Michael Lyle was a freshman at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas when he wrote the following words.
“I’ve always gone through life with the expectation to not fit in. I’ve always tried to fit in, but usually have failed. Whether it was my fault or the fault of others, I simply do not know. After a point of feeling I didn’t fit in, I gave in to the mentality that I didn’t want to be a part of anything. Sometimes, the things that you don’t want are precisely what you need. Sure enough, I found my heart involved with a group of people. It was a community that started as friends and then turned into something much more than even I expected—family. As a true blessing from God, this community took me in and helped me learn about life and the pure and simple joys that God has given us. This community gives me hope that I might make it to eternity.
“I’ve never been one to step out and be noticed. I’d take risks, but only to a certain degree. From the moment I entered InterVarsity’s Rebel Christian Fellowship community, I’ve risked without holding back. When I first heard about the Fellowship, it sounded appealing; but I was uncertain about going to some club so soon in college. Nevertheless, I decided to go to their kick-off party.
“But when the night came, I didn’t want to go because of the intense fear of not knowing anybody and not fitting in. I went anyway, feeling that I needed to be there. I arrived, but I decided to isolate myself. I didn’t know what to do or who I could talk to. My conviction told me I needed to at least walk around and that is when I ran into a familiar face. It was the girl that had invited me. She began introducing me to her friends, her community. We talked and hours seemed like minutes. Then it ended. I yearned for more.
“So taking another risk, I got into a car with people I didn’t know. One of these people was a leader in InterVarsity and very outgoing and friendly. One was new like me, but very quiet, almost to the point where I didn’t think he liked me. We drove and hung out until it was time to say good-bye.
“Days went by and I started attending Bible studies, group meetings, and hang-out spots. I began to meet these fantastic people who were so passionate about God and life and friendship. Weeks went by, and I found myself spending more time with them and going out of my way to see these people, because of the energy and emotional boost I received. Months went by, and I became more passionate and began to live and love like I had never done before. My heart grew to pure love as I found my identity in God, gained self-respect, and formed friendships within this Christian community.
“Today, my goal is to add depth in my relationships and to go out on a limb and tell my friends what they mean to me. They changed me, and God has changed me. Through a community of friends and family, you find yourself. Through a community you help sharpen each other’s wits and help mold each other. The greatest thing I have ever learned through a community is that they needed me as much as I needed them. Why pursue community? It is a risk of love worth taking.”
This year, Michael is part of the leadership team at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. He is co-leading a small group of InterVarsity students as they study the Bible.
