Living in community can be difficult…you share a bathroom, fight over a shower, are cramped, sleep basically on top of each other, and you have to hunt for a space to have your own “alone” time.  You live and breathe the same air… 

It can be frustrating, but it can also be beautiful.  You learn to share some of your deepest secrets, pasts, and hurts of life….you learn to celebrate the joys, blessings, and triumphs of life.

June 5th ended in cake, cards, sharing memories, hugs, and prayer.  Branded (the team I’m with this month) celebrated my dad’s birthday with me.  What an amazing group of women to be surrounded by!

For those of you who don’t know, my dad passed away almost 11 years ago. I don’t always talk about him with others.  I think the world sometimes puts it into our thoughts that when we talk about subjects like those we have lost, we are weak.  The race is breaking walls down one by one and it’s a beautiful process.  I’ve learned it’s okay to talk about them, grieve them, and celebrate them.   

The cool thing about this whole scenario is that my role is to pour into teams…to guide them…love them….pray with them….but they reversed that role.  They honored me, saw me, and loved me so well.    

Thank you Carly, Ashley, Julie, Val, Nicole, and Tabitha for being a true, loving, and beautiful body of Christ.   

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2