I graduated this semester with a degree in religious studies and a minor in organizational communication. If you know me, you’re probably aware that this wasn’t my original plan—a calling to ministry, I mean. When I was a freshman at Trevecca, I didn’t know what it would look like to change my major and accept that call. I remember sitting in the office of Sarah Comer, my boss at the time, and wrestling with those questions. She prompted me to walk in faithfulness, even when it felt scary—and for that, I’m grateful. Even more, I remember sitting in her office again, weeping as I tried to discern where God wanted to send me. Sarah, thank you. You have been a means of grace to me.
After settling into this calling, I still had much more to wrestle with. As I deconstructed and reconstructed all the ideas I had about God and what it truly meant to walk in partnership with Him, I was not alone. To Dr. Tim Green, who wrestled with God alongside me—thank you. You have been a means of grace to me. Christ’s love through you is so pure.
And when my life felt like it was shifting and I couldn’t tell what direction I was headed, Dr. Michael Jackson sat across the desk from me and prayed with me while I wept. Thank you, MJ.
During my time in the communication department—a breath of fresh air for me—Dr. Welch and Dr. Wells, you saw something in me and encouraged me constantly. Thank you for building up my confidence through your life-giving words.
To the rest of the religion department: thank you. Dr. Gaines, you constantly affirmed the gifts and graces that God has extended to me. You’ve encouraged me to seek not only knowledge about God, but to know the person of Christ. Dr. Mowry, you’ve taken time to see me and hear my heart. Dr. McMillan, you’ve quite literally brought me to tears in laughter—and you’ve also challenged me to think more deeply than I ever thought possible. Dr. Hoskins, you’ve recognized something in me that I’ve only recently begun to see in myself, and you’ve pushed me. Thank you. Dr. Shepperd, you’ve been a clear representation of Christ’s love to me.
While I know every faculty and staff member here has impacted a student’s life, you all so deeply reflect Christ that my life has been marked by you—and always will be. Thank you. Your work is hard, because wrestling is hard, but your faithfulness to Christ and to your calling has changed my life. I have such deep respect for each and every one of you.
And of course, it’s not only the religion staff who have left their mark on me. I think of Mindy Bartling, my camp counselor when I was little, whom I had the privilege of reconnecting with in college. Our sweet conversations in the caf and your gift of encouragement and prayer gave me strength. I think of Kevin Reed, who also sat across from me while I cried (notice a theme here?) and celebrated a huge financial victory with me. I think of Anita Shepperd, who—alongside Craig—invited me to lunch and listened to parts of my story while sharing her own. I think of Erik and Ashley Gernand, who have helped create spaces where I could quiet my mind and heart before the Lord. I think of the countless admissions counselors, graduate assistants, RDs, RAs and cafeteria workers who have seen me and loved me during my time at Trevecca.
My heart is full of gratitude. In this place, God has been good to me. He has revealed Himself through His people—through you.
To all the faculty and staff at this university: thank you. Your words of encouragement, lunch invitations, prayers, commitment to educating and willingness to walk alongside us mean more than we can express. You’ve walked with us, held our hands and helped shape us more and more into the image of the God who has called us. Thank you for showing up for us, even while walking through your own lives. Thank you for your honesty. It’s in those real moments that I’ve experienced grace.
I can’t fully express my gratitude for my time at Trevecca, but I can tell you this: from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your work here matters. The impact you’ve had on our lives is a blessing that we carry—and one that we’ll extend to others, wherever we go.
You are a people of blessing, and I trust that, along this journey, we have been a blessing to you, too. As you continue in your calling, and we step into ours, I’d like to offer you a blessing.
A Blessing
May you continue to be a people of blessing, recognizing that your time, your words and your presence among those in your midst is a gift that shapes and forms in profound ways.
May your words—which hold the power of life and death—continue to build up those God brings into your path, both students and fellow staff.
May your hearts always be open to receive that same blessing from others, even when it comes from unexpected places.
May the God of all hope—the one who is with you wherever you go—endow you with wisdom and empower you through the Spirit to continue in this good work.
And may Christ’s peace be graciously among you as you leave this place, that you might carry it with you wherever you go.
Watch Alexa’s chapel speech reflecting on her Trevecca journey ➜
