everything. Her devotion began to grow when she was in high school as she started reading the Quran. Then, she expanded upon it even further when she moved to the U.S. and after 9/11 when there was increasing negativity around Islam. To show her appreciation for God, Eltantawy prays five times a day, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. She prays in her office and at home with a prayer mat. Her religion has taught her how to treat others and has instilled values in her which she practices in her daily life. Though Five Pillars such as Ramadan are practiced differently in Egypt, she and her family still find ways of observing the holy month here. In Egypt, Eltantawy is used to joining in on the Ramadan celebration with various members of the community as they all come together, and everyone is welcome to join. In her experience of living in the U.S., Ramadan is a much quieter celebration. Her family will attend Mosque together and celebrate with the members of the Mosque. However, this past year she enjoyed the increased family time since they could not celebrate with others due to the pandemic. She feels motivated by God, her immediate family, and the precious times she can see her relatives who live in Egypt.
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SHE IS WHO SHE IS BY OLIVIA LENDER Her name is Aqsa. She’s a senior at High Point University majoring in business administration, and she pronounces her first name this way –– she pronounces it this way -- . Uh-k-sa. She gets asked all the time Her name is Aqsa. She’s a senior at how High toPoint University in business administration, and she pronounce her majoring name, whether at HPU or her hometown of pronounces her first name this way ––Thomasville, she pronounces it this way -. Uh-k-sa. She gets asked all the North Carolina. She’s not bothered by it becausetime her how to pronounce her name, whether name at HPU or her of Thomasville, North Carolina. She’s not is who shehometown is. bothered by it because her name is who she is. Aqsa means to go very far, to be successful, and to reach great heights in Arabic.and Having a name of Pakistani mostly Anglo Aqsa means to go very far, to be successful, to reach great heights inheritage Arabic. among Having a name of names, a Pakistani heritage among mostly Anglo names,makes makesher herunique, unique,she shebelieves. believes.Her Her Muslim Muslim heritage heritage plays plays a large role in her everyday life. large role in her everyday life. Whether it’s from drinking water to starting a business, her religion Whether it’s from drinking water to starting a business, religion provides built-in instruction guide provides a built-inher instruction guide fora the life that allows her to for be the life that allows her to be successfuls.uccessful. Aqsa believes her purpose is to benefit society and spread truth through good actions. She does so by praying as much as possible. She praises God for giving her life, for a better world, for her family, and to ensure that everything turns out for the best. Aqsa says she specifically feels holy during the month of Ramadan, which is the holy month of fasting. Ramadan happens at a different month every year revolving around the Islamic lunar calendar. Particularly, Aqsa enjoys “the food, family time, praying at night at the mosque, and being surrounded by community, everyone is focused on bettering their relationship with God." This month allows her to look at life from a unique perspective and see how we usually take everything for granted in daily life. She learned that from her parents. Aqsa’s parents married each other in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in 1985. A year later, her dad immigrated to the United States to escape poverty. He worked to get his citizenship and apply for a family visa. Meanwhile, he experienced various hardships including the language barrier, racism, and the struggles of providing for his family in Pakistan while working multiple below minimum wage jobs in America. It was not until 1999 that his wife and children could immigrate to the U.S. as well. However, once Aqsa’s mother immigrated, life still was not easy for her. She had to fully support three kids, while pregnant with Aqsa, not to mention navigate life in a new country on a minimal education level. Due to the struggle her parents went through, Aqsa wishes to give back as much as possible. She wishes to give back to her parents for all they have done for her and help other families to have a sense of community in the United States. For instance, she serves as a translator to others immigrating to America that do not speak English. She helps them navigate various activities such as going to the doctor or filling out documents. During the month of Ramadan, she donates to an orphanage to which her uncle introduced her. One day, Aqsa hopes to work internationally to help less developed countries because she sees the disadvantages that people such as her parents go through and wants to be the change. “My parents gave so much to me. I want to give back to help people in other countries.” Because when she thinks about those people trying to make a way, she thinks of one thing -- her parents.
