* To challenge my squad, I randomly generated the name of a fellow squad mate to write a blog post about.*
Encouraging. Compassionate. Perseverance.
Three words to describe what I have seen in my fellow squad mate, Kylah Umbarger. A woman who speaks truth over others, who is willing to walk alongside others in hardships, and follows God with boldness.
Although her words are often few, they are brimming with truth and encouragement. God has made her a vessel to speak life to others. To give people a small glimpse of how God sees them. Patient to listen thoroughly without disruption and intentional to step in with words of advice, support, and encouragement. She chooses daily to speak words of fortification over destruction, even during circumstances of tribulation. – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Choosing to walk beside others, Kylah puts herself in their place and with a genuine want to understand and help. Rather than judging or attacking someone for their words and actions, she seeks out the perspective of others to gain a deeper understanding of where one is coming from. She will walk through trials and tough times with you and be a beam of light throughout them. Her kindness is genuine and it makes others feel comforted and cared for. – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Throughout life, Kylah has faced various trials and tribulations. During these times she has sought out God and chosen to walk in the freedom found in Him. She chooses to follow God with boldness. She listens to Him with obedience and trusts His plan, even when it is scary to let go of personal plans. She has chosen to learn from the trials she has faced and she has came out with stronger character and deeper relations with the Lord. She lives with a steadfast persistence and determination to continue on seeking God, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable, in order for Him to work through her for the Kingdom. – “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” – Romans 5:3-5
God has uniquely crafted Kylah’s personality and has placed her on the World Race, and on this squad, for a God-ordained purpose. Her skills and abilities will be used for greater good than imagined. God has given her the spiritual gifts of mercy and hospitality. I believe God will use the gifts He has given her to create a safe place for those who are hurting emotionally and spiritually. He will continue to provide her with the words to encourage others and to show others compassion.
As we draw closer to training camp and launch, please pray as God works in Kylah’s heart and through her to reach others. Pray that God would provide complete peace and comfort as she takes a huge step out of her comfort zone. Pray for balance in her life as she prepares personally and spiritually for what is coming. You can keep up with her journey through her blog, kylahumbarger.theworldrace.org.
