“This is Kevin Garnett’s niece,” said the 6th grade girl to the new student at Tanglen Elementary School. They walked away leaving me standing there feeling like I’d just been stabbed in the heart. What an introduction, right?!?
On June 28th,1995, my life would change forever. My uncle would become the first player in 20 years to be drafted directly out of high school to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
I remember showing up to my first day of 1st grade realizing that all the teachers, students and their parents knew.
This was now my identity.
Imagine being 7 or 8 years old and being stopped in the hallways at school being asked for autographs or tickets or having the bus stop right in front of your house and having all the kids cheer if your uncle was outside. How does a child respond when a classmate runs up to you in Dayton’s department store to say hi as if you were the best of friends just because your famous uncle is standing beside you. What’s a child to say when asked, “are you rich?” I didn’t even understand what that meant. And if I said “yes” would you treat me differently?
Don’t get me wrong, I had an AMAZING childhood that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I have an amazing life but I didn’t know who I was. Who God has made me to be. I didn’t know what I was good at. What I was purposed for. No matter how good my life is without a sure foundation rooted in Christ the “good life” has no meaning for me.
When I was 18, I moved to Houston, Texas for college in which I vowed I wouldn’t tell anyone about my relation to Kevin Garnett. I wanted people to love me or hate me because of me and not him.
Without realizing it, I was searching for truth and authenticity. I was craving genuine friendships. Is that too much to ask? No! It’s not and it happened! I found genuine friends who loved me for me, friends who constantly encouraged me and wanted nothing short of the best for me.
Throughout my years in Houston my closest friends eventually found out in the most random ways. It’s quite hilarious looking back on it. There was one time I was in the library with Riz and Angie and out of nowhere Riz asks, “Did you go to China with Kevin Garnett?” WHAT?! Basically she had found a photo book I had with pictures from my trip to China with him.
“Oh crap, I’ve been found out.” I thought.
Next thing you know I was in tears. HA! I realized that I was walking in fear that if people knew they would treat me differently. The truth and authenticity I so craved would be pushed away and that our friendship would change. I am thankful to say this has not been the case at all!!
At the time, I was also trying to figure out who I was. I didn’t want to be labeled for the rest of my life as “Kevin Garnett’s niece” but I couldn’t see past that. “God show me who Kendra is.”
Coming on the race I wasn’t sure how to share that part of my life with these new people around me. So I didn’t at first. But slowly I started opening up about it. Living in community whether you know it or not you kind of are expected to share A LOT of your life. It’s sometimes painful but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve learned that even though it’s my reality and part of my story, it’s not my identity.
With the help of my team/squad mates I’ve been able to fully embrace my story. I’ve been able to throw away the shame I’ve carried most of my life and see the beauty, strength, and power in my FULL story.
As I’ve grown closer to Christ and even more in the identity that He has given me I am learning and believing daily that God has made me a pretty amazing woman. 😉
In the words of my friend Maria, “He’s shown me that the “not good enough” “not prepared enough” “not knowledgeable enough” “not spiritual enough” Kendra were nothing but lies of the enemy to keep me from the amazing plan He has for my life.” #truth
I am a child/woman of God. I am loving. FUNNY. Intentional. Caring. I ask great questions. I’m creative. Wise. A great photographer and on my way to being an even amazing filmmaker in Jesus name!! I am a great friend. I am graceful. Radiant. I am an encourager. I am a world changer. I AM ENOUGH! #boom. Take that Satan.
I absolutely to the moon and back love my uncle and I am so thankful to God for him. I am thankful for his hard work and straight up honesty and the constant love he has for me. He is part of the reason I am the woman I am today.
I am even more thankful to God for allowing me to live such an amazing story and giving me a voice to share it. I am thankful that He has given me an amazing identity hidden in Him and has called me to a life that is freed from shame!!
QUICK UPDATE!
Tomorrow afternoon K Squad will be heading to India for month 7!! My team will be working with Sarah’s Covenant Homes. This is a home that works with abandoned children with special needs!?
