Another busy day for a mother: after working a ten-hour
shift, it is time to guide my daughter toward a brighter future for herself.
(Translation: Drive her to the local community college.) We drive through
afternoon traffic at almost a snail’s pace; the heat rises from the street
creating a somewhat bare feeling to the city. The street is lined with
structures that are easily discounted of any interest to me. Out of the corner
of my eye, a white flag waves EPIC. I asked my daughter “Did that say Bible
College?” her response was, “Yes, and you should go there.” On the return trip,
we just knew we had to stop. The excitement just overwhelmed my heart; then as
we pulled to the school parking lot, I thought to myself, “I have not been to
school in 20 years.” I reached for the
door and was greeted by a bright and cheery, “Hello. Good afternoon how can I
help you?” I was in such a swivet, I could hardly form words to express my
interest in the school. Patiently, the receptionist waited and responded by
calling for an advisor to give me a tour.
I walked out with the feeling of encouragement, knowing I can do this, and
with a quick stop at the receptionist’s desk, appointments were made for
enrollment.
I marvel at
that the fact that every time I enter the campus there is a PEACE. I walk the
halls and can hear others standing in the halls praying. OH! What a place!
After a long day of working with the public, it is a fabulous end to the
day. First class of the evening starts
with an opening prayer lead by our professor then the students are asked to the
introduce themselves. In awe, we complete the task at hand. By time the class
is over, we all have a feeling of family with the Love of God to guide us in
these newfound relationships. We head to
chapel; we sing and give honor to God together--in school! Then we begin to
pray for one another, expressing any difficulties or love ones we want help
praying for. After this prayer time was over, I felt an even closer bond to
these new surroundings.
Years
later, I found myself on a totally different campus, where I sat in a cold
place, with constant stares, making me feel that I am out of place. Not one
smiling face or warm embrace. I walked down those dreary halls of higher
education not knowing for sure if that was where I should be. Oh how I longed
to be at EPIC Bible College. Finding
myself in class where no one cares to even know your name, let alone be your
neighbor at a table. At the end of the
day, the feeling of needing an “Epic Shower” is overpowering. Cleansing one
from the unwelcoming spirit. I return to EPIC. Where people are not so caught
up with themselves that they have no time to express the common pleasure of
being a human in this big, beautiful world He created just for us. Thank God
for EPIC where, unlike the world, we do take time for each other.
Chosen
Christine Fowler
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