Faith « Baylor Proud

Points of Pride — Faith

Feb

2012

RG3 invited by Obama to give closing prayer at National Prayer Breakfast

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Alumni, Athletics, Faith, Honors, Photo Galleries, Videos

When you win the Heisman Trophy, you get to do some special things.

Former Baylor quarterback (that’s a little weird to write) Robert Griffin III was invited by President Barack Obama to lead the closing prayer Thursday night at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C.

Before beginning the prayer, RG3 gave a quick “sic ‘em, Bears” and challenged Obama to a game of basketball, should the President ever be so inclined. “It would be a friendly competition,” Griffin said; “I wouldn’t dunk on you at all.”

Once again, Griffin represented Baylor, well, sitting at the head table with the president, First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden. “I was just honored to be that close to the president,” Griffin told the Washington Post after the event. “Not every day do you get to offer a challenge of a game of basketball to the president. It’s overwhelming, but you try to live in the moment and that is what I am trying to do.”

Then this morning, RG3 was a guest on ESPN’s “Mike and Mike Show,” live from Indianapolis, the site of Sunday’s Super Bowl XLVI, where he is taking part in some pre-game media events. [See video here.] But Griffin won’t be hanging around for the game; he will be headed back to Arizona, where he is training for the NFL draft this April.

Sic ’em, RG3!

Jan

2012

A year after Disney World debut, young alum releases first album

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Alumni, Faith, Just for Fun

Laura Cooksey album "Unshakeable" One year ago today, this blog shared the news that a Baylor alum’s voice would accompany the soundtrack for a new nightly show at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. (If you haven’t seen/heard that show, check it out here.)

Today, that same alumna, Laura Cooksey, BM ’01, has released her debut album, “Unshakeable.” A six-song EP, it is now available for download on iTunes and for purchase at lauracookseymusic.com. Cooksey’s songs range from the upbeat, pop-style “By Faith,” to the familiar worship track “Hosanna,” to the title anthem “Unshakeable.”

Since graduating from Baylor’s School of Music, Cooksey has performed background vocals for Christian artists like Nicole C. Mullen, Natalie Grant and Mandisa and led worship for the “Women of Faith” tours. This spring, she is touring with Mandisa’s “Girls Night Live” show, alongside Laura Story and Britt Nicole (see dates here). When not on the road, Cooksey lives in Franklin, Tenn., with her former Baylor sweetheart (now husband), Kyle Cooksey, BBA ’03.

Sic ’em, Laura!

Previously on Baylor Proud:
* Final album from David Crowder Band hits No. 1 on iTunes (Jan. 2012)
* Baylor alums DCB, Dutton top list of best-selling Christian albums on iTunes (Oct. 2009)
* Alumni band Addison Road featured on iTunes (Feb. 2008)

Jan

2012

Student movement: ‘I’d rather have a Proverbs 31 woman than a Victoria’s Secret model’

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Faith, Student life, Videos

"I'd rather have a Proverbs 31 woman than a Victoria's Secret model" A five-minute walk through your local mall will give you a good idea of what American culture values: Beauty. Comfort. Entertainment. Wealth. In answer to that, five Baylor students have boldly stepped forward to carry the banner of a different message, launching what is now known as the Live 31 Movement.

It all began just after Thanksgiving, when freshman Alex Eklund posted a simple Facebook status update: “I’d rather have a Proverbs 31 woman than a Victoria’s Secret model.” Several of his friends copied the message to their status, referring to the “wife of noble character” described in that book of the Bible, and from there the word began to spread.

[WATCH: KXXV Channel 25's story on Live31]

A follow-up YouTube video has gathered more than 200,000 views in a little over a month. The group’s Facebook page has 13,000+ likes, and the @Live31Movement Twitter account has 1,500+ followers as men and women from all over the world have voiced their agreement with the group’s message: promoting virtue over surface beauty in a woman, and encouraging men to seek such character in a wife in addition to physical attraction.

