College came with its temptations. The first few weeks, I went out to all the parties, drank more than I should have, and acted like someone I wasn't. And then I became a part of Chi Omega, which was honestly a huge blessing. But, it also brought more temptations. We had pregames and exchanges with fraternities, so I was going out a few times a week. Going out, getting drunk, and exploring the bar scene. I had a blast with my new sorority sisters, but the partying had consequences: hangovers, drunk binge eating, random hookups, and tears.
It took me until the end of the semester to realize that my actions were not glorifying God.
Over break, I did a lot of thinking, and I came to a decision: I would still go out, but I was done with the binge drinking. There's nothing wrong with having a drink, but as soon as a person loses her ability to think clearly, problems arise. Well, for me, at least.
So that's what I'm trying to do this semester. And it's proving to be a lot more difficult that I thought.
Last night, a ton of girls in my sorority went out together to celebrate our recent initiation. I stayed in and worked on homework instead. It didn't bother me... until this morning, when I realized just how much I missed out on.
It was all over Facebook: "What a night!" one girl wrote. "Well, that was one for the books," typed another. Suddenly, I felt like crying. I want to be on the inside. I want to laugh about the night's antics. I want to be a part of the crazy memories.
...But I don't want to get drunk anymore.
Is there a balance? Is it possible?
10 comments:
You can find a balance. I think. I go to a school in Kentucky and play soccer there as well. Our coach is pretty strict about the alcohol subject and his rule is not to drink on "his time." I recently, and when I say recent I mean about an hour ago, we found out we can't go out, let alone drink, ever. Our entire college career we cannot do a single thing. So we are being thrown into not drinking if going out. Hopefully we can find the balance.
I have been in your shoes and know how hard this is. My last year and a half of college I didn't go out with the purpose of getting completely drunk. If I went out, it was with friends who had the same mindset as me and we would just have a few drinks. Honestly, do you really think your friends crazy drunken nights are ones for the books? Do you think they will be proud of them 5 years from now. Yes, you should have fun, but within limits. There is nothing fun about random hookups and vomiting...at least not from my experience! Just stand for what you believe in and do what makes you happy!
You sound like the type of girl that has the right mindset. You just have to get over the hurtle of finding how much you can drink without loosing control of yourself. It's going to be difficult, but if you have God in mind he can get you though anything and everything. You just have to have faith! :)
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I think it's possible to just have a couple of drinks and pace yourself. I think it's also important to remember that safety is really important too, especially for girls.
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I believe it's every person's decision whether or not to drink, but I would guide you to err on the side of caution. I had a roommate who swam for our university who liked to go to the swimming parties. She never drank, but just because she was in control of herself didn't still mean she wouldn't find herself in a tricky or just dangerous situation. I think depending on where you're going, what you're doing, and with whom, it's okay to go out. Just make sure you're being smart about it. :]
I had similar struggles in college - I found that I couldn't just go and not drink. It's a trying time, and it took me a long time to figure out that I couldn't live in both worlds. Thank you for sharing your heart! There's a wonderful girl that is going through the same struggles right now and I'm going to send her to your blog.
May God give you both the strength and wisdom to follow Him in the midst of so many struggles!
I agree with virignia mae. Its impossible to walk the line, let alone straddle it. If one drink or 2 gives you even the slightest desire for more, you have to stop before you start. Everyone has their limits in different areas. If drinking makes you stumble, stay away. If a rated r movie makes you stumble, stick with pg 13. If holding hands makes you want to move onto the next step sexually, don't hold hands. Your thoughts and desires should be for the Lord. If anything gets in the way of that and tempts you further, stop. Praying that God will give you strength and clarity in this!
Ps- thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Thank you for your openness and honesty, that takes a lot of courage. my 2 cents: I think you should first find out why you drink too much at times. Is it because you want to be a part of the group- do you like forgetting your stress this way- etc etc. when you know what you are dealing with it will be easier to put counter measures in place. dont worry too much about it, you will be fine, your heart is in the right place and God knows that...
This is a tough one, one that I have struggled with. In high school, I would drink to fit in. I wanted to badly to be a part of the fun. I wasn't living my life for Christ, my actions were contrary to everything I said I believed in. It wasn't until college that I decided that if I am going to say I'm a Christian then I better start acting like it. The world is full of too many Christian who don't practice what they preach. Since making that decision, my eyes have been opening to everything I was missing when I was getting drunk with my friends. I found a new identity in Christ, one that doesn't feel the need to get drunk to fit in - because I belong to Christ and that is the greatest form of acceptance I could ever ask for. You have a chance right now to be an example to your sisters, by living out your faith. You can show them what it means to live for God, what it means to live an abundant life. You are part of a bigger family, you are never alone. Enjoy the many blessings that God is giving you right now, and remember to find your identity and self-worth in God alone. Thank you for sharing your heart :) xoxo. - Margaret
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