Hi everyone!
Not actually Brittany here, which I know is a disappointment. You get to hear from me, Morgan, instead. Britt and I met just a few years ago in the trunk of a car. You’ll have to ask her for that story sometime… she’s much better at telling it than I am. Anyway, I have had the privilege of befriending the beautiful soul that is Brittany Dykstra. We lived together at Trinity Christian College and literally did everything together. To say walking this campus and living in this community with out her is lonely would be an understatement.
Please, don’t get me wrong… there are SO MANY amazing people at Trin. Britt and I love so many of them dearly, but there is something that changes when your best friend, roommate, and adventure buddy is no longer around. I have found myself missing her more and more with each passing week. The last time I saw Britt and was able to hug her was back in July, and it feels like an eternity until I get to hug her again. But we are thankful. The Lord is omnipresent, and His Spirit is more than powerful enough to keep us connected. It sounds crazy, but I can literally feel when Britt is joyful, sad, excited, anxious, calm on the World Race. I have no doubt that she can do the same for me; prayer has been our go-to when either of us feels something from Him in our hearts. I thank the Lord everyday for His unifying Spirit and the friend He has given me in Britt.
So my best friend is serving the Lord in various countries throughout this year; Britt has shared with us who follow her blog, just some of the ways God has been working. There are undoubtedly infinitely more, for our Ultimate Lord works in every thing. Needless to say, I’m confident the Lord is smiling as He walks with her, beaming because of how she is representing Him and extending His love to countless people.
Now Britt, this part of the blog is for you. Anyone else is welcome to read it obviously, but I mainly wanted this blog to be from God’s heart to yours.
Brittany Leigh, you are inspirational. We love you and are proud of you, but you knows as well as any of us, that it is the Lord in you, making your laugh and smile contagious, making your ginormous hugs so comfortable, and making your friendship and love spread to all those around. Britt, you are awesome, but our GOD IS ABUNDANTLY AWESOME!! Your heart is for His name to be glorified, as He continues to become greater and as you become less. Britt, throughout these months you have constantly been a mere vessel that God uses. I think of the verse in 2 Corinthians about how God puts His treasure into fragile, clay jars. That is what you are, but (and this is HUGELY EXCITING) God has fashioned you and shaped you. He did it before you were born, but He is doing it now. You are not the same clay masterpiece that you were when you left for the World Race, and that is all due to God’s creative, gentle guidance. And there’s more! He has put His treasure, His Spirit, His passion, His words, His love, and His purpose into you. And I know that He continually places you exactly where He wants you and His treasure for these months to come.
Brittany, this is your birthday week. I know, I know. You don’t “like” your birthday, but I love you. We love you. And we celebrate with you and rejoice that God has given you the life that He has. You have walked with Him for 22 years thus far, and OH BOY, am I excited to see where the next year, let alone next 22 years, takes you when you keep following His lead. You have so many people who love you dearly, miss you terribly, and are inspired by you daily. So because this blog is supposed to be more of an encouragement for you from your brothers and sisters in Christ, I asked for some help. Here at Trin, you are such an important part of our community. We support you and are celebrating you this week but also rejoicing with you as you work as God’s vessel.
I hope these words are affirming. These were just a few of the many people who came to know and love you here. We’ve been covering you in prayer, and we won’t stop! So when asked, faculty, staff, and students at Trinity had this to say:
Brittany, you(r)…
…have a kind, warm, and generous, compassionate soul. She cares deeply for others, and I am proud of her social justice heart!
…never back down, are uncommonly brave, and follow the Lord with reckless abandon.
…courage is so inspiring to me! Not only are you willing to follow the Lord around the world, but you have the courage to share your journey with others along the way
…are full of joy and bring joy to everyone around you!
…fearlessly pursue whatever it is that the Lord leads you to, regardless of how easy or difficult it may be.
… hold a position of joy not out of ignorance, but as a choice despite knowing about some of the brokenness in this world. Praise Jesus for that gift of faith. I am praying for you as I think of you leaving little pieces of yourself all over the world for others, and pray you continue to learn about our infinite Lord in this next year of your life, and every year after that.
… are a trust worthy friend, someone to confide in, and someone who will be your friends’ biggest cheerleader!
…have a joyous heart, unashamedly in awe of our indescribable Creator.
…have inspired me in my prayer life; you taught me that praying is just a conversation with God, so I can really say anything that is on my heart and mind. Now I am comfortable praying in all settings.
… have a unique ability to see with your heart the best in people even in their mistakes.
I cannot wait to be reunited with you. Seriously, I am crying right now because I cannot wait, and I really do feel sorry for anyone who has to see our reunion because I’m sure it will be quite the sight. (For those who are still reading and don’t know, Britt and I may get the chance to see each other in Haiti in May since we will both be there serving the beautiful people in that beautiful country!!!! We are thanking God even for the time to be loving and serving in the same country, but we are praying we do get the chance to see each other while there too). But until our reunion, let us continue to live well where we are. Let us thank God that He chooses to use us, even as fragile jars. Let us dance with joy that He extend His hand and His treasure daily to us. Let us run with energy and perseverance towards Him, who is able to do infinitely more than we could ever imagine. Let us continue to pray, always.
Britt, you are brave and strong. You are beautiful and gentle in His Spirit. You are walking with God and serving through His strength and joy. Now, go. Love!
To everyone: Thanks for indulging me as I wrote more for Britt. I know I could have sent an email saying that, but I didn’t want this to just be from me. So readers of Brittany’s blog, I implore you to comment or message Britt. Reach out in whatever way you can. She may not respond due to sketchy wifi or lack of time/words, but trust me when I say, she is humbly and utterly thankful. (Britt, please don’t feel like you have to respond to everyone!!! I mean it! Just let us, as the Church, bless you).
Let’s cover her with prayers and encouragement and love from around this world as she continues to serve in our Abba’s big, beautiful world.