“Our society stresses, especially the younger generation, the physical qualities and the physical attractions of the opposite sex, rather than pursuing godly relationships,” says Jake Cockerill, a freshman business major and one of the group’s founders. “Going into college, it is a time where we all start figuring out who we want to be and what we believe, and I believe it is crucial that society’s perception of beauty needs to change.”

Sic ’em, Live 31 founders!

[We learned of this story from a Bear who shared his Baylor pride. Do you know of an inspiring story, news item, or just a fun link that makes you proud of Baylor and the Baylor family? Let us know! Click here to submit your point of pride!]

[1/25/12 update: Since we posted this, it's been interesting to see a debate springing up on campus about the movement, carried out online everywhere from blogs (like this entry from a current student and this one from a recent master's graduate) to Baylor's own Facebook page. Definitely some interesting points on both sides as students help to sharpen and refine each other.]

Jan

2012

Baylor alum, staff member named Texas Baptists’ new executive director

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Alumni, Faith, Honors

David Hardage For the past year, the Baptist General Convention of Texas has been seeking a new executive director. Last week, they found their man — at Baylor.

Dr. David Hardage, a Baylor graduate (class of 1979) and staff member (director of development for Baylor’s Truett Seminary), was overwhelmingly voted in as the BGCT’s new executive director on Jan. 12. He will begin his new role as the head of a group numbering 5,500 churches and 2.3 million members effective Feb. 1.

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve our Texas Baptist family,” Hardage said last month after learning of his nomination. “I am a grassroots Texas Baptist. I was saved, baptized, called, licensed and ordained in Texas Baptist churches. I received my education at a Texas Baptist institution and have served as pastor of three Texas Baptist churches and interim pastor of five others. I have been the director of missions of a Texas Baptist association and now have served at one of our seminaries. It has also been my privilege to serve Texas Baptists, voluntarily, through a variety of committees and boards.”

After earning his BA in religion from Baylor, Hardage pastored multiple churches across the region before becoming director of missions for the Waco Regional Baptist Association in 2004 and then Truett’s director of development in 2007. Over the years, he has also served as chairman of the BGCT State Missions Commission, chairman of the BGCT Missions Funding Committee, and as a trustee at East Texas Baptist University.

Hardage’s blood runs green and gold. In addition to his own degree from Baylor (and employment at his alma mater), David’s father, two brothers, wife (Kathleen, BSED ’79), two children (John, BA ’06, JD ’10, and Rebekah, BA ’08), and even a daughter-in-law are all Baylor graduates.

Sic ’em, Dr. Hardage!

Sep

2011

Baylor commemorating 10-year anniversary of 9/11 attacks

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Faith, Student life

Ten years ago, I had just arrived at work on a September day when my phone rang. It was my boss, who was not yet in the office; his first words were, “Turn on the TV.” “What channel?” I asked. “Any channel,” came the reply.

Everyone who lived through it has a story of where they were and what they were doing when they heard that the World Trade Center had been attacked. The events of 9/11 will live on in the minds of a generation the way people previously remembered JFK’s assassination or the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

This weekend, Baylor will commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11 with a series of exhibits and events:

A quilt honoring soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11 is on display today in the Allbritton Foyer of Moody Memorial Library. Baylor is the quilt’s last stop before heading to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Now through Sunday, flags on Fountain Mall (provided by the Baylor Young Conservatives of Texas) honor each of the victims lost in the attacks.
An exhibit at Poage Legislative Library (with supplementary exhibits at Moody and Jones libraries) recaps the events of 9/11 and the lasting aftermath through newspaper front pages and other documents.
Today at 3 p.m. outside Moody, “A Tribute to Fallen Heroes” will remember the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who have given their lives in service and honor those who serve today. The event will also recognize Baylor’s Air Force and Army ROTC detachments and the approximately 120 veterans currently attending Baylor.
Sunday at 2 p.m., University Carillonneur Lynnette Geary will play a memorial recital on the McLane Carillon in the Pat Neff Hall Tower. The recital is free and open to the public; guests are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets to Founders Mall.
Sunday at 5 p.m., a service of remembrance will be held in Waco Hall. Texas State Sen. Brian Birdwell, who survived the attack on the Pentagon on that fateful day, will be the featured speaker. The service is open to the public.
Monday at 4 p.m. in Miller Chapel, religion professors Drs. Natalie Carnes, Reggie Williams and Bill Bellinger will lead a panel discussion on “9/11: A Decade Later.”

