Grander Stories

DISPLAY:

Transformation

As an art professor at a university, my research is practice-based; I make art and investigate theories and theologies of it. Important in my dissertation had been Heidegger’s essay, “The Origin of the Work of Art,” where he describes art as a happening of truth, aletheia – an unconcealing. This concept continues to find significance for me. […]

God Goes Before Us

My heart sank. As the minutes ticked away, it became obvious I would be the only one on the Cru Bible study Zoom call. Discouraged, I ended the call and began to pray. “What do you want me to do, Lord? Do you want me to find another colleague to be the sponsor of our […]

Something Stopped Me

Years ago, I traveled with students to Europe for a semester-long study abroad program. Having led many short-term and longer-term study abroad programs over the years, I’ve seen my share of behavioral and emotional issues faced by students when they’re far from home. In this case, as the weeks progressed, one student’s attitude began to […]

A Reimagined Tenure Perspective

Recently I stumbled upon Max Lucado’s enchanting children’s story, “You Are Mine.” It’s a tale of little wooden people who obsess over collecting the biggest empty boxes and balls, and the madness that ensues. One wooden person, however, finds solace and identity in the embrace of his wood-maker. I recall the early days of my […]

The Best Investment of My Time

In 2019, sitting in the audience among thousands at a Chinese Mission convention, I felt that the speaker was speaking directly to me: “We Chinese have been on the receiving end of the gospel; it is time for us to take the gospel to other people groups.” A few minutes later, I found myself in […]

The Questioning Apologist

I hate to admit it, but I have often been like many apologists: too quick to give answers and too slow to ask questions. Solomon calls that the approach of a fool: “A fool does not delight in understanding,             But only in revealing his own mind.” (Proverbs 18:2) Anxious to win arguments Like many […]

But the Greatest Is Love

I’m entering my eleventh year working at Miami University in the teacher preparation program. My students know where I stand in my Christian faith. I find ways to share with them in our large group, during office hours, and as I attend regular Cru events. However, I like to believe that all my students know […]

Using My Platform as a Professor Internationally

For several years, God has burdened my heart to use my platform as a professor to share the love of Christ with the academic community of Latin America. I am so blessed and thankful for the wonderful opportunity God provided to be part of the Faculty Commons outreach to Quito, Ecuador in the summers of […]

Ripples

After reading A Grander Story: An Invitation to Christian Professors by Rick Hove and Heather Holleman in a Faculty Commons small group Bible study, I was inspired to integrate my research with my faith rather than keeping my work and faith neatly compartmentalized into separate boxes.. As a music professor, I recorded an album entitled Solace specifically focused […]

The Purifying Effect of Christian Faculty

This summer while camping, my daughter and I found large river mussels in a freshwater creek. Although we found no actual pearls inside, we did learn about these amazing creatures, and I found interesting parallels to my own ministry and calling within the university.  Mussels work by filtering large volumes of water to purify it, […]