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THERE IS WISDOM IN EVERYTHING BY OLIVIA LENDER All throughout his his life, life, Ryan’s Ryan’s older older brother brother Raymond Raymondhas haschallenged challengedhim himtoto “not draw black lines over grey “not draw lines areas” and to “be and act better.” areas” andblack to “be andover act grey better.” Ryan Ryan was was raised raised Roman Roman Catholic Catholic but but also also attended attendedaaProtestant Protestantschool schoolfrom from K-8th grade. In middle school, K-8th grade. In middle school, Ryan began to have questions about certain Ryan began to have questions about certain doctrines from his religion. doctrines from his religion.
the pastor pastor ofofhis hisProtestant Protestantschool schooltold told him that a transgender youth who was transitioning from When the him that a transgender youth who transitioning male female, could only gothe to heaven if she male was to female, could from only go to to heaven if she reversed transition back to her “original form”, Ryan reversed the transition back to her “original form”, Ryan became conflicted. became conflicted. It did not make sense to him. He questioned whether the pastor had the child’s best interest at heart. After slowly learning about the origins and contexts of the Bible, Ryan started to see the Bible as a collection of stories from ancient people detailing their interactions, beliefs, and experiences with God. In the last few years, he began to see the Bible in new ways that offered fresh understandings of God. He now sees the bible as a collection of puzzle pieces that he’s putting together in a new way. No matter what questions or conflicts he has with his religion, Ryan will always call himself a Catholic. However, he is less interested in organized religion and more interested in a religion that is loving and just “Being critical doesn't mean I reject my faith, but rather it is my human attempt to understand the ever complex and abstract nature of reality,” he says. “Faith and logic complement each other and sharpen one another.” In his view, they are like iron sharpening iron. “At times, [American Christianity] can make me feel othered or excluded. But I’m always comforted by my loyalty to Christ’s mission of love, justice, and peace.” Before Easter each year, Ryan observes Lent. This is a time to reflect on Easter and allows Ryan time to contemplate new and old changes in his life. Each year, Ryan works to shift his direction and reorganize his priorities for the better. He thinks of this time as his “new springtime,” and he learns to practice something new that will benefit his mind, body, and soul. Ultimately, he believes this makes him a better person (morally, intellectually, and spiritually). Each day, he prays before meals and before going to bed. He works to do good deeds for others by living in accord with “Love thy neighbor.” His life motto reflects his spiritual sincerity. “There is wisdom in everything.”
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A SPIRITUALITY OF COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION BY: SYDNEY SULLIVAN It was the summer of 2020. If I could describe the summer of 2020 into a few words, it would be pandemic, civil unrest, uncertainty, and restlessness. My soul was truly drained. I have alwaysinto strived be an advocate those who was the summer of 2020. If I could describe the summer of 2020 a fewtowords, it would for be pandemic, are underrepresented, disregarded, and forgotten. During this time in mybe life, civil unrest, uncertainty, and restlessness. My soul was truly drained. I have always strived to anI had felt forgotten. Whenever I am feeling down, I listen to my all-time favorite advocate for those who are underrepresented, disregarded, and forgotten. During this time in my life, I had worship song, “Oceans” (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong. I rely on this song felt forgotten. Whenever I am feeling down, I listen to my all-time favorite worship song, “Oceans” (Where for everything and during this time, one verse guided my spirit and my actions. Feet May Fail) by Hillsong. I rely onverse this song everything and during one verse guided This says,for “Spirit lead me where my this trusttime, is beyond borders, letmy mespirit walk and my actions. This verse says, “Spirit lead mewherever where my is beyond me walk the upon the waters, youtrust would call me,borders, take melet deeper thanupon my feet waters, wherever you would call me,ever takewander, me deeper my feet everstronger, wander, inand faith will be could andthan my faith will could be made themy presence of my This verse my footsteps and actions. I knew IIknew needed to get to made stronger, in the presence Savior.” of my Savior.” Thisguided verse guided my footsteps and actions. I needed work. For the past 4 years, have University consideredmy High Point home get to work. For the past 4 years, I have considered High IPoint home andUniversity I have a my group of and I have a group of friends that I consider my family. At this time, my family friends that I consider my family. At this time, my family was hurting, and I wanted to help. I wanted to