OPINIONS
WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 7
Advice for when life becomes difficult to manage BY ETHAN DIAL Editor-In-Chief
“Stop thinking; just stop thinking.” I recently overheard these words given in advice to a loved one. Since then, I haven’t been able to forget them, but why? Why would these words that lack meaning on the surface leave a lasting impact, especially when they seem to be so counterintuitive? I’ve always been grateful that the Lord graciously gave us such complex
brain capacity and function. The fact that He made us in His likeness despite knowing how we’d so continuously fail Him has always baffled me. And if He so purposefully designed these brains within us, why would we ever need to stop doing a God-given ability like thinking? What kind of strategy is this if it encourages passiveness? While I wasn’t for sure if I would ever figure it out, after mulling it over for quite some time, I think I’ve finally landed on the thought process of this advice giver.
Yesterday, I woke up with the sun, grabbed a cup of coffee and began studying for a test. I took a hot shower and read out of my current devotional, “Streams in the Desert,” by L. B. Cowman, and just knew it was going to be a wonder filled day. On a pink flash card, I had written Exodus 33:14: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest,” and I felt confident that the Lord would deliver in this promise. However, throughout the day, as the tests and quizzes ensued and my brain kept battling
through, anxiety and stress piled up within me. I began to ponder the implications of each imperfect score and action. I thought about my uncertain future of life after Ouachita and sat by as the enemy sparked a spirit of hopelessness that I chose to let blaze. That’s when what at first started as a still small voice, but escalated into the bold and empowering voice of the Holy Spirit reminded me of what I had heard just days ago: “stop thinking.” What I had done was focused
on the uncontrollable chaos of this world. I had tried to keep a grip on it all and not hand it over to the Almighty One and Burden Bearer. I was thinking way too much, when I simply needed to “lift up mine eyes unto the hills,” where my help would come from, like Psalm 121 commands. It was in this moment that I grasped the necessity of not thinking and realized that in this life we often must choose to STOP, bringing our thoughts to a screeching halt and choosing to press into the comfort of our great creator.
this tradition is unknown but likely originated for convenience and has been commonly used among generations of Ouachitonians. Spring is coming to Ouachita, and that means one can expect at least two to three engagements each month. “Ring by spring” is a real thing for a few couples and the goal of many. Girls talk about it in the fall semester and are always expectant to see who will get to be in on the trend. Social media will give you the news on the weekend, and it will be a popular topic throughout the week. The Enneagram is another big trend on campus. This is a system of personality classification that is based on a nine-pointed figure in which each of the nine points represent a personality type and its motivations. Most students find out
their type by taking an online test and use this information as a conversation starter. Ouachitonians often make new friends who have things in common with their Enneagram number. Enneagram related graphics are also fun to post on social media. You will see many different styles on campus, but there are some basic wardrobe staples one can expect. Throughout the fall semester, oversized t-shirts and athletic shorts are a must-have in every girl’s closet. For shoes, Chacos, Birkenstocks and Crocs are worn by both sexes throughout the year. Even when winter weather hits, these don´t go out of style. Socks and sandals might not be everyone’s favorite combination, but this is a go-to style for many Ouachitonians.
For accessories, hair tinsel, cowboy hats and Hydro flask water bottles are a few of the peculiar yet popular options. In terms of popular habits, Ouachita offers many opportunities to get involved. Thursdays in particular host one of the most popular campus-wide activities. Refuge, a high-energy night of worship and preaching, is a key part of the community on campus. It has become more than a trend; it´s a weekly habit among students. The more you get involved, the more GroupMe notifications you will have. It´s probably the main way of group communication on campus. There is a group chat for every organization, activity, job and ministry. If you are a student, you understand how important it is to stay
updated on those conversations. As a college student, life is busy and you don´t have much free time, but when you do, Ouachita students are known for lake days, hammocking and hiking trips. Being surrounded by nature lends itself to this trend. All year long, no matter the weather, people enjoy taking time away from studying to go outdoors with friends. The variety of trends make Ouachita the place that students consider their home away from home. Some are old traditions that get passed down consistently, while new trends emerge with every new class. Old or young, Ouachita trends help to cultivate the unique college experience that students love and alumni remember well.
Ouachita trends bond students over mutual culture BY VALERIA GOMEZ Staff Writer
To inhabit the Ouachita bubble means to participate in traditions, sayings, habits and even clothing choices specific to Ouachitonian culture. From popular hobbies to iconic styles, here is a guide to the most prevalent Ouachita trends. When you first settle in, whether you are a freshman or a transfer, and you hear people say “I´m going to the Stu,” “It´s Chick Friday” and “Are you eating in the Caf?,” it probably confuses you and makes you wonder what these students are talking about and where these places are. Well, welcome to Ouachita, where every food place is called by a shortened name. The origin of
