A H A R D I N G U N I V E R S I T Y S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N
March 14, 2025 Vol. 100, No. 11 @HUStudentPubs Facebook: Harding University Student Publications
2024
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Bloom conference encourages women Annual conference is themed “Free to be Fearless,” features Pam Tebow, Tiffany Malone JULIA JENKINS guest writer On March 14-15, Harding will host its annual Bloom women’s conference, an event dedicated to bringing women of all ages together for encouragement and fellowship. This year’s theme, “Free to Be Fearless,” is designed to inspire women to embrace bold faith and live courageously in Christ. Alicia Williamson, Bible faculty member and Bloom committee member, shared the vision behind the theme. “I think a part of that was just helping women learn how to live passionately for God without being afraid and just that idea of God equipping us with these spiritual tools to live courageously,” Williamson said. Previously known as WINGS (Women in God’s Service), the conference has long provided a space for Christian women to connect and support one another. In taking a new direction this year, Williamson and the planning committee anticipate it will be larger than ever. The event will feature keynote speakers Pam Tebow and Tiffany Malone, along with breakout sessions led by students, faculty and staff. Among the student speakers is senior Allie Grace Matheny, who plans to emphasize the power of personal testimonies. “What I really want is for them to hear that, no matter the darkest parts of their testimony,that is the part that’s gonna help someone else through their life,” Matheny said. This conference will provide a space for women to be able to come together and share what is on their hearts and minds. Sessions cover a variety of faith-based topics, attendees will have opportunities to engage
Photo by ABIGAIL CALLICOAT
Dr. Andrea Morris speaks at Bloom 2024, Nurturing Community. The theme for Bloom 2025 is “Free to be Fearless” and encourages women to live courageously in Christ. in meaningful discussions and reflect on their own spiritual journeys. Junior Bailey Mundy, another student speaker, will discuss how the gospel empowers believers to live fearlessly. “The gospel has changed our life, and our story has power because of what Christ has done through us,” Mundy said. “So I’m really excited because, I mean, we literally get to
talk about the thing that changes us from being in fear to being fearless.” This year’s conference is free for Harding students and will offer keynote speeches, breakout sessions, a choir presentation, worship, and fellowship with other women of faith. Williamson hopes the event will not only encourage students but also welcome new visitors to campus.
“I think one dream that we have is that we’ll have people that are coming to our campus that have never been before,” Williamson said. “I think that just extends Harding’s arms wider in our community, which is a wonderful thing. I think that will be a blessing that will come from it.”
Photos by ABIGAIL CALLICOAT
Women of all ages worship and fellowship at Bloom 2024. This year’s conference includes keynote speakers Pam Tebow and Tiffany Malone, along with breakout sessions, a choir presentation, worship and fellowship.
Students react to Pope Francis illness, hospitalization HELEN STRICKLAND opinions editor
Pope Francis fell ill with double pneumonia in February, and he has since been at the hospital for an extended stay since then. He spent some time on a ventilator, but as of Tuesday, March 4 he only required a ventilator to sleep. Harding is affiliated with the Churches of Christ, but students of varying denominations attend the school, including some Catholics. Though there are some differences between the Churches of Christ and the Catholic Church, College of Bible and Ministry professor Scott Adair emphasized the similarities between Catholicism and Protestantism. “The things we agree on are the things that matter most,” Adair said. “For example Catholics and Protestants both believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, that he is Lord. We both believe that God is One, and that he is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We both see the death and resurrection of Jesus as the central claim of our faith and basis of our hope. We both believe that God calls Christians to life in the church– which is the presence of Christ in the world. We both believe that in Christ humans are forgiven of sins. We both believe that God gives his Spirit to us to empower us and transform us into the likeness of Christ. We both believe that Jesus will return again to judge and redeem the world.” Senior and self-proclaimed “cradle Catholic” Emma McDaris spoke of her thoughts about Pope Francis’ lengthy bout of illness.
“Having the head of our national church precariously, maybe hanging onto life is hard because we don’t know who’s going to be the next Pope,” McDaris said. Senior and practicing Catholic Oscar Aldana expressed sympathy for the Pope amidst his extended hospital stay. “I felt sad for him,” Aldana said. Senior Emma Iglesias is a member of the Catholic Church as well, and she conveyed caring communal sentiments toward Pope Francis. “His illness is deeply concerning, and I am keeping him in my prayers,” Iglesias said. “The whole Catholic community is concerned about him as he had been a guiding light for so many. I hope
the process of electing a new pope. The cardinals convene in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City and remain until a new pope is elected. During the selection process, black smoke is seen coming from the chapel. When a new pope is selected, the smoke becomes white, alerting the public to the change. McDaris said how this can be a difficult process for the Catholic Church. “[The pope is] a major Christian figure in the world,” McDaris said. “So we want someone that is going to speak the language of God, which is love, and we don’t want
Graphic by BEN EVANS
that as a community, we can all pray for his health and well-being.” The possibility of the Pope’s death or resignation brings questions about the selection of a new pope. McDaris explained
someone that is not going to do that.” Aldana shared his opinions about Pope Francis. “I like the pope because he addresses topics that are important to our lives,” Aldana said. I like how he cares a lot about
the environment. I like how he says that the Earth is our house, and as such we need to care more about it.” Iglesias also spoke highly of the pope’s character and his accomplishments. “Pope Francis has been one of our generation’s greatest religious leaders,” Iglesias said. “He has touched the hearts of young people, guiding them with understanding, love and a firm sense of direction in times of uncertainty.” Iglesias also shared a quote from Pope Francis directed at young people (such as college students): “You dream big dreams, but sometimes they are clouded by fear of not seeing them come true. To you who sometimes think you are not capable. To you, young people, who want to change the world — and it is good that you want to change the world. To you who want to change the world and fight for justice and peace. To you, young people, who put passion and creativity into life but feel like it is not enough. To you, young people, who are the present and the future. Yes, precisely to you, young people, today I say; Do not be afraid, do not be afraid. It is Jesus Himself who is looking at you right now, he is looking at you. He knows each of your hearts, he knows your life, your joys, your sorrows, your successes and your failures. He knows your heart, and today he tells you; Do not be afraid.”