However, I preferred it over the less Christian environment and influences I might encounter at a public school. Lipscomb University required one Bible class each semester, and freshmen begin with Early Hebrew History. Basically this class was going to be an overview of the Old Testament, but I still didn't know what to expect.

The class was getting off to a pretty normal start, and it was not until it was time for me to ask off for the fall Holy Days that things began to get interesting. My professor was surprisingly very interested in the fact that I keep God's Holy Days. He told me to have a wonderful trip, and he asked me if I would mind talking to the class sometime about how and why I observe the Holy Days.

Gulp! The response that came from my mouth was, "No, I wouldn't mind at all," but in my head thoughts were whirling in all directions. "What? Me talk to 40 Church of Christ members about the importance of the Holy Days?" Although it seemed terrifying, I knew what a great opportunity it would be.

Weeks passed. I returned from the Feast and before I knew it we were delving into Leviticus 23 in class.

I was beginning to forget about my professor's proposal to talk to the class, assuming he would give me a day or two to prepare a few notes. However, it was in the middle of our Holy Day discussion in class when he turned to me and said, "Laura Beth, would you mind sharing with the class your beliefs concerning the Holy Days?" My first thought was panic, but suddenly a wave of calmness came over me.

After a deep breath, I began to tell my class why God's Holy Days are still important today, how each Holy Day has one or more symbolic meanings and how when put together they form the plan of God.

I described how Holy Days are high Sabbaths, what is usually done on the Holy Days and how they have made my life so much more fulfilling.

I knew that God placed that calm feeling within me and guided my words and thoughts that day, because under normal circumstances I would have been unable to do such a thing.

The reaction from the class was generally as I expected. Many began asking me questions, while others simply wanted to argue. My professor, however, had a very interesting summation of my explanation. He commented that I and other members of my church probably have a much closer and deeper relationship with God since we keep His Holy Days. I was completely shocked to hear this, but it really touched me.

My professor came to a very accurate conclusion, and it is sad to think that even though he realized this, he will most likely never keep God's Holy Days himself in this life. After the horrific events of Sept. 11, 2001, so many of us needed to be comforted and encouraged. We were all blessed to have the Sabbath, Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles and the Last Great Day follow it so quickly. I am sure we can all agree that the Holy Days were probably even more meaningful than ever.

We must not let anything distract us from the Holy Days and God's mighty plan. While we mourn over what has occurred in our world, let's humble ourselves before God, repent and draw closer than ever to Him in fervent prayer, Bible study and fasting. Meditate on and pray for Christ's return and God's Kingdom. Keep the vision of the Kingdom at the front of your mind, and let it give you hope and guide you always! UN