Today’s college students might be among the last to remember the events clearly; they were between 8 and 12 years old when the attack took place — third- through sixth-graders who were just barely reaching an age where they might be learning and able to understand international politics and relations.

Rather than end this post with the typical “sic ‘em,” instead we’ll end with solemn silence in memory of those who died on and following 9/11.

Aug

2011

Truett Seminary student joins the homeless to tell their story in new documentary

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Faith, Service, Student life, Videos

Truett Seminary student Antwone Taulton wanted to aid the homeless, but recognized that he didn’t know what it was like to be in their shoes. So he joined them.

Taulton spent several weeks living on the streets of Oklahoma City to learn the stories of some of the homeless there. He has now told their stories in a new documentary, “A Day in Our Shoes.” DVDs of the film are for sale on the official website, with proceeds going to aid homeless people in finding permanent housing, employment and transportation.

“They’re good people, they’re kindhearted people, but you can’t help all of them and not all of them want to be helped,” Taulton told the Oklahoma Gazette. “Some of them have adapted to this way of life. That comes from being out here so long and the mental abuse they have to go through. If you catch them at the beginning stages, you can get them out of here.”

Sic ’em, Antwone!

Jul

2011

Graduate thesis suggests regular Bible reading may increase support for social justice, openness to science

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Academics, Alumni, Faith, Research, Student life

Bible reading I’ve often thought of a master’s thesis as just one more (really big) homework assignment that, once completed, sits on the shelf forever. But as Baylor students often prove, that doesn’t have to be the case.

The latest example comes from Aaron Franzen, a doctoral candidate in sociology. After earning his BA in sociology from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and his MA in historical theology from Concordia Seminary, Franzen came to Baylor where he completed his master’s in sociology last May. For his master’s thesis, Franzen used data from the Baylor Religion Survey to examine how reading the Bible can affect one’s views on issues of morality, criminal justice and the interaction between science and religion.

Specifically, he found that frequent Bible reading can transcend the usual conservative/liberal stereotypes. For instance, while opposition to same-sex marriage and legalized abortion seems to track with increased Bible reading, so too does interest in social and economic justice, acceptance of the compatibility of religion and science, and support for the humane treatment of criminals.

Surprisingly, this seems to be an area of research that few have ever studied in depth. Franzen’s work has been a subject of interest in such outlets as Christianity Today, the Huffington Post, Glenn Beck’s radio show and WBAP-AM in Dallas.

Sic ’em, Aaron!

Jul

2011

Incoming freshman explains why she turned down Harvard, Duke and Rice for Baylor

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Academics, Baylor 2012, Faith, Student life

Lizzie Lyons could have gone to college almost anywhere. As valedictorian of her class in Berkley, Michigan, and with a perfect ACT score, Lyons was accepted to Yale, Duke, Dartmouth, Vanderbilt, Boston College and Virginia and offered full rides to Harvard and Rice. But she chose Baylor and will join the rest of the Class of 2015 here next month. Why? Here are her words:

“My father is a fourth-generation Texan; my mother, a fourth-generation Michigander. Although I have been living in Yankee territory these past 17 years, my heart belongs to Texas. On the day of my birth, my grandmother sent a box of Texas soil so that her granddaughter could be born a Texan. … One very muggy August day, my mother, father, six-year-old sister, Molly, and I loaded into the family van and drove 1,400 miles across the country to Texas, where we visited nine universities.

“I will never forget the day I first saw Baylor. The temperature had soared to triple digits, and I was as usual suffering from carsickness. The minute we drove onto Baylor’s campus, I was intrigued by the beauty of the buildings and the grounds. My tour guides were wonderful, friendly people, and the admissions officer helped me realize I had finally found the place for which I was searching. I love the fact that Baylor is a Christian university; as a Christian, that is extremely important to me. I love Baylor’s size, culture and warmth.