help was hurting, and I wanted to help. I wanted to help us, but I also wanted to us, but I also wanted to help those that would come to High Point University after me. Initiative ’25 is a 5help those that would come to High Point University after me. Initiative ’25 is a year plan that I created for High Point to question the university’s diversity, 5-year plan University that I created for High Point University tocommitment question the to university’s equity and inclusion. This plan was inspired by Janet Stovall’s’ TED Talk How to get serious about diversity commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. This plan was inspired by Janet Stovall’s’ TED Talk How to get and inclusion in the workplace. Thereinare reasonsThere as to are whymany I decided to write but the serious about diversity and inclusion themany workplace. reasons as tothis whyplan, I decided to main write one is because mymain spiritone was this plan, but the is uneasy. because my spirit was uneasy. I remember the first time I had heard about an African American being killed. I was about 13 years old, and I remember hearing about Trayvon Martin. I remember being confused and scared. I remember wishing that there was someone that could have been there for him that could have helped save his life. Ever since then, there has been more Black women, men, and children killed due to police misconduct. It is widely known, seen, and heard about with the development of social media. We hear and see things more. The evolution of technology and social media has allowed people to feel as though they are at the places of violence. For example, many people remember where they were 9/11 happened – because that was a moment that changed everyone’s lives. It was a moment that time stood still. Every time I hear of an instance of police brutality, I freeze. Time stands still. When coming to High Point University, there were times that I felt like I had nobody there for me. Looking at the demographics, I thought it would be hard to have someone there for me, especially someone that looked like me. Luckily, I found someone. When I was a first-year student, the diversity was completely different from where it is now. I remember hearing about High Point University’s commitment to diversity and I always wondered “where?” In my efforts of creating Initiative ’25, I wanted to highlight the “where”, as well as the “how”, “why”, “when” and “what”. Four words, “no justice, no peace” tell a story that can be interpreted in so many ways. One way is to say that our criminal justice system is unjust because individuals – commonly white individuals – are not being held accountable for their actions. Another way is to say that there is no justice at all is that the minority population is not being treated fairly. That is, there are discrepancies in the economy, healthcare, education and much more. This is all to say that the minority population deserves to be treated equally. High Point University needs to care about diversity, equity, and inclusion, as much as they care about growth-mindset and life skills, because these are life skills. Hopefully Initiative ’25 will provide some bedrock for the structure that needs to be strengthened and built. My hope is that after I graduate, someone with passion and drive, will take my plan and really try to implement it into the foundation of High Point University. This initiative is theologically and spiritually important to me because everyone has a certain “calling” in life and mine is so be an advocate for those that need it. With that calling, I know I needed to do something for other people, even if it means that I will not be able to see the direct effects of it, especially as I will be graduating this May. The issue of race, diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and peace is bigger than me and I believe that every day, I, as well as others, can make small steps to substantial change. Pg. 09
INTERFAITH UNITED PRESIDENT REFLECTION BY AQSA HAIDER Saying that the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world is an understatement. In the beginning of quarantine, I had the time to rest and relax. Classes and club meetings were moved to online platforms. Most of my professors waived assignments and reduced the workload. Family and friends became even more involved in my life and began checking up more regularly. I did not think much of the pandemic and thought life would go back to normal fairly quickly. As the Spring 2020 semester wrapped up, I was elected President of Interfaith United. I was so excited about leading the organization I helped charter. But like everything else that happened in 2020, things did not go according to my plans. My executive council and I wanted to continue hosting in-person dinners like the club had done in the past. But a few short days before our first gathering, I got coronavirus. For the health and safety of all members, I decided to move our dinners from in-person to virtual. It was difficult to plan and execute this shift because sharing a meal was such an integral component of the club. It was also a challenge to come up with topics and themes for the dinner because there was an