Columbia International University’s annual Authority of Scripture Week had a different feel to it this year. Instead of inviting a guest speaker to expound on the CIU core value, each session consisted of a discussion panel featuring CIU professors. The week’s overall theme centered around coping with grief, loss, and suffering. It was a fitting message in light of the unexpected deaths of CIU students John-Hunter James and Trisha Wolfe, and Athletics Director Darren Richie, all in the last 12 months.

Tuesday’s panel featured Dr. John Crutchfield and Dr. Michael Lyons, who spoke on seeking God in the Old Testament during hard times. They emphasized the importance of rest, as well as the act of lamenting found in the book of Psalms.

“Lament is worship in a minor key,” Crutchfield said. “It’s not griping and complaining, instead it’s bringing our pain to God, which in itself is an act of worship because we are admitting that He is the one that can help.”

This act of dependence in time of need specifically spoke to junior Vanessa Smith, a nursing major.

“I really appreciate where (Crutchfield) is coming from,” Smith explained. “It was very helpful to learn the biblical perspective on dealing with hard times and how God can work through that.”

Wednesday’s chapel, headed by the trio of Dr. Michael Naylor, Dr. Markus Klausli, and dean of the Seminary & School of Counseling Dr. David Croteau, dove into the wisdom of the New Testament and how to combat suffering.

Naylor shared an encouraging message through Romans 8.

“There is this undercurrent throughout of God’s love and care for us, that regardless of what we face, He loves us and His Spirit is present and interceding for us.”

Croteau shed some light on his personal experience with mental and physical suffering and reminded the audience of 2 Corinthians 1:3 and to focus and lean on the Lord, who is the “God of all comfort.”

The next day, students took a break from classes and banded together in community worship and prayer, lifting up the prayer requests of fellow students and faculty that were collected throughout the week. The scene of students gathered together in prayer was a powerful one, and the student-led worship produced a special type of energy. 

Shortly thereafter, a discussion panel consisting of psychology professor Dr. Paula Whitaker, and counseling professors Dr. Seth Scott, Dr. Benjamin Mathew, and Dr. Glenda Nanna, shared practical tips on coping with grief and loss.

The day could not have come at a better time, as the grief was compounded by an increased workload as midterms loomed ahead.

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