Book launch “Results May Vary”

Story by Bronwyn Hendry

Staff writer

“23 and so tired of life,” was the lyric that struck a cord with then 23-year-old Lindsey Lupo as she was driving north on the I-5 freeway one evening after work. Lupo, now a political science professor at Point Loma Nazarene University, was working in commercial real estate when she realized her career was not feeding her soul. It was only a Dave Matthews song, but the lyric prompted a change of heart in Lupo and ultimately took her back to the classroom and the pursuit of a new career in teaching.

Lupo, along with others, shared her story at a round table discussion in Colt Hall on Dec. 3 as a launch for the new book “Results May Vary.” Communications professor Melissa Gentzkow-Lazaro, philosophy professor Heather Ross, Vice President of Spiritual Development Mary Paul and Lupo all contributed essays to the book. Lead by journalism professor Dean Nelson, the women shared pieces of their life stories and joined in conversation with those who attended the event.

“Results May Vary” is a book of essays reflecting on Christian women’s lives post college. A long work in progress, it finally came to fruition from the efforts of both the department of Discipleship Ministries and the Center for Women’s Studies. The book stands as a way to break down the false perception that there exists a “one size fits all” mold for what it takes to be a successful Christian woman.

Co-editor of the book and Director of the Margaret Stevenson Center for Women’s Studies Dr. Linda Beail explained that “Results May Vary” is not just another self help book but instead a collection of stories to help illuminate and advise young individuals on the seemingly scary post-college world.

“We always start at the conclusion of ‘it all worked out’,” said Beail during her introduction to the event. “But this book exposes the nitty gritty of real life.”

The four women who spoke at the event discussed a wide array of topics such as dating, marriage, family issues, friendships, sexuality, motherhood and career life, all within the larger context of faith and spirituality. Their answers were wise yet authentic, injected with a healthy dose of wit and humor. The vast life experiences of each woman provide a platform and high degree of credibility to speak truth into young women’s lives during this transitional time.

When a student asked if the women had ever experienced failure, Melissa Gentzkow Lazaro was quick to recount the story of changing her major and coming to terms with not pursuing medicine, like she had planned for since age five.

“My performance had everything to do with my value as a person,” she explained. It was only through a good support system, prayer, on campus involvement and many trips to the wellness center that her situation began to look less bleak.

The philosophy of Ross is simple as she says to “do crap you have passion for and that makes you happy.”

Mary Paul echoed that same notion, encouraging students to “engage in imagining” and to “breath deep, know you’re okay and keep knocking on doors to see which ones will open.”

All four women agreed that there is not a single formula for the post-college life but many different ways to live a faith-filled life as a woman of Christ.

For more in-depth musings from these and several other intelligent women of faith, pick up a copy of “Results May Vary”, now available for purchase in Smee Hall for 15 dollars.