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Taylor Starks, Assistant Director of Spiritual Formation

Psalm 126 (NLT)
1 When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,
it was like a dream!
2 We are filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
3 Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
as streams renew the desert.
5 Those who plant in tears
Will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed,
But they sing as they return with the harvest.

This Juneteenth we hold space to celebrate and rejoice in the face of tension and hostility. While General Order No. 3 did not excuse the pervasive exploitation and injustice experienced by Black slaves (or prevent it from continuing), it provided communities across the nation an opportunity to discover joy in a freedom that was wrongfully withheld for centuries. As the fight for freedom would present itself in different forms, this joy produced a persistent hope that would hold onto the promises of renewal and restoration. As we commemorate the significance of this time, we invite you to pray with us through Psalm 126 and celebrate the marvelous gifts of freedom and advancement toward a better future.

God of great works, we praise you for your sovereignty and powerful hand. When things feel impossible and despair overwhelms us, we trust that we can look to you with hope and thank you for your faithful presence.
With gratitude in our hearts, we lean into the gladness of renewed strength and vision. Thank you, Lord, for restoring our hope and reminding us of the joy found in a freedom that is meant to be experienced by all people. When others try to diminish our gratitude, we accept the invitation to be filled with an undeniable joy, expectantly pursuing the promise of liberty, and boldly claiming the victories you have given us. Free of shame or condemnation, we celebrate the progression of freedom throughout our communities and the continued restoration of what was stolen.

The work is heavy and plentiful. God of renewal, we ask that you would transform hearts and minds to acknowledge the worth and dignity of our brothers and sisters—the marginalized, oppressed and low in spirit. You have called us to pursue justice and to love without restraint. Help us, Lord, to embrace this call. Even as fear, shame and pride present themselves as faint opposition, may we find strength in your Name to pursue joy and strength for your people.

Sonia Medina Pranger, LCSW, PPSC, Assistant Professor, Social Work TUG Program Director 

When it comes to mental health, many people associate it with signs of weakness. Culturally, as a first-generation Latina born in the U.S., I was raised to be “headstrong” to be successful. I believe this value was related to my family’s experiences with oppression and prejudice. That was what they needed to survive the harsh realities of assimilation, coming to the U.S. poor and without knowing the English language. I observed countless incidents where the family failed to acknowledge dysfunction and mental health illness. As a college student, I decided to enter the social work field because I wanted to help people realize their potential. Little did I know, I would uncover a myriad of maladaptive responses to my mental health.

In my personal and professional life, I pushed my mind and body, telling myself I would recover and rest later. I took pride in being able to multi-task and carry heavy loads of stressors, until one day I could not any longer—the headstrong mentality and the drive to excel resulted in my body shutting down. I am a mental health professional, yet I somehow allowed this to happen, despite knowing the signs and symptoms. Though I knew the physical and psychological implications of an anxiety disorder, I could not fully understand it until I went through it. I felt the blow of mental health stigma, not wanting others to know, for fear they would see me as weak. I experienced the sense of despair that comes with relinquishing control and wondering if I will ever get better. Perhaps I did not believe it could happen to me.

What have I learned from this? Although I never want this to happen again, I am thankful that it did. As a person of faith, I realized that I relied on my strength rather than relying on God. I realized I attempted to control every aspect of my life rather than allowing God to have control. I also discovered I was setting a bad example to young Latinas, the very people I set out to encourage and inspire. I relayed a false image of having and doing it all, being headstrong and plowing ahead, ignoring my mind’s and body’s signals. One of the most important things I learned was greater empathy for clients I serve and people I encounter who are struggling with mental illness.

The Bible states in Romans 8:28, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I see this challenge of managing a mental health illness as another life circumstance where God has truly worked it out for my good. I believe it is also for the good of others that I will encounter who may need to know that we are all susceptible to mental health challenges.

Mental health is a vital aspect of our human experience. I encourage you to listen to your mind and body’s signals, search for cultural roots and exchanges that may give you false narratives about mental health, and connect with trusted people in your support networks.

Kerry Horrell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology, School of Humanities, Religion, and Social Sciences 

At the beginning of each new year, I pick a word that represents something I would like to focus on for the upcoming year. For 2021, I chose the word cultivate, defined as “trying to acquire or develop.” I am learning to love this word for its effortfulness, because this year, rather than attempt to manifest some new trait out of thin air, I wanted to recognize that growth and change often require intentionality, time, and the hard work of trying, over and over again.

With that in mind, I want to consider how this posture of practice might be relevant to our goals as a university community. How are we putting in the work to move us toward our vision and values, such as academic excellence, social justice, and holistic wellness? How are we moving beyond statements and ideas to actually creating a culture that reflects what we believe? One area that I am particularly interested in is cultivating an environment of inclusion. Specifically, I believe it is critical that we continue to foster inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ people in our community in order to meet our goals as a university. Let me explain why.

