(previously posted from my old Blog 4/14/13)

I have often been asked if I can truly be a part of Greek Life and have a personal relationship with Christ. The question always takes me by surprise no matter how many times I have to listen to it and then the ignorant and often offensive stereotypes of what people assume Greek life is all about. I would like to first and foremost say that being a part of Phi Mu Fraternity has allowed me to be apart of something that is bigger than myself and has forced me to grow up. That being said, yes you can be Christian and Greek. Furthermore you may be surprised by how much being Greek has strengthened my relationship with Christ. When I’m at home I have my constant support from my friends and Church family when it comes to my walk with Christ. The people in my life are constantly there to make sure that I remain the person that I have always wanted to be and have always been. However, coming to college was scary and moving to a different state where no one knew me opened the door to many temptations and possibilities.

When I went through sorority recruitment I found something that changed my life for good. I found a family, friends, and a higher standard in which to live my life. I found purpose and people to whom would keep me accountable. I live my life by a creed, one in which states:

“To think of God as a protector and guide of us all” as well as, “To reverence God as our Maker striving to serve Him in all things”

My sisters push me to better myself and that includes in my faith. When I became a big sister this past semester (to two very beautiful, smart, and captivating young women) I found a new level of commitment and service that Phi Mu can provide. I now have the obligation of being an example and mentor to these two young women and that is not an easy feat.

I also go to a public liberal arts institution which some people believe detracts from what could be my “Christian education.” My time spent at a public high school and now a public university has pushed me to accept my faith as something more personal and less conformist. Every aspect of my walk with Christ is based upon myself and not any forced requirements. (I have nothing against private and religious institutions I however did not find the educational program that I wanted to study at any other university other than Christopher Newport) I am thankful for the responsibility that was put upon myself and know that I can be a Christian and function with the world while not losing myself or my faith. Because the Lord calls us to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations (paraphrase of Matthew 28:19) and now having been pushed into the world at a young age (while admittedly there are many resources at my disposal) I know that I can help my faith grow and prosper while also being a light to the world. So yes I can be Greek and a Christian and yes I can go to a public university and be a Christian. My name is Jessica Marshall and I am second to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and I constantly have to tell myself to die to myself and live for him. Sin is a constant battle of human proportions but I have something bigger than sin, my Father.