overwhelming amount of stress and anxiety in all the students. While my executive council was very active and supportive during our events, there was very low turnout. As a leader, it was challenging to keep motivated when members were not actively participating in events. Overall, the structure of the club had to change to accommodate life during a pandemic and we were able to wrap up my first semester as President. Despite experiencing burnout and a lack of motivation during the spring semester (boo senioritis!), planning for the Interfaith Iftar was exciting and enjoyable for me. Having the Iftar was important to me because it was a time for education, conversation, and fellowship between Muslim students and students of other traditions. The Iftar was a moment to bring religious diversity on a predominantly Christian campus. Participating in the Iftar and conversing with diverse people made me more aware and understanding of other people's beliefs, values, and struggles. It was a meaningful event because so many people could share a meal and stories from their lives. As I end my time as President of Interfaith United, I am hopeful of the club’s future. One hope of mine is to see better support of Muslim students at HPU. It is important to excuse students for taking some time to pray their midday prayers. I would also like to see someone lead the Friday congregational prayer on campus for Muslim students to participate in. Lastly, I would like to have a Muslim community gathering every night of Ramadan, as the holy month will fall in the academic year moving forward. Interfaith United has been my safe space during my time at High Point University. I hope to see it remain as open, positive, and safe in the years to come.
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JEWISH TRADITIONS THROUGH RELIGIOUS PRACTICE BY HPU HILLEL What is Hillel? Hillel is a student organization dedicated to providing opportunities for students to build a Jewish Life at High Point University. Students participate in social and religious activities with other Jewish students on campus and through the region. We celebrate Shabbat and other major holidays such as Hanukkah, Passover and Rosh Hashana. We also assist in regional Jewish service projects and have the opportunity to participate in regional, national and international Hillel events, including Birthright trips to Israel. Hillel welcomes students from all movements of Judaism and people from other faiths who are interested in learning about Judaism. Who We Are At High Point University Hillel, we aim to educate the community about Jewish traditions through religious practice and shared cultural experiences. We remember our past while continuing to build a more inclusive, colorful and cohesive environment on campus. Since the pandemic hit our campus last year we have been trying to find safe and fun ways to connect with our members while continuing to follow our religious traditions. We have started celebrating Shabbat every week alternating between virtual and in-person options. We have also turned all of our dinners into pre-packaged to go boxes allowing us to eat together while socially distanced. We have also learned to adapt by hosting virtual events for our members that include speakers, movie nights, trivia, and more. Although this past year has been hard on all of us I feel that as individuals and as an organization we all have become stronger because of what we have gone through.
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PEACE AMID SORROW BY GABRIELLE BANKS The following prayer was given at the annual High Point University Martin Luther King, Jr. Worship Service: Dear God, I'm not ashamed to admit that after surviving a year of complete chaos and the beginning of what seems to be its sequel, I'm not sure what to pray for anymore. Do I pray for: peace amid sorrow and devastating loss, unspeakable joy despite the suffocating reality of loneliness in quarantine, hope in a time when I feel like much of this world doesn't care about people that look like me? In Dr. King's final sermon, he said, "... I've been to the mountaintop... And I've looked over, and I've seen the Promised Land." 2020 felt like a mountaintop moment; rather than seeing the Promised Land, we looked over and saw our manufactured traps of destruction staring back at us. The consequences of decades of unresolved pain and injustice. The effects of our constant need to indulge ourselves in competition over compassion and service. For so long, we walked blindly through the valley with little regard for anyone's future but our own. But we stood on the mountaintop and decided to change the narrative, despite others' desire to continue looking out for only themselves. God, You are solid ground when the earth shakes. The more I live, the more I realize: the only immutable presence in life is You. Be with us in these unprecedented times. In the words of Dr. King, "I don't know what will happen now; we've got some difficult days ahead... But I want you to know--that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land--I'm not worried about anything; I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord." Amen.
