..Tam.Odom..

Oh what a big thought to have on this Tuesday, June 16th, 2009!

Today is a mark in my history because I was given a promotion in my job at Charleston Southern University. After four years of living the  student life and being involved with the mission of the campus, I took the position as Ministry Assistant in the Campus Ministries Department. Then at the end of six years of administrating, organizing, planning, managing, helping, serving, mentoring, designing, photographing, video editing, mailouts, cleaning up, setting up, running computers, making music mixes, and much more…I will now assume the responsibilities of Director of Women’s Ministry and Creative Arts.

Some say that this is long overdue for the amount of work I do. To me, it is a true blessing to see what God has brought me through to prepare me for this moment. So to rebutal others’ thoughts I would say that this is all God’s timing. No – I am not trying to be over spiritual about that, because I don’t know that 2 years ago I would have even been ready for such a thing. Because Satan loves to attack my thoughts and tell me that I am not competent to do the things set before me then I tend to doubt myself. It had come to a time when not only was God tugging at my heart for some kind of direction change. but He was confirming that through other people.

There were so many people who God used and I want to thank all of them. This is by far not all that has had a part in keeping my spirits up, my heart encouraged, spiritually accountable, and focused on the mission. I had people like Mrs. Joyce who would ask me to meet with girls that she wasn’t sure how to connect with but had concerns they were headed in the wrong direction. I had Mrs. Glenda who was always encouraging me that what I was doing with each girl one at a time was making a difference. Then there was Corey who has forever been my biggest fan and support. Or how about Ms. Mead who kept telling me how priceless my work and heart to serve was to the school and the students I was touching each day. There was Dr. Ratliff who always showed appreciation for every small work I would do for Student Services and always looking out to protect me. How about Danyel Bellush who was willing to allow me in to mentor and be a part of her volleyball program. Then my prayer warriors, Mrs. Jan and Mrs. Sherry, for praying me through the ups and downs of ministry. Definitely can’t forget all of my students who continously have been supportive, encouraging and the very reason I have opened my heart to continuing in ministry. But none of this would not have been a reality if it had not been for Clark, Dr. Rick and Dr. Hunter coming to the realization that there is a need to serve the 60% of our campus made up of women and the fact that millennials are image driven. Not only did they recognize the need the supported it but they took action. I am very thankful for them to go to bat for me and make sure a unrealistic change came about in such a short amount of time. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Now what does this mean? Well, this is where I don’t have much time to think things through, but I definitely need to be still and know that He is Lord. He is going to carry me through and continue to give me favor in the things He has called me to. Yes, the scripture that says he will not give you more than you can handle is a scripture I will cling to in the days ahead. It is all new uncharted territory for the university and for myself. How will things play out? Will the girls be receptive to me? What is the best way to reach the unreached? Who is the best person to chaplain the Women’s sports teams? Where will we go for the women’s retreat? How will I learn more about graphic design and web enhancement? Does this mean I get to do more photography? How many girls I will be able to mentor realistically? Yes – as you can see – I have a lot on my mind.

I will keep you posted on the things God lays on my heart to develop and grow Godly women on the campus of CSU. Thank you again for all of your support, prayers, love and encouraging words!