My Dearest Asha, I find myself sitting down to write this letter, my heart heavy with the void your absence has left in my life and in our beloved Alpha Phi sisterhood. I miss you more than words can express, and it's been a journey of profound sorrow and reflection since that fateful day when you were taken from us far too soon. You were not just my big sister in Alpha Phi; … [Read more...] about Community Contribution: Community Remembers a Bright Light Asha Weir
Special Publications
Community Contribution: A Message from Tim Spivey
After the on-campus memorial service for Deslyn, Peyton, Asha and Niamh, I went home. Not the home where I receive my mail and sleep at night. There was another home calling me. Some call it, “church.” That evening, I called it home. I didn’t go out of obligation or fear. I went because I needed to. My soul needed it —my weary, worn-out soul. Of course, there was a part … [Read more...] about Community Contribution: A Message from Tim Spivey
This is Our Worship: A Message from Sara Barton
Grief is destabilizing. And because it’s destabilizing, uncomfortable and a host of other things, we sometimes feel that it is also bad, perhaps something to be ashamed of, or to rush past, or to fix with shallow religious answers. But as uncomfortable and unwelcome as it is, what if grief is the seed of healing? What if seasons of grief are not a sign of a lack of faith … [Read more...] about This is Our Worship: A Message from Sara Barton
Community Contribution: A World Without You
moments i’m alone, left to my own, i get visions of you — your face, your voice, your love. how close your heart was to your head and how you took every situation with a teaspoon of level-headedness. there’s a jack-o'-lantern head covering the 76 gas station sign off sunset. i drive to class, hoping to see you on the way to meet me, sipping tea. from … [Read more...] about Community Contribution: A World Without You
Community Contribution: Asha Weir Tribute
When you teach, especially as you age, you begin to view your students as your “extra” children. You have them for a short time, and your job is to get them prepared for the world before they fly the coop. I had only a short time with Asha Weir, but she made a huge impact on me for many reasons. I’m not sure how well I prepared her for the world, but she made … [Read more...] about Community Contribution: Asha Weir Tribute