rush + recall

I remember this time last year.

In light of the sorority recruitment process being in full swing at Alabama (and loads of other schools across the country as well), I wanted to touch on some things that I remember writing in my journal this time last year when I was going through rush.

Going through recruitment is easily one of the best decisions I made when coming to college. That being said, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies, ladies. Rush is stressful, no matter what side of the system you are on. It’s fun, exciting, new—yes, but also stressful. Much of this process is determined by one person’s perception of another: bullet points on a resume, a house’s reputation, outfits worn, credentials earned, and the list goes on and on. With that in mind, I believe it’s important to remember a few things.

1.     Your worth is not determined by what anyone else thinks of you.

It is all too easy to be caught up in all the superficiality of rush. It’s easy to start comparing yourselves to others, over-analyzing conversations you had during rounds, wishing you had said something different or worn something different or made a different decision. All of that is so understandable. But it’s important not to let anything that happens during the week affect your view of yourself. Your worth, beauty, and value were all determined by the Lord long before you were even created, and CERTAINLY long before you ever decided to go through rush. You are beautiful. You are loved. You are exactly who you are supposed to be.

“You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you!” –Song of Solomon 4:7

“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the wearing of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” –1 Peter 3:3-4

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” –Ephesians 2:10

2.    “Trust the system.”

This is something that I’m sure you will hear endlessly throughout the week of recruitment. Your recruitment counselor, active members, and other PNMs will tell you this to keep you from being let down by the outcome of various rounds of recruitment. And it’s true! I can speak from experience when I say that sometimes recruitment does not go as you may hope or imagine it will. Sometimes, a house you really loved does not invite you back. Sometimes, you end up in a house you never pictured being in. But it’s okay, because 99% of the time, recruitment works out best for you in spite of what you may think after each round and even on bid day However, it’s not the “system” or some other elusive sorority formula that you should trust; trust that the Lord is going to lead you to the place that will most glorify Him. To glorify Him, not yourself. Do not believe the misconception that God doesn’t care about sorority recruitment, because He does!!! He cares about every single element of your life on earth. He cares for you and wants the best for you, even if it isn’t what you want. Where you end up may not be where you wanted to be, but remember that God will never lead you somewhere without preparing the way. If you put your trust in Him, you avoid being upset or disappointed. He will lead you where He wants you to go and He will be with you.  

“And now, O Lord God, you are that God, and your words be true, and you have promised this goodness to your servant.” -2 Samuel 7:28

“And they that know your name will put their trust in you: for you, Lord, have not forsaken them that seek you.” –Psalm 9:10

3.    Regardless of where you end up, you are called to be a light.

As Christ followers, we are the very hands as feet of Jesus. In ever situation, ever walk of life, every single day, we are to be a light to those around them. The sorority that you pledge is sure to become a huge part of your life. These are the people that are going to surround you every day. These people become your closest friends, your accountability partners, and your confidants. With this in mind, your sorority house is a mission field. Regardless of which house you pledge, there are certainly going to be people that need to hear the Good News that is Christ. This presents you with a golden opportunity to influence those around you. It is your responsibility to be a positive light for them. No matter what kind of situation you are in, which house you are in, and who your pledge sisters are, you are called to do His will. Get involved, get to know people, share your heart, and BE the Gospel.

“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I alone am God. Before me, there is no other god, there never has been, and there never will be.” –Isaiah 43:10

Recruitment can truly be a life-changing experience. I can confidently say that, had it not been for my sorority, I would not be who I am today. I found a community of God-fearing women who encourage me, love me, and challenge me to seek Christ each and every day. Stay positive, trust in the Lord’s plan, and remembered how very loved you are. Be a light, you are the apple of the Creator’s eye pretty ladies!

God, I pray that you fill me with your presence this week. Fill the hearts of all the girls who embark on this journey. Remind them that you love them. Challenge them to trust in you even when they are doubtful. Help me to be a light to others this week. I love you, and I will glorify you, for I am so thankful.