One year ago, at the World Race training camp in Georgia, I met Carly. After discovering she was previously homeschooled and hearing about her love for sports, I just knew we would be good friends and hoped we’d be placed on the same team. However, I quickly learned two things. First, we were both asked to be team leaders and would therefore not be together the first half of our race. And second, in addition to our love for Jesus, those three things about summed up our commonalities. Although Carly and I are different in many ways, I have learned to admire her in so many more. And I’m delighted we’ve had the opportunity to minister together on a team since month five.
There are numerous directions I could go with this blog, but I’ve decided to share the top ten things I admire most about Carly. Maybe this will refresh your memory, for those who haven’t seen her in ten months. Or perhaps, this will enlighten your perception of Carly, for those who have not had the pleasure of knowing and traveling with her for nearly a year.
10 Ways I Admire Carly:
1. Carly knows what she likes and she’s not afraid to say it, especially when it comes to food. But she is also polite and holds her tongue when the unexpected hits her taste buds. Some say she can be a picky eater, but she’s also very dedicated to her food groups, such as Chick-Fil-A and Red Robin (unlike me who will eat about anything you say isn’t absolutely disgusting… and even then I’ll probably still test it for myself).
2. Carly is always up for an adventure, especially when sports are involved! I mean, this one is a no brainer… she IS traveling the world for a year. But it’s funny to see how quickly her eyes and ears perk up when someone even mentions the words, “soft ball,” or “volleyball.”
3. Carly is most definitely a natural leader. The Lord has blessed her with many qualities and leadership skills that lead me to this conclusion. It’s especially great having her on the team when a quick decision is necessary, or where a challenger is needed. She’s not afraid to say what needs to be said.
4. Carly is consciences and considerate. It seems whenever we are going somewhere and someone goes missing, she is often the first to notice and say so. Whether within our team or with people we minister to, Carly doesn’t leave anyone behind and she always considers the one.
5. Carly stands up for those whom she loves. When you think of a kid being bullied at school, Carly would be that one brave soul to step in, no matter the consequences, and then give the victim a hug and make sure they’re alright before she moves on. She has for sure stood up for me at times when I needed someone on my side!
6. Carly is always laughing at something, she has so much joy! You know it’s going to be a good story as soon as she begins, because she often starts it with a laugh a smile. Also, I think she laughs at other’s stories even when they are not that funny… maybe to be nice? Her well-known phrase is, “That’s hilarious” which she can say with a straight face.
7. Carly is humble. She asks for forgiveness when needed, and doesn’t let disagreements ruin a friendship. Speaking from experience, I was blessed when she cleared the air and put aside our differences to preserve our connection after a rough day on the race, followed by a hug that lasted about 10 minutes.
8. Carly is faithful and trustworthy, I can count on her and know that if I’ve shared anything in confidence, she will keep it that way. She not only hears you, but she truly listens as well.
9. Carly has so much love for her family! She is often sharing with the team how much she misses taking her little brother out to eat, talking to her mom, and the like. Her family is often on her mind and always on her heart.
10. Carly LOVES the Lord. This is obvious in how she regularly spends time reading the Word. Furthermore it’s simple to see this in her demeanor, Carly exudes the Love of Christ to everyone we meet, you can easily see Jesus in her eyes and actions.
Now, one last thing! We’re gonna play a little game. Carly still needs to raise $795 for the race. I’m going to challenge you to skim back through those 10 Admirations and write down the numbers of each way in which you similarly admire Carly (for example: say you also admire how she is considerate, humble, and loves the Lord… consequently you write #4, #7, and #10). Then, I want you to add those numbers together (4+7+10=21) and donate that amount to her funding! What’s that? You admire her for all ten of those qualities as well? Great! Your $55 donation would be a tremendous help! Let’s come together to help Carly celebrate being fully funded while we thank her for the role model she has become!
“Now, those who are mature in their faith can easily be recognized, for they don’t live to please themselves but have learned to patiently embrace others in their immaturity. Our goal must be to empower others to do what is right and good for them, and to bring them into spiritual maturity. For not even the most powerful one of all, the Anointed One, lived to please himself. His life fulfilled the Scripture that says:
All the insults of those who insulted you fall upon me.”
~ Romans 15:1-3
By Tabitha Simmons
Here’s a photo from Training Camp of the two of us! October 2018!