“As an honors student with diverse academic interests, the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core is the answer to my prayers. At Baylor, I can study with professors who share my moral compass. Baylor 2012 is an exciting plan. I want to be one of the alumni that helps Baylor reach its status as a top-ranked university.

“I have been blessed by God with a fine intellect. I am one of the fortunate ones who have many choices when selecting a university, but I have been raised to believe that to whom much is given, much is expected. I believe Baylor is a place where I can contribute to the academic community, be involved in Christian service, and celebrate Baylor traditions with new friends. I would be thrilled to be a collaborative member of the Baylor incoming class of 2011. My late grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Lyons, would be so proud that little box of soil finally led me home.”

Sic ’em, Lizzie!

Jul

2011

Baylor prof in high demand from media as final Harry Potter film debuts

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Academics, Faith, Just for Fun

Harry Potter movie poster Count my wife among the many who are eagerly awaiting tonight’s release of the final film in the Harry Potter saga. With the film’s debut, one Baylor professor has found himself a little bit busier than usual. English professor Dr. Greg Garrett already wears many hats — including writer, teacher, minister and artist — but this week, Garrett has been a popular subject for writers looking for a different angle on the final chapter of The Boy Who Lived.

Garrett’s books often look for deeper meaning in pop culture, and his latest effort, One Fine Potion: The Literary Magic of Harry Potter, is no different. In the book (published by Baylor Press), Garrett likens Harry Potter, one of the most popular series of all time, to other great fantasy novels based in Christian heritage, specifically The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings. As a result, magazines and radio talk shows have been interested in hearing more.

As Potter-mania comes to a head this week, Garrett can be found everywhere from Men’s Health (“7 Lessons Every Man Can Learn from Harry Potter”) to The Huffington Post (“Saying So Long to Harry Potter”) to Patheos.com (“The End of Harry Potter: A View from Britain”). The Kansas City Star, Orlando Sentinel and BBC Radio (sorry, that one’s not online) are also among the many media outlets quoting the Baylor professor on the series’ final installment.

Though the Harry Potter books and movies have often been condemned by Christians for their use of witchcraft, Garrett sees Harry Potter as a moral tale that Christians should be willing to embrace. Author J.K. Rowling “told the media when Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was published in 2007 that the Bible verses quoted in that volume represented the thematic core of the entire series,” writes Garrett. “It’s a lovely final irony — in largely post-Christian Britain, the most popular export since tea has its basis in the Bible, in faith, and in the Church.”

Sic ’em, Dr. Garrett!

Jul

2011

Alum’s story: ‘God was more great than we believed’

Posted by The Baylor Proud Team in Alumni, Extraordinary Stories, Faith

More Great Awhile back, we received a “Point of Pride” submission that simply read, “My sister, Melody Raines ’97, has written a book explaining God’s greatness through her battle with breast cancer. [Signed,] Jennifer Raines, BA ’94.”

Yesterday, I went to check out the website she listed, moregreat.com, and found that the book, More Great, is available as a free download. I figured I’d skim through it and see if it was worth recommending.

Wow. I was blown away. The book consumed my day; I couldn’t put it down. Melody’s story — and the tales of God’s greatness revealed through her experiences — began long before the cancer appeared. In fact, they began during her time at Baylor. I won’t spoil the book — it’s really a great read — but over and over again, through physical troubles, financial difficulties, even the deaths of loved ones, Melody could have easily thrown in the towel and said, “That’s it, God. I’m done.” Thankfully, she didn’t; God carried her through, and her story is a beautiful one — not despite the sadness she’s endured, but because of it.

Seriously, go check out the book. You may lose a few hours out of your day or week, but I think you’ll emerge with a greater appreciation for how God can work even through apparent tragedy.

Sic ’em, Melody!

[We learned of this story from a Bear who shared her Baylor pride. Do you know of an inspiring story, news item, or just a fun link that makes you proud of Baylor and the Baylor family? Let us know! Click here to submit your point of pride!]

Points of Pride — Faith

Baylor Links

Subscribe:

Points of Pride