By Grace May
Women empowerment.
These two words express the mission of Grace College’s Student Involvement SHE organization.
SHE hosts a variety of events for female students throughout the year to encourage women of Christ to empower each other, the latest being SHE is Relational on Feb. 24. At this event, attendees enjoyed a light lunch and then participated in a panel discussion about relationships and boundaries.
On the panel were Kristen Richmond, the coordinator of Grace’s nursing program; Holly Parks, a worship pastor at First Church of God in Columbia City; and Deb McEvoy, the director of Student Health and Counseling at Grace. These women provided attendees with advice on how to navigate relationships and feel confident in their own skin.
“There’s so much shame put on women,” Parks said, “but God’s plan is the best plan.”
All three women emphasized the importance of communication. One of their main messages was that it’s crucial to communicate boundaries as well as things you like and dislike in a relationship.
“We have a better relational life when we talk about it,” McEvoy said.
“Don’t be ashamed to talk to someone,” Richmond said.
Not only did they discuss communication, but they also made sure to address one uncomfortable topic: sex. Many Christians worry that sex before marriage is the most unforgivable sin. While Christians do view it as a sin, the panel agreed that it’s no worse than any other sin.
“Satan uses that belief to shame us,” Richmond said. “[Having sex before marriage] is no different from lying or cheating.”
They wanted women to remember the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. God didn’t create people to be slaves to their sins.
“Having sex before marriage is not the unforgivable sin,” Parks said. “God has chosen to redeem those choices for us. There is redemption and restoration in that.”
Second-year student Bella Giunta attended the event and was impressed with the speakers.
“SHE was the perfect opportunity for women to support one another in godly ways,” Giunta said. “We had difficult conversations that needed to be had.”
The event impacted third-year student Allison Dolby as well.
“SHE is Relational was an opportunity to embrace and grow in our female identity as daughters of God through raw and authentic conversations,” Dolby said. “These conversations aid in the process of healing and wholeness.”
SHE will have events the rest of the school year. For more information on future events, check the Lowdown Newsletter or their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/gc_she?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==.
The Sounding Board 