On Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 8-10 p.m., Union University’s Residence Life hosted its annual Stand Up For Your Sister event at Barefoots Joe. The event brought women from across campus together to share vulnerably about difficulties they face and to stand in solidarity against those difficulties. Three panelists shared testimonies on topics such as grief, mental health, body image and more.
The night began with a time of prayer and worship. Following worship, panelists Krista Williams, Union University alumna and former residence assistant; Karis Murila, director of Barefoots Joe and Modero Coffee; and Chaille Hunsucker, current residence assistant and junior nursing major, shared about their personal struggles and how they overcame them.
This time of sharing was intended to show that others have faced similar experiences and that no one has to face such struggles alone. Through that realization, a sense of community is found.
Leah Sutton, assistant resident director in the women’s quads, said gender-specific events like this foster deeper campus connection and spiritual growth while addressing the struggles discussed.
“I feel like barriers of involvement kind of fade at this event,” Sutton said. “I feel that these are one of the most diverse group of women that gathers for a deeper purpose.”
After the panel, attendees participated in an anonymous survey distributed by the women’s resident assistants. This survey was composed of a few of the struggles that were discussed on the panel as well as ones that were not mentioned.
Once surveys were completed, the RAs collected them in a basket and randomly redistributed them across the room. Gailey Hollingsworth, residence director of Heritage, then read the questions on the survey aloud. If someone held a survey with a “yes” response, they stood up.
The activity gave participants a visible reminder that they do not stand alone in their internal battles. Students said the experience also reassuranced them that they can seek support from others with personal burdens that they carry.
Sarah Wood, senior ministry and missions major, said Residence Life events create opportunites for challenge, accountability and encouragement.
“Even admitting that you’ve done these things, and being able to come to the cross with these things,” Wood said. “Accountability is up to us to go to people with these things. You’re not in this alone, and it gives resources.”
After the time of standing, Ash Lafferty, residence director for women’s quads, read Scripture and shared what the Lord laid on her heart through the event.
The evening concluded with a time of reflection, prayer for women across campus and an opportunity to write letters of encouragment to other women.
