Insight on why INSIGHT

Many of you may know that I going away to California for school this year. What you may not know is why. The short answer is God told me to. The long answer is how He did.

I have been studying photography at Washtenaw Community College. They have one of the best programs in the state. Truly I have learned a lot there. I had committed myself to finishing the associates in photography before moving on to anything else. And so, it was not without much reason and consideration that I decided to move on with only three classes left to a degree!

For one thing the classes I needed weren't being offered by the teachers I needed in order to most effectively learn what I wanted. In order to get the information I wanted I would need to take unnecessary filler classes, biding my time for a couple semesters. Not such a big deal in itself, but added to the generally hostile attitude towards truth at WCC it was enough to make me want to leave.

You see, I am quite strong in my beliefs. The environment at WCC did nothing to back me down. However, after a few incidents showing how thoroughly the moral relativism pervaded the classroom I felt it was time for me to be able to fight back instead of simply taking the hits. I know without question that my beliefs are right, but I really don't know much of the why behind my beliefs. I want to dig deeper. Learn the why and be able to articulate it.

It was in April when I made this decision. Long past the time to change plans for the fall. Yet, I knew I could not go back. I believe that God closed the doors for me at WCC. He knew it was time for me to move on. I thought of Insight. I had looked into last year and was interested, but didn't feel the need to pursue it at that time. With another year of school under my belt I feel the need! I am now hungry and desirous for the Truth! All in God's perfect timing.

As soon as school was out my dad and flew down to Pasadena to check out Insight. I still had some questions. For one thing I was concerned that Insight might be turning out a product. You know like those Bob Jones kids. Full of legalism and unable to think for themselves. I am happy to report that there is none of this at Insight! Each student was very much an individual. I found that Insight in fact encourages their students to think for themselves. They simply provide the materials and environment in which that can happen. I felt at home on campus. (Shout out to the girlies there! They were so sweet and really welcomed me! You all really helped me to feel comfortable. Thank you.) My dad kept commenting on the tinyness of the school (They only take 15 students for the program, my dad went to UofM Ann Arbor) However, he was able to get his own questions answered and decide for himself that Insight was the next step for me. I am very thankful that my dad came to this conclusion on his own. It feels great to know I have his support. Shortly thereafter we flew home. I filled out the application, got interviewed and accepted. BAM! My life is changing.

At this point I can now tell you a little more about Insight specifically. Insight stand for INtensive Study of Integrated Global History and Theology. That word, integrated, is important. It means that I will be studying history and theology together. Not as two separate subjects. The Tapestry of Grace program is similar in this aspect. I have done one year of ToG and really enjoyed it. The Bible makes so much more sense when studied in it proper historical context. I will aquire college credits for the work I do at Insight.

Insight is going to be one of the most difficult things I have ever done. It is going to require quite a bit more studious effort than I am typically used to. I will be away from my friends and family for months! You see, if you don't know me, I am the girl who never studies,yet continues to hold a 3.9 in school and at 21 I still barely sleeps over at other people's houses. I am a little afraid of it all. But I am not going to let that hold me back. I want to grow. I am ready to take the plunge.

Hopefully I will have new things to write about and remember to actually post them here! In a coming post I will share my booklist for the first of four modules.