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SEWN TOGETHER BY REV. PRESTON DAVIS Gracious God, Those before us would tear their clothes as witness to the violence in the world. These past weeks we are witnesses to life torn from life. Atlanta. Boulder. With each life torn, we feel a tearing within. It is a reminder that you have sewn us together, One to another, One quilt with endless patterns of beauty. Mend the torn places within us. Teach us to be repairers of these lives sewn together: To value every thread. To know that we are laced together by your interweaving love. To love more than we thought we could. Amen.
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THE POWER TO SAY YES BY SOPHIE CARTER A reflection on HPU Chapel’s Spring 2020 Pilgrimage to Mepkin Abbey, a Cistercian monastery outside Charleston, SC. A reflection on HPU Chapel’s Spring 2020 Pilgrimage to Mepkin Abbey, a Cistercian monastery For me, visiting Mepkin Abbey has been the most monumental experiences outside Charleston, SC. of my spiritual journey and life. In a way, in this place, I was born again. I knew God was there because felt been like peace. Themonumental peace that Iexperiences felt was For me, visiting Mepkin Abbeyit has the most of my spiritual journey and life. like this secular version of me, and God God was left me mybecause purest it felt like peace. The peace that I In a God way,removing in this place, I was born again. I knew there and vulnerable I knew this Godsecular was there because when opened felt was like Godself. removing version of me, andI God leftup methe my purest and vulnerable self. I knew Bible that was in my room, I just so happened to turn to one of my favorite God was there because when I opened up the Bible that was in my room, Bible verses that touches the curious part of my soul. The verse is Matthew I just so happened to turn to one of my favorite touches curious part of find; my soul. 7:7-8, “Ask Bible and itverses will bethat given to you;the seek and you will knockThe andverse is Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one receives; one and whoto seeks andknocks, to the one door will who seeksthe finds; the finds; one who the who doorknocks, will be the opened.” I be opened.” I don’t know exactly what soul was what asking I went God to Mepkin, but Itoreceived don’t my know exactly myGod soulwhen was asking when I went Mepkin,the most amazing gift, silence and contemplative prayer. but I received the most amazing gift, silence and contemplative prayer. Another moment where I knew everyone was feeling this peace was when we all got out of the van, we made a space to feel God. What I did was lay on the patio and feel the sun’s warmth and the slight wind. For me, there is no better feeling than feeling the sun and its warmth. While I was outside, I read from Just This, a contemplative prayer book by Richard Rohr full of prompts and practices. Preston and Andria gave us this book to guide us on this journey. I read three prompts titled “the divine ambush”, “a long, loving look”, and “irreplaceable thisness”. Those prompts spoke to me in such a profound way that I couldn’t think of anything else except God and God’s love. The “divine ambush” prompt really spoke to me in a personal way because when the Chapel Office presented this pilgrimage, I didn’t know if I wanted to go, but I ended up saying yes. To this day, that has been my best “yes”. And in a way, I think it was God saying “yes” on my behalf because God knew the power of this experience. At Mepkin, time seemed to stand still. I did not feel constrained by worldly things such as agendas, meetings, etc. I was simply allowed to be and receive the love of God. The best moments of the day were when we went to the chapel where we prayed and received scripture. When we prayed, we prayed through the Psalms, and I love the Psalms. When we entered the chapel space, we bowed at the altar table. I think bowing at the altar table was acknowledging God’s presence. At the end of the prayer, we heard the knock of the Abbot and did the sign of the cross and bowed again. These motions felt very sacred to me, just because I never felt so close to God. Some of the prayers were similar, and a mantra we kept repeating was “Lord come to my assistance. Lord make haste to help me.” This mantra brings me a lot of comfort now and just brings me back to that sacred place of Mepkin. One thing about Mepkin and my experience, is that when we entered Charleston, I recessed back into habits that were not healthy, like worrying too much and wanting control. Now, I can see these things with a new lens, and I know I can live without those things. The control portion of my life has always been there, but I don’t have to let that direct my life. Lastly, one of our last days at Mepkin we went to the gift shop, and I bought a book about the contemplative life. Initially, I was intimidated, and I knew my soul wasn’t ready to read this book. Wasn’t ready in the sense, if I read it at that moment, it would be too immature, and the impact would be tainted. However, I started reading it about 6 months later, and in that time, I was able to grow, and the book had an amazing impact on me. This led to me getting “Everything Belongs” by Richard Rohr. This book has transformed my thinking and how I follow Christ. All this spiritual transformation all started with one trip, one decision, and one powerful “yes”.
