Start a Delight!!
Hey hey hey!! If any of you know me, you know that I'm part of a group at my university called Delight! I adore the community it has provided me with and would love to share my Delight journey with you!
+ Explain how you got connected and involved with Delight:
Hear me out, I know this may sound cliché, but it is my authentic story. My involvement with Delight started with a calling from God. My story starts like this; the week before classes began last semester, I had an anxiety attack. I was not sure that I made the right decision to come to Kent, and was worried that I would not find anywhere I felt I belonged. With my heart weary and burdened, I did the only thing I knew I could; I began fervently praying that God would bless me with a community of strong, intellectual women who had core values that were centered in Him. I was nervous and afraid that my faith was going to be diluted coming to a college where religion is not at the forefront of any agenda. Prior to coming to college, I led an active religious lifestyle; serving in the community, on the volunteer team at church, participating in multiple bible study groups. I even run a religious blog with my mom and gave motivational talks at multiple events! But, as I transitioned into a campus environment, my heart became heavy and I was scared I was turning down the wrong path, toward a watered-down believer that occasionally went to church and asked God to forgive my sins. Little did I know that God was WINNING in my WEAKNESS. Afraid and anxiety-ridden, I started to immerse myself and dive full throttle into the scripture. I also began listening to various religious podcasts.
This is where my story gets interesting. I vividly remember listening to a podcast, hearing the name DELIGHT ministries, and being pushed to research further. Without a second thought, I googled DELIGHT, but noticed that the only branch near Kent was in Akron, which was too far for me as an on-campus resident. This same day, I was walking back to my dorm room as the sun was setting over the Quad, talking with God in my mind, again, asking him to show me the path that he had set out for me. As I watched the sunset and listened to “Another in the Fire”, I began to notice a large group of girls writing with chalk all around the Quad. I tried to make out what was being written, and when I finally did, I realized it was DELIGHT. I went back to the drawing board and noticed that I had overlooked new chapters. There was one at Kent! Hallelujah! Praise Jesus. I marked my calendar and looked forward to coming. Then- I felt a ginormous wave of crippling anxiety take over yet again. I realized that I had nobody to go with me. I was utterly alone, stepping out into yet another new adventure. The cold hard fact is, I was scared. I was not sure if everyone would be welcoming, or if I would feel isolated, and even more alone than before. Personally, I have never found comfort in the unknown. The un-chartered waters have not been a safe space for me. I was scared, and felt alone. My mom encouraged me to keep praying and to go, even if it was only once. So, of course, I listened to my mom and went.
When I showed up I was TERRIFIED. Everyone looked like they were fresh-faced and had just stepped off the runway for some light refreshments. Meanwhile, I had just gone to the gym and showed up in leggings and a sweatshirt that was shoved in the bottom of my gym bag. Forcing myself to face my fears once more, I walked into the room. As everyone began to talk, I felt pushed to talk to someone- anyone. So, I did. I realized that it may not be horrible or end in a burning pit of self-agony after all. I may have found DELIGHT in Delight. By forcing myself to step out onto the water instead of staying in my boat of comfortability, I realized that I would never be able to find my purpose if I was not willing to be uncomfortable at times. Delight has given me an opportunity to grow without boundaries. It has become my safe space, a place where I can find other women who are crazy about Jesus and have the hearts of servants. Going to Delight the first week I was at Kent State University was one of the best decisions that I have made while at college!
Looking back at this season of life, it is crazy how God has worked in and through me. I never would've imagined that I would be in this position, or that I would be serving with such an incredible group of leaders. I am unbelievably touched by God's work and his ability to create connections even in the hustle and bustle of college life!! The decision that I made to apply for leadership has given me connections and strengthened my personal relationship with God!!
And you know what's great?! YOU can start a Delight at your campus if you are feeling called to!! If you haven't been able to find a community that feeds your faith, you should make your own! I promise you will not regret it! Head over to delightministries.com for more information!!
*click below to head over to the webpage*
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