When I Think About Liberty University… I Think About That One Time I Almost Got Saved…
Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Liberty University? Is this some kinda cheesy Christian-themed blog post?” And you’re not wrong, it’s a university that’s known for its strong Christian values. But hear me out, because I’m not just gonna preach at you (well, maybe just a little).
The truth is, Liberty University, for all its quirks and religious fervor, is a fascinating place. And my journey to understanding it was a trip, a bit like a roller coaster ride with more “Hallelujahs” than screams.
Let’s rewind a bit, shall we? We’re talking 2012, and I’m a college freshman looking for a good time. I was the quintessential “party animal” – think tank tops, questionable decisions, and a perpetual hangover. But hey, who wasn’t in college?
One fateful day, I stumbled into a dorm party at the University of Virginia (not Liberty, yet). And there, amidst the keg stands and questionable dance moves, I saw her: a vision of perfect blonde hair, a smile that could melt glaciers, and an aura of…well, let’s just say she was the kind of girl who went to church every Sunday.
Now, I’m not religious (unless you count worshipping the almighty burger at 3 AM), but this girl, let’s call her Sarah, had this incredible aura of faith that made me feel like I was suddenly in a Hallmark movie. And I wanted to be in that movie, badly.
So, I did what any self-respecting, slightly desperate college freshman would do: I faked it. I told her I was a devout Christian, even quoting Bible verses I’d heard at my grandma’s church. She was impressed, and we started dating.
But the facade crumbled as fast as a cheap cookie on a hot day. Sarah, being a good Christian girl, insisted on going to church with me. It was a Sunday service at Liberty University, and let me tell you, it was a culture shock.
Imagine a world where the only music allowed is hymns, where the sermon is longer than a Shakespearean play, and where everyone’s dressed in their Sunday best. I felt like I’d walked into a movie set for “The Sound of Music” but with less singing and more, uh, Jesus.
I sat there, trying my best to blend in, while all I could think about was the burrito I’d passed on for this “religious experience.” My stomach growled in protest, and my soul felt like it was being slowly roasted on a spit.
The sermon was about “finding your purpose,” which, to my college-brain, meant finding the closest bar after the service. But Sarah, bless her heart, was deeply moved. She turned to me, her eyes shining with newfound faith, and said, “I feel like God is calling me to do something bigger.”
I mumbled something about a “calling” to the nearest pizza place, but Sarah was already lost in her own little world of religious ecstasy.
The thing is, I started to see a different side of Liberty University that day. It wasn’t just a school for religious fanatics, it was a community of people who genuinely believed in something bigger than themselves. They seemed to have a purpose, a direction, a sense of belonging that I, with my questionable morals and constant search for the next party, was desperately lacking.
The experience left a lasting impression on me. It was a stark contrast to my own chaotic college life, and it made me question my own choices. Did I want to be a soul-searching, purpose-driven individual? Or would I remain a lost sheep, wandering the wilderness of college parties and bad decisions?
Sure, I never fully embraced the “Christian” life. But the experience at Liberty University made me realize that there’s more to life than just having fun. It made me think about the kind of person I wanted to be, even if it was a little scary, a little uncomfortable, and a lot less fun than my usual routine.
So, yeah, Liberty University, you might not be for everyone. But you challenged me, you made me think, and you showed me that a little bit of faith, even if it’s just faith in yourself, can go a long way.
And who knows, maybe one day, I’ll even be able to stomach a church service without craving a burrito. But until then, I’ll keep remembering that one time I almost got saved, and I’ll be forever grateful for the experience, even if it involved a lot of hymns and questionable choices.