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My friend Ann that I visited at least once a month for the past 5 years in a nursing home, passed away in March. Three days before I go see her to say goodbye, this beautiful cardinal showed up in my backyard in the rain. I asked him if Ann had sent him. Cardinals were her favorite bird. They used this image at her memorial.
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This was a part of a project called Passion in which the concept was based off of faith and persistence. I took this photo at High Point’s Oak Hollow Lake, and personally, I connected the meaning of the photograph to my faith in God and how that helps me to persist in life. Within the photo, there is a big contrast between the dark and light. That contrast symbolizes how even in the dark, there is something there. Something deeper. Moreover, though the dark may be present, the sense of hope that is gained from the light and the beauty that resides there is what makes this picture so touching and powerful to me. Altogether, everyone has a feeling inside them that attaches itself to something in order to help them persist and my hope is that they may see this and understand that there is someone bigger and loving that is looking over them.
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I DID NOT KNOW WHAT I WAS GETTING MYSELF INTO BY OLIVIA LENDER I started my first job –– My first-ever work position –– and I thought I would be working withposition a group –– of students to study and promote interfaith campus. I started my first job –– My first-ever work and I thought I would be working with on a group of was wrong. students to study and promoteIinterfaith on campus. I was wrong. I was whenbe Preston told me that I would be working alone. I was shocked when Preston told me shocked that I would working alone. “Olivia,” he told me, “you are the interfaith partner.” “Olivia,” he told me, “you are the interfaith partner.” Once I officially started the position, Preston provided me a list of interview Once I officially started the contacts position, on Preston provided me a list of contacts on campus campus and resources to interview independently educate myself and on resources to independently educate myself on interfaith. interfaith. I didn’t know where to begin. I didn’t know where to begin. Terry Chavis was my first interview. I talked to him in his office not knowing what to expect. He gave me insight on the Lumbee Native American tribe in Pembroke, North Carolina, that I knew nothing about and allowed me to view the world in a whole new perspective. I began to interview people every other week. Soon, I realized that everyone I met had a completely different backstory to share, contributing to the diversity at HPU. I ended up interviewing a half-dozen people, and that experience opened the door for me to discover the differences on campus that I never knew existed. For instance, I started going to monthly dinners with Interfaith United, a multi-religious student group. I gathered outside Cottrell Hall on the patio with at least five other students. We pulled up chairs, ate and talked about difficult topics such as religion, politics, and diversity. I didn’t talk. I just listened. It made me realize that though there were only 10 people there, it is amazing to see how many opinions there are on campus. If each of those people view the world differently, then the 5000 students who are at this university do as well. By far the most insightful event I went to this year was Ripple, an annual interfaith conference hosted by interfaith leaders at Elon University. During this virtual event, which brought together hundreds of people my age, I had the privilege of speaking with students from various universities about their interfaith programs. I never realized how much work can go into an interfaith program until I spoke to these individuals. I saw that Elon had an entire building, known as the Truitt Center, dedicated to interfaith and diversity. It made me notice how much HPU would benefit from having such a resource to promote diversity within the school and educate others. Diversity is an important matter to address because everyone is different in this world. And in order to come together as one, we have to accept people’s differences otherwise the world will always be at war. As Terry Chavis believes, the world is a kaleidoscope. Terry speaks about how everything on the food chain has an equal level of importance. Without the grass, the animals we eat would not be able to survive and it would affect the humans. The world is a large circle, and we are all connected. I believe everything one person does affects somebody else on this planet. That awareness of an interconnected is what I hope to one day see. Pg. 19