Over a decade ago, Campus Pride – an organization aimed at creating safer and friendlier college campuses for LGBTQ+ students – released a comprehensive report on the “2010 State of Higher Education for LGBT People.” This report was the first of its kind, and it outlined that LGBTQ+ students tend to experience their college campuses as cold, unwelcoming, and even dangerous places (Rankin et al., 2010). This lived experience of the college community – often referred to as campus climate – has become an important focus of recent research, as it is associated with various outcomes for students. Among LGBTQ+ students, negative perceptions of campus climate have been found to be related to increased anxiety and depression, lowered academic success, and a high probability of leaving the university (Amodeo et al., 2020; Garvey et al., 2018).

Moreover, in her paper on “Applying the Seven Learning Principles to Creating LGBT-Inclusive Classrooms,” Dr. Michele DiPietro remarks that students’ prior knowledge impacts their learning experiences. Specifically, she says, “LGBT students may come to college with a sense of alienation stemming from having grown up in educational and social systems that devalue them” (DiPietro, 2012, para. 3) Given that education and religion are two arenas where LGBTQ+ people have historically been discriminated against, this population is likely to enter Christian academia with uneasiness and skepticism. Therefore, not harassing is not enough. It is crucial that we – as the FPU community – consider how we can actively maintain a campus climate that is explicitly warm, welcoming, and safe for LGBTQ+ students and staff, as this directly impacts the ability for us to meet our goals of academic success, social justice, and holistic wellness.

Cultivating a culture means that we must all work together. So, the question that might be on your mind is: how do we keep up this sort of climate on our campus? Here are a few ideas and tips for practicing inclusion.

1. Do no harm. Research has consistently shown that homophobia and transphobia, including microaggressions, are harmful. These could include misgendering people, being heteronormative, using disparaging language (e.g., “That’s gay” or “No homo.”), or denial of bodily privacy.

2. Be aware. It is important to recognize that sexual and gender identity is multifaceted and something to learn about people, as they are ready to share. Being aware can include asking people – and this means all people – their preferred pronouns, taking responsibility to learn more about queer issues, and considering the diverse and intersectional experiences of those who are LGBTQ+.

3. Be active. Make your ally status known to those around you. This can be done by sharing queer-positive symbols, adopting inclusive language (e.g., as a recent Texas resident, I am fond of “y’all”), and calling out discrimination, bigotry, and microaggressions when you hear them.

FPU has a long history of valuing and cultivating inclusion. Yet, this work is never complete, and I encourage us all to continue this legacy by practicing, over and over again, our posture toward inclusivity and love.

References:

Rankin, S., Weber, G., Blumenfeld, W., & Frazer, S. (2010) State of Higher Education for LGBT. Campus Pride. https://www.campuspride.org/wp-content/uploads/campuspride2010lgbtreportssummary.pdf

Amodeo, A. L., Esposito, C., Esposito, C., & Bacchini, D. (2020). Sexual minority status, anxiety–depression, and academic outcomes: The role of campus climate perceptions among Italian higher education students. Behavioral Sciences, 10(12), 179.

Garvey, J. C., Squire, D. D., Stachler, B., & Rankin, S. (2018). The impact of campus climate on queer-spectrum student academic success. Journal of LBGT Youth, 15(2), 89-105.

DiPietro, M. (2012) Applying the Seven Learning Principles to Creating LGBT-Inclusive Classrooms. Diversity and Democracy, 15(1). https://www.aacu.org/publications-research/periodicals/applying-seven-learning-principles-creating-lgbt-inclusive

Lisa Keith, Psy.D., Associate Professor, Program Director, Mild/Moderate Credential and  Master of Arts in Special Education

If someone is vulnerable enough to share their pain with you,
be respectful enough to try and believe them.

The thing is, a disability is still a disability, even when it’s not visible. Mental health disabilities are among the most insidious disabilities globally because others don't believe that the behavior is often a sign of illness. Whether euphoric or depressed, belligerent or anxious, the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders are manifestations of those illnesses. Things that those of us who live with these disabilities need from our friends and families are the hardest to come by: grace, acceptance, and inclusion.

Grace. It may be difficult to extend grace to someone whose behavior can be erratic or unpredictable. Believe us; we'd prefer not to feel the feelings behind these behaviors. It may be challenging to forgive outbursts, and words said on impulse. However, the grace you extend to a person with a mental health disability is more than grace. It expresses understanding and love to the individual that although you may not understand how tortured we may feel, you know that this illness is beyond our control. Most mental illnesses are very treatable with talk therapy and medication. But that doesn't mean they are curable. Mental illnesses will affect one in five adults in the United States. It is chronic – meaning it comes and goes – and this unpredictable ebb and flow is even more difficult for those afflicted than those around them. No one wants to be viewed as problematic, or hot-tempered, or impulsive. It may feel like an extra burden to be a person of faith and to try and live up to the unattainable standards that our Christian community has for a predictable, even-tempered, and serene demeanor.

