When I think of Allyson, Proverbs 31 comes to mind: “She is clothed in strength and honor, she can laugh at the days to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
I don’t think Allyson is strong because she carries herself in a “woman-like” manner. Or because she says the right things at the right times. Or even because she can deliberately share wisdom in a profound way. I think Allyson is strong because of her genuine joy for life, her excitement for all things and how she stands firm throughout all situations and circumstances.
You see Allyson doesn’t really fit the mold of your typical “Godly woman.” She’s very unique and a little quirky. She views life from the perspective of a child. She’s a little goofy and a lot of fun. I like to joke that Allyson lives life like she’s a second grader on a field trip. I remember in 2nd grade, I would get so excited to do something as simple as go on a bus and see animals at the zoo; everything was an adventure and you didn’t have any worries on your mind. You could be free and live free. I always laugh when I hang out with Allyson because this is genuinely what its like: its contagious, her child-likeness becomes your child-likeness, her freedom becomes your freedom, and her laughter becomes your laughter.
I have had the privilege to see Allyson grow for the better part of 9 months from someone who was homesick and scared, into someone that has owned their faith and boldly proclaims it. I have seen her die to herself and pick up her cross daily. I have seen her open her mouth with wisdom and kindness. Allyson is forever changed by what the Lord has done in her these last 9 months and although its sad to see her go back to Iowa (which is a lot of miles away from Virginia), I am so excited to see the impact she has in her family and in her community.
I honestly don’t really have a funny story that is worth sharing because most of my memories with Allyson are us (or mostly me), dying laughing at something super dumb and y’all will probably think its not funny. But from her constantly lying to me because I’m super gullible, to us getting to spend the day at my “mom” Sandra’s house, we’ve gotten to share a lot of fun experiences together. I am super grateful for Allyson and how she shows me the simpler side of life. How she constantly shows me grace when I “annoy” her. And how she shows me that strength is something we obtain when we live genuinely, freely and as ourselves.
Allyson, I hope you realize your worth in the father. That you are wonderfully and perfectly made. That the joy of the Lord lies within you. I am so thankful that the Lord has placed you in my life. Never forget how special you are and I can’t wait to follow the path the Lord takes you on in the coming years!
*Peace out (J-Lewe drops mic)
Also enjoy this photo. I used to wear Allyson’s heart shaped glasses all the time and so she bought me own pair! I got to rock them on Valentines day and we got to twin.