THE WEEKLY RITUAL BY JERI ROWE I started going because of Jacob Lancaster. I started going because of Jacob Lancaster. He organized a communion every Thursday at noon in Hayworth Chapel, and I first went to find a story. Soon, though, I went at fornoon something else. He organized a communion every Thursday in Hayworth Chapel, and I first went to find a story. Soon, though, I went for something else. It wasn’t for the bread and grape juice. I later realized it was for the comfort, this idea of gathering in a circle near the pulpit and talking about some ancient It wasn’t for the and grape juice. I later realized it was for the comfort, this idea of gathering in a text that often feltbread as familiar as Inuit. circle near the pulpit and talking about some ancient text that often felt as familiar as Inuit. Yet, despite that initial confusion, those conversations opened up opportunities Yet, despite thatabout initial confusion, thosealmost conversations opened up opportunities to share stories about to share stories ourselves. It was confessional at times. Tears ourselves. It was almost confessional at times. Tears came, laughter happened, and we listened. came, laughter happened, and we listened. Even when the global pandemic changed our way of life, we moved to a classroom at Hayworth Hall. We wore our masks, sat six feet apart and contemplated what we believe and who we are – and who we have been -- because of words written long ago. We realized we were treading the same path. And we were doing it together. No matter our age, no matter our religion, our faith journey is often the same. You’ll see that in our fifth edition of Infinite Space. You’ll read stories written by Olivia Lender. She’s a sophomore from Fort Lauderdale, majoring in human relations. She became the first Interfaith partner for the Rev. Preston Davis, the minister of our university. Through her independent study, she interviewed professors and students and discovered different traditions of faith without leaving campus. Olivia grew as a writer. She also grew in understanding. What a way to learn. “Think about it,” Olivia says. “No matter how different we are, we’re all the same in some way. It all goes back to family. At the end of the day, we all believe in family.” Jacob Berg learned something, too. He’s a freshman from Ashburn, Virginia, majoring in business administration. He steers the social media content for Hayworth Chapel, and this spring, Preston asked him to help put together Infinite Space. He agreed. Jacob is on his own faith journey. He reaffirmed his faith in April when he got baptized again during a Wednesday service. Now, with a computer mouse in his hand, he has designed the fifth edition of Infinite Space. In doing so, he discovered what we all long to see. Hope. “In our environment right now, a lot of people see the negative and the things that separate us,” Jacob says. “But I think Infinite Space goes to show us how connected we are and how great things can be.” In Preston’s introduction, he writes about how we are a “rainbow of color, creed and confession.” As Olivia would say, think about that. At least for a minute. When we sit across from one another and listen, we can talk about our differences and see how we fit as one. That is, if we pay attention. “Infinite Space,” Preston writes, “is the place to tell of the blue, green, yellows, black, brown, white and all colors that people experience of God's mercy, love, and justice.” That brings me back to Jacob. That is, Jacob Lancaster. Jacob graduated from HPU last year, and he’s now going after a master’s degree in divinity at Duke. He wants to become a minister. Just like his dad. When I can make it on Thursdays for the communion Jacob started, I join others in Hayworth Hall. We sit, all masked up, six feet apart, we students, faculty and staff. We talk. We listen. We pray and share. And we listen some more. Like Olivia and Jacob, we learn a big lesson. We don’t feel so alone. Pg. 20
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