Acceptance. Unconditional love. It’s why I love Jesus. He knows me inside and out, accepts me with all my flaws, and even more so because of them. I have had people tell me if I would only pray harder, He would heal me. As if I haven't thought of praying? But I've come to accept for myself that for whatever reason, God – who I believe didn't cause my disability, after all, we live in a broken world – has chosen not to heal me. When I first became ill, I tried everything I could think of to find answers. I tried different doctors, therapists, medications. I tried twelve-step programs and self-help books, and finally, finally, found Jesus. I discovered a small Mennonite Brethren church that accepted me and showed me the love of Jesus. It was not easy for members. I could be disruptive and erratic in the days before I tried just the right combinations of medications I take today. I've tried twenty different medicines over my illness's first 15-year period, five other doctors, and numerous therapists. I still have to work very hard to present and pass as "normal." Well, as normal as I can be – whatever normal means. But I know that no matter who does or doesn't like and accept me as I am – warts and all – I am still a beloved child of God.; that I have been forgiven and have been extended grace and accepted by Jesus, a loving and a faithful God still amazes me.

Inclusion. Inclusion is a powerful thing. It can make or break a person inside and out. When I think of acceptance, oddly enough, I think of Winnie the Poo! Winnie was a great friend to Eeyore. He didn't judge, or disbelieve, or even try to change Eeyore. He extended grace, accepted that Eeyore was what he was, and included him every time. Every time there was a meal, or gathering, or even a simple walk to the cafeteria or coffee shop. No, I know there were no cafeterias and coffee shops in Hundred Acre Wood, but there are on the Fresno Pacific campus. It is a sweet blessing to be invited for coffee, even if one doesn't feel up to going. To be recognized and asked every time the group goes without fail is a blessing to someone who lives with depression and anxiety, for whom crowds can be too overwhelming, or for whom it may be a day when we can think of no cheerful rejoinder. Just being included is a simple act of showing God's grace, and love, and acceptance.

Friends, if you know someone with a mental health disability, don't be afraid. Show the love of Jesus, and just as He extends grace upon grace, continue to demonstrate acceptance and inclusion. And last but not least, include them in your circle. Don't count them out. They may one day be your best solace and dearest friend.

“Father, we thank you for all those among us who live with a mental health disability. We acknowledge their value and importance as members of our community. Father, God of the universe, show us how to love all peoples of every disability, whether visible or invisible. And Father, we ask for your blessings on each of us to be able to extend grace like you, to accept others the way you do, and include everyone among us even as you have accepted us into your kingdom. Amen.”

Elida Vargas, FPU Student, Junior Class - Psychology Major

Reflecting back on the year 2020 can be overwhelming, heartbreaking, and mind-boggling. Where can one even begin? It was a year of anxiety, isolation, uncertainty, injustice, and fear. The year started with the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted the ways we went about our daily lives. While some schools, churches, and restaurants were able adjust to the times by using online tools, other places like small businesses were forced to close. The way we socialized was completely changed.

On top of dealing with the pandemic, we saw a number of social injustices spark outrage online. The murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless of other victims of police brutality further ignited the rage people felt. Additionally, this awakened the rage in other people after they recognized the systemic racism built in the United States.

There have been some improvements in terms of diversity, inclusion, social justice, racial equity. Social media, such as Instagram, and Twitter, etc., have played a role in the impact on these improvements. Now more than ever, there are more people speaking out about these social injustices. There are so many individuals, from well-known celebrities to everyday people, using their platforms to spread knowledge on systemic racism, while there are others amplifying the voices of the minorities affected. Moreover, social media has brought people together in order to plan protests all across the country.

Fresno Pacific University’s (FPU) students also have come together to organize supportive clubs that promote inclusivity, diversity, and racial equity such as the Black Student Union, Latinx Student Union, and Athletes of Color Allegiance. Although Fresno Pacific University has a long way to go, this is a step into providing a safe space for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students and starting important conversations about racial equity.

Unfortunately, there have been problems that have risen because of this activism. While there are countless of people trying to fight for social justice, inclusion, and racial equity, there are others who fail to see this as a problem. Consequently, further discrimination has taken place. For instance, there have been attempts to criminalize the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and victims of police brutality. Ultimately, it is these actions caused by people, whether knowingly or not, who are trying to uphold white supremacy. This issue directly affects members of Fresno Pacific University’s community. At the start of the Black Student Union Club, there was a racist incident that occurred online. The sign-up sheet for the club was terrorized with racial slurs and comments. Additionally, the Latinx Student Union also has dealt with racist comments on their Instagram page.

Fresno Pacific University students have asked their university to show their support time after time. Yet, there are many students who feel a lack of support. What Fresno Pacific University members can do in response to these matters is to actively show they are anti-racist. Universities are uniquely positioned to spark change and conversations considering they have the power to dismantle the system. These types of conversations should be held everywhere because it is a national issue that affects everyone. The university’s staff members must pave the way for discussion; however, it will take some accountability, courage, self-reflection, and vulnerability to do so. It is imperative to note that the conversations held about racial equity are not a shame and blame game. Rather, such conversations are about providing accountability and using that to uproot discriminatory practices within our own institution.

Student bio: My name is Elida Vargas De Leon. I am currently a junior at Fresno Pacific University majoring in psychology. Aside from being a student, I work as a behavior therapist with children that have Autism Spectrum Disorder. A few things I enjoy are working out, reading, and spending time with my loved ones, especially my dogs. I have a passion for helping others and allowing them to be seen and understood; I plan to pursue my doctorate degree in clinical psychology after I graduate.