By Simon Baker, student news writer, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky.– “I want you to eavesdrop over my shoulder and listen to my conversation with God as He and I were talking about my legacy,” Dr. Joe Owens shared as he spoke at Campbellsville University’s chapel on Jan. 29.
Owens has served as a member of the CU Board of Trustees since 2004. He’s also served as chair of the Board of Trustees.
Owens began his message with an invitation for students to listen to a back-and-forth conversation between God and him, where God reminded Owens of all the people God has placed in his life who have been a “legacy bridge builder,” shaping who Owens is today.
Some of these legacy builders include Ms, Smith, his fourth-grade teacher at the all-Black school Owens attended and Ms. Harmon, who encouraged him when he was a fresh face at a newly integrated School.
In addition, Owens realized from his conversation with God that was not his personal accomplishments that led him to where he is today, but it was Christ who has led Owens to where He is today.
“Your legacy will not be as powerful as it can be without Christ in your life,” he proclaimed.
He then transitioned to noting the role faith had in his life, going back to 1973 when he accepted Christ as Savior.
“Your legacy will not be as powerful as it can be without Christ in your life,” Owens shared.
Dr. Owens recalled how God’s plan was different from his plans. He shared God’s plans cost him his dream career and his girlfriend at the time, but God’s plan was better than anything he gave up.
“He said, ‘Your new life commitment to Christ cost you your DJ career. It cost you your girlfriend.’”
Owens added his reply to God: ‘But when I gave my life to You, You had some different plans.’”
Lastly, Dr. Owens concluded his remarks by encouraging students to be a bridge-builder for someone, and with that, telling others about Christ.
“It’s easy to benefit, it’s easy to build, but you have to start to be the legacy bridge for somebody else,” he noted. “If I can use the gospel of Jesus Christ to help somebody else to see how a life can be changed, then my living will not be in vain.”
Chapel is designed to provide opportunities for corporate worship and exposure through a variety of informative speakers and presentations.
Chapels can be viewed on YouTube by searching “Campbellsville University Chapel Playlist.”
Chapels can also be found on the Campbellsville University Facebook page.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.
(Gerard Flanagan, Lead Writer and Communications Specialist – Office of Marketing and Communications)