Pictured: Sammie Wuensche. Photo illustration by Anastasia Condolon When one first learns a loved one has died, it can feel overwhelming, perhaps unforeseen — like getting lost in a tidal wave. One might be out in the ocean for a while feeling disoriented and confused. Over time, memories of the loved one come back, sometimes unexpectedly — even when the water appears to … [Read more...] about Healing Comes in Waves: The Grieving Process and Honoring the Lives of Loved Ones
Spring 2021: Beauty From Ashes
Jewish Mourning Rituals Emphasize the Meaning of Life
Photo courtesy of Ari Schwarzberg Many religions have distinct mourning rituals when a person dies. In Judaism, practices surrounding death serve as a way to respect the life of the deceased and comfort those in mourning, said Ari Schwarzberg, rabbi-in-residence at Pepperdine. “When death happens, it's something that we take very seriously because of its impact that it … [Read more...] about Jewish Mourning Rituals Emphasize the Meaning of Life
Alexa Rydell Accepts Jesus in a Hammock
Photo courtesy of Alexa Rydell While sitting in a hammock outside of her first-year dorm on campus, Alexa Rydell decided to commit her life to Jesus. Rydell, now a senior Liberal Arts for Education major, said she didn't really know God when she came to Pepperdine. After months of honest conversations, house Bible studies and worship moments, she said her heart caved … [Read more...] about Alexa Rydell Accepts Jesus in a Hammock
Nicholas Olson Finds Peace in His Romantic Relationship
Photo courtesy of Nicholas Olson Junior Biology major Nicholas Olson finds peace in both the world around him and the people in it. He finds peace in such varied locations as crowded cafes, Malibu canyons, hanging out at the beach or outdoors looking at the stars. But spending time with his girlfriend, Valentina Monteagudo, who he met while studying abroad in Buenos … [Read more...] about Nicholas Olson Finds Peace in His Romantic Relationship
Finding Spiritual Rest in an Anxious World
Pictured: Cecily Breeding. Photo illustration by Anastasia Condolon Ancient civilizations possessed something modern cultures appear to be missing — a steady awareness of the divine. The world is not only becoming increasingly secularized, but people are growing more anxious, isolated and depressed than ever previously reported. One third of Americans regularly experience … [Read more...] about Finding Spiritual Rest in an Anxious World