Today is for a great and worthy celebration of the strong, brilliant, and amazing half of all the word’s people. GO GIRLS! I just wanted to take an opportunity to give love and thanks to all the women in my life.
From the incredible mother I was so blessed to be born and raised by, to the village of grandmothers, sisters, aunts, “aunts”, teachers, mentors, leaders, coaches, and friends, women have had a profound and powerful impact on my life.
If I were to list them all out, this blog would take days to read, but I must give a few special shout outs.
Momma! Sandi Gail Sparks Carter. My mother is an angel who walks the earth. She has provided an incredible example of what it looks like to live and love like Jesus. She is a wise, caring, hard working, servant and overcomer. She taught me empathy, perseverance, handling pain and heart break, love for song and dance, self love and confidence, and putting others before the self. I’m beyond lucky to have you Mom! And I love you!
My big sister! Alexis Catherine Carter Ellison. My childhood partner in crime, teammate, role model, advisor, teacher, imagination partner, beer buddy, sports rival, and fellow artist. Lexy taught me how to be creative, whimsical, imaginative, and free spirited. She taught me how to lead others by example, stay true to myself, and not be afraid to learn lessons through mistakes and failures. She was always there to listen, occasionally be a life coach, and always help me through the tough times. My sister is a competitor who does everything in greatness to the best of her abilities, and I always aspired to imitate that. I’m so thankful to have grown up with you and continue to grow with you and your amazing husband and my soon to be nephew!
Gran and Grammy! Virginia Carter and Leevon Sparks. These women showed me what the love of God looks like and how to be the church. Grandmothers love to spoil their grandkids, naturally, but mine also taught me invaluable lessons about how to stay true to the Lord, never giving up on the love in marriage that God has called you to, and how to pour into your family and community. Amazing cooks, storytellers, mothers, wives, and Christ followers.
My Aunts and “Aunts”! Marcia, Sandy, Cathy, Vanessa, and Val. Not many people are lucky to be so close with extended family in the way I am. From endless ice cream runs, to girlfriend advice, to encouragement and example of trusting God with all their heart. Whether it was a short visit or a long conversation, these women have all poured so much care and wisdom into my soul. God knew my mom would need a de extra hands on deck for my wild and crazy self.
The women of X Squad! From my leaders to my teammates, I have gotten to do life the past 8 months with 34 amazing women of God around me. They have a fierce passion for the Lord and a crazy willingness to step up to challenges, they are strong and wise examples of Christ followers, they are fearless leaders, good teachers, and caring servants. They are constantly putting others first, stepping out in faith, and teaching me powerful lessons. They are Godly Wonder Women, and the world is being rocked and changed because of them. They bring the kingdom of heaven wherever they go, and show us men how it’s done. I’m so thankful for the women of X Squad. The World Race needs more men to sign up and come alongside these amazing women to encourage and support them and learn from each other.
All my friends, teachers, mentors, and coaches! Before I could even spell my name, God was placing incredible female friends in my life. Passionate, brilliant, creative, strong, and caring women who have shown me good humanity, leadership, selflessness, ambition, and gentleness. I thank God for all the women that have been a part of my life.
I wouldn’t be the man I am today without all the amazing women in my life!
