Union University students filled Barefoots Joe on Friday, Sept. 21, as the Office of University Ministries hosted Songs and Stories, an event where students and faculty shared stories of God’s work through various artistic expressions.
Each person who crossed the stage had a story to tell of God’s love and God’s work in their lives. These stories were shared through songs, raps, poetry, written prayers or simply sharing what God has done in their lives. Throughout the event, the OUM allowed time for those in attendance to reflect on and share their own stories with one another.
“I love all the different stories that have been shared tonight,” said Emily Chapman, a sophomore creative writing major. “I love all of the different emotions they have brought.”
Chapman had never shared her poetry with a crowd of people before, but when the OUM invited her to share her story through poetry, she jumped on the chance.
Whereas some people shared of a specific moment or circumstance where God’s love was evident in their stories, others, like Chapman, told of the evidence of God’s love throughout their whole lives, even when there is not a particularly defining moment.
“It’s just a slow journey in my faith,” Chapman said. “God is there even in the messiness of the journey.”
Stephen Neu, coordinator for service and mobilization, said that the goal of this event was to spark conversations and create a space for people who wanted to come hear stories of God’s love and tell their own story.
“Everyone has a story,” Neu said. “And it’s worth sharing.”
Barefoots was full of people that night, but each person represented a story that could be shared. As students reflected on their own stories, prayed together and shared with one another of God’s work, people were encouraged, challenged and heard.
Bekah Lisle, sophomore history and philosophy major, was refreshed by hearing how God has worked in everyone’s lives.
“Everyone who was sharing shared one story,” said Lisle. “There’s so many other stories.”
Songs and stories filled Barefoots for one night with the hope of inviting even more people to share their story of God’s love throughout the days to come.
Photo by Tamara Friesen
