September 2017- May 2018. A season of beauty, refinement and endless, boundless grace.
Alumni team leading has been an absolute blast so far and I am beyond blessed to be here with these people during this time. I can’t help but look back daily at my own race two years ago and send up a little “thanks God” to the leadership I had on my own race. It’s crazy sitting across from my girls during one on ones and seeing myself in their eyes and through their wrestle. Anyone who asks me about my leaders I can’t help but light up and gush over how incredible the leadership was for Gap L.
So here’s to you- Kacie Tillman, Kirsten Kuhn, Amie Beth Beadling, Mason and Emily Alpert, Sara Mac, and Tim and Karen Harrison. This blog is for each and every one of yall and a little thank you two years later for what you taught me. For fighting for me and alongside me, for calling me higher, for seeing me in the midst of my mess and never giving up on me no matter what I put you through.
Kace- You taught me what it looks like to live and operate out of a place of true intimacy with the Father and the highest level of honor. My team points out often how I operate out of high honor and how they appreciate me calling them out in those things. I can’t help but smile and think of you because you taught me how to do that so practically. You live and breath honor. You taught me how to fight- how to truly engage and how to have discipline and patience in the waiting. I was terrified of you the first 3 months of the race because of the authority and influence you carry yourself in. Now Papa is showing me how to walk in the authority He has placed in me as a daughter of the king. Thank you for loving me, saying yes to me and still choosing me to this day whenever you see me. Honest and real and an inspiration.
Kirst- Wow wow wow words can’t describe my gratitude. I’m blessed to call you my squad leader, advocate, friend, mentor and sister. You have taught me how to get into the trench with people and help them fight their way out. You are so patient and exude grace upon grace for yourself and others. You have taught me how to do things with excellence and to the best of my ability. Thanks for saying yes to me on the field and also this past year in the states. Thanks for making time for me in the midst of crazy schedules and for being a constant in my life. Thanks for never ever compromising your character or values to satisfy others momentarily. For always, always, always pushing me to the Father before giving me answers to my questions. Thanks for loving me like 1 Corinthians 13.
AB- A woman of boldness and warmth and creativity and LIFE. Thank you so much for always showing me the positive in any situation. For being the most genuine, kind and sacrificial woman on this planet. For your intentionality and fierce love. Thank you for interceding on my behalf and for never hesitating to give a word of encouragement or praying for me. Thank you for the natural joy and light to show to all who come across your path. Thank you for showing me what it looks like to trust the Father and His faithfulness in every area of your life. Blessed to know and be known by you.
Mace- You have redeemed so much for me in my life. You have shown me that there are Godly men that are willing to fight on my behalf as a brother. You have shown me what it looks like to seek the Fathers face every day and how to have His heart and perspective in the world. You have shown me what it looks like to lean against Jesus chest and be content to stay there. You are a man of boldness and grit. You are willing to say the hard things and choose risk for the sake of honor and connection. You are one of the most humble, honest and passionate people I know. I’m honored to call you my brother.
Sweet Em- Man oh man friendship with you is just the sweetest. You have shown me that there is a beautiful balance to gentleness and boldness. The lion and the lamb. You have shown me that our emotions are okay and that you’re a safe space to express them. You’re a haven for others. You are full of so much wisdom and love to show others the face of the Father in new ways. You have shown me that it is good to rest and so necessary in our lives. ( lol remember when Mace locked me in the prayer room in Chile cause I didn’t want to take a break and rest?? I learned so much that day from choosing into rest in Papa’s presence. Thank you for mom-ing me and for showing me what i needed when i couldn’t see it for myself.) Seeing you and Mace grow as new parents fills me with so much joy. I can’t wait to see who sweet Addy grows up to be. She will be full of so much wonder with the two most intentional humans as her support system- what a privilege she has to call you both Mom and Dad.
Smac- haha man I love you more than you know. I’ll never forget the prophetic word you gave me at launch 3 years ago. That CHANGED the trajectory of my life. Up until that point I really doubted prophetic words but because of your obedience to the Father I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. You speak so much wisdom and perspective and life. Getting to do life with you as my friend in Gainesville this past year was the biggest blessing. Thanks for always fighting for me even when I didn’t fight for you back. For choosing me in my pits of despair and pointing me continuously back to the light. You’re a fierce friend. I love you.
Last but certainly not least- Sweet Kim and Taren. You two. You are the most obedient and willing humans I know. You not only speak truth and wisdom but you also walk that out in your daily lives. You are intentional, kind loving and hilarious. You chose into each and every one of us so deeply and intimately and i know i always have a home in you both. ( Like for real I need another Florida keys vaca. Squad reunion?!) To know you both is to love you. Thank you for living and loving me so fiercely- both on the field and over this past year as well. Words cannot sum up my love for you both and your daily example to choose the Father first over anything and everything.
Welp this blog has me feeling all sorts of weeping emotions towards you guys but mainly I am just so grateful. That I had the opportunity to live and grow alongside you and call you a part of my family. You all mean the world to me and I wouldn’t be who I am today without your example and for always pushing me to the Father. He used you to change my life forever and that’s something I can’t say thank you enough for. I love you all dearly and deeply. Know that I think about you often and thank Papa for your beautiful examples of leadership in my life and that I get to teach Gap W those things as well. Blessed.
