Walk with Integrity

"Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and i walk continually in your truth" (Psalm 26.2-3)

For the past couple of months, I have been on what some people would call a "Jesus high".  This being that through everything I do, even if it was just walking to my car, I try to live by the way of Christ.  I never know who is watching me or that one person I could affect in the process of doing these simple tasks, so I try to do everything through Christ. With this being said, it is not as easy as it sounds.  This means forgiving those who have hurt me, even though I do not believe they need to be forgiven, or by simply sharing a smile to those who pass by.
I am not perfect by any means, and I believe that one should never strive towards being perfect, but I do believe that the best thing to do is to stand up and believe in your personal beliefs and morals. As some of my close friends know, I have been having trouble with this. It is easy to go around saying that "I believe in the Father Almighty", but as anyone knows, it is harder to walk the walk than to talk the talk.  I struggle with this every day from being a certain kind of role model for this organization, or saying the right things to impress this group of people, when in fact, all I need to do is to be the tool that God set out for me to be, MYSELF!! Trying to please others in their needs and identities will only lead me further and further away from the morals and beliefs that I have set up for myself.

I don't know what I would do
without these two girls in my life.
Thanks for being amazing
Gabrielle and Meredith!!

The truth of the matter is that this is a common struggle for most college student and young adults as we live our daily lives. The main advice that I can give out to anyone, is to ask yourself "If God were to be standing right next to me, how would I act." Most people do not realize that Christ is with you 24/7 never leaving your side, yet we do crazy and sinful things everyday.
I am not one to condemn anyone for their actions, but I am one to encourage the simple tasks of following the path of Christ.  Be a shining light in a dark tunnel, be the person that takes the road less traveled, or simply smile at the next person you see.
I want to share this inspirational passage that I sent out earlier this week to a couple of my friends:
"Walk in Integrity: The word integrity comes from the root word integer meaning wholeness. A person walks with integrity when their words, actions, and behaviors are consistent with their morals and principles.  As you aim for the skies, allow God to develop in you a character of honesty.  It is possible for you to deceive the world because no man can see your heart, but you can never deceive your God. If God were to say something about you, could he claim that you had integrity? Your life must be reflection of your relationship with Christ from the inside out. Let the words you say and the deed you do reflect the person you are in Christ."
No other words could explain this better.

Also, I would love for all of you to pray for the 3 guys who passed away this morning in a car accident and for their families.  These young men were students at The University of Mississippi and members of the KA fraternity.

Erika Watson

how do YOU define yourself?

"Our love must not be a thing of words and fine talk. It must be a thing of action and sincerity."
(1 John 3.18)

These are two of my best friends that are
both in sororities: Brittany & Joanna

I know a lot of guys and gals went through a great tradition here at The University of Mississippi; RUSH!! As an independent (not choosing to join a sorority) one would think that I am against such "holiday", but it is exactly the opposite.  I feel like if people want to go through recruitment, they should.  I have many friends on both sides of the spectrum with being in a fraternity/sorority and also deciding not to take part.  What I am most worried about, is how incoming students into this organization will take such opportunity.
Rush, or formal recruitment as some would put it, is a great opportunity to meet new people, long lasting friends, and participate in great opportunities through the many philanthropies. But is that what most people really get out of it? I truly do not, and will never know, the answer to that question.  But what I can do, is offer a word of advice.

Crazy Independents:
Bekka, Gabrielle, Me, and Meredith

Many members, whether you are in a sorority or a fraternity, will welcome the new members as their "family" or there "brother/sister", and willing to be there for them no matter what; but can they walk the walk AND talk the talk? That is what's most frightening to me. Just think, what if God went through life granting eternal life to everyone who believed in Him or followed His footsteps, but then failed to follow through His promise; this world would be a mad house.
What I challenge sororities and fraternities to do is to walk the walk.  Truly be a brother/sister to your fellow members, be there for them when they are in need, and help them through their times of trouble. I sometimes wish I would have joined the craziness of a sorority, but I figured God has a plan for me through everything that I do.
I just now want to remind EVERYONE that you were all born original so don't be a copy, just be yourself!!

Erika Watson