Words are all I have

My daughter and her family are visiting us from Swaziland where they serve with The Luke Commission, a Nazarene Compassionate Ministry partner. This year, TLC began expanding their eye department and started screening adults for cataracts, in addition to the giving of reading glasses, which has already been in place as part of their comprehensive care. In doing so, the organization will offer the hope of sight through cataract surgeries for the people of Swaziland. In training for the screenings, the staff chose to shift from using the word surgery. The words used for surgery in Swazi culture can relate more to how an animal is butchered. TLC has chosen to replace surgery with wash when explaining to the patient how the procedure will be performed. Changing the wording changes how the procedure is perceived.

Words carry weight in our world. Words can encourage and enrich. I wonder how we, as Trevecca alumni, are using our words to encourage those we influence to consider Trevecca for their college experience? My hope is we speak positively and remember words carry clout.

It’s an exciting time “on The Hill” these days. New freshman and returning students are making their way to Nashville to begin a new year. Additionally, your alumni board is working on ways to promote the Trevecca Alumni Association to ALL of our alumni in every discipline. Our goal is to have all areas of study represented on the board and become more engaged with alumni throughout the year.

Homecoming is approaching, so plan to be “on The Hill” November 6-8 and experience the beauty of the campus, the events and camaraderie of your fellow alumni and friends.

I’d love to hear from you. My contact information is don@donhastings.net / 850-602-7230 or contact the Alumni Office at 615-248-1238.

May all who come behind us find us faithful.

Don Hastings
President
Trevecca Alumni Association