Hello there friends! It’s me! Leanna Murphy! Wow I am so excited to give you guys an update! I have been living in Georgia for a little over a month now and A LOT HAS HAPPENED. I have to be honest though, I am a bit nervous because this time in my life is really difficult for me to put into words. So bare with me as I try to come up with the words to describe everything. I am learning that it is a privilege!!
In an effort to give me some direction, I reached out on social media for specific questions that people had. If you have more questions please don’t hesitate to ask! I would love to answer them!
so here are some questions that I have been asked! Enjoy a glimpse into my life currently!
What part of your day do you most look forward to?
Each night at 6:30 we have team time!! This is the part of the day I look forward to each day because I love spending quality time with my team! Each day has a different theme.
Monday: Bible study
Tuesday: fun
Wednesday: Gratitude
Thursday: Feedback
Friday: debrief
For Bible study we have been going through the New Testament. We watch an overview video from an incredible resource called The Bible Project. After watching the video we study a specific part of scripture. On Tuesday for fun team time we sometimes play a game, have a dance party, or watch a movie! During gratitude on Wednesdays we have the opportunity to be creative with this time. We are simply focusing on all the things we are thankful for. This can look like writing thank you notes to certain people, art, or worship! Feedback is a time where my team gathers together and we sit and intentionally affirm one another. We point out honoring characteristics and qualities of Jesus that we see in each person. This time is really special because we have the opportunity to point each other to growth as the Body of Christ. Friday team times are really nice too because we come together and debrief how the week went and what God did! Sometimes that looks like discussing in a group or individually.
What has been the most surprising part of team leading?
In all honesty, this whole thing has been surprising to me because I came into this season expecting it to be the hardest season of my life. Don’t get me wrong some things are definitely hard, however I mean it when I say that this has been the sweetest time! I had this expectation that I was going to be forcing myself to enjoy it and that is not that the case at all! Thanks God! The community that the Lord has provided in this time has been the biggest blessing! I am a part of a leadership team that fights for me. I am a part of a squad that chooses in. I am a part of a team that brings me the most joy & loves me so well. Some days are hard. Some days are messy. It’s not all butterflies and rainbows. There has been a lot coming up in my heart and healing can be pretty painful! God has given me eyes to see His sweetness in the little things and big things. Celebrating all things!
What are you learning?
We have sessions every single day after breakfast. We are being poured into so much by some incredibly wise people! It is a gift! Some of the teachings we have had consist of forgiveness, hearing the voice of God, vulnerability, how to grieve, storytelling, fundraising, sabbath, shame vs. conviction, healthy spirituality, conflict resolution, honor vs. gossip, and the cost of discipleship. It had been packed with so much goodness! I have loved being in this environment where we can be sponges and soak up everything! SO GOOD!
Personally, I am learning right now to submit to the Lord in the big & small things! Trusting him to cultivate connection! Choosing faith over fear! Also pressing into The Lord as my shepherd! Learning what it looks like for Him to take care of me! HE IS SO GOOD!
How do you balance leading others/pouring into others and getting enough alone time?
Balance is hard! I rest well in solitude and that can be really difficult when you are living in community constantly. I have been able to set boundaries within myself to fight for things that bring me life. I have been learning a lot about fighting for alone time and not seeing it as a burden, but a gift!! The truth is that I am around people the majority of the time and it can be really challenging, however the beauty of it is that these people see me so well and speak life into me.As much as I might be pouring out, I am also being poured into by so many people! Thanks God! I am so encouraged by the people the Lord has surrounded me with during this time!
What part of your day do you see the Lord’s presence the most?
The Lord is moving all over this campus! I love seeing and hearing all the ways the He is meeting each person so differently. My answer for this question is kinda silly, but I see Jesus shine through my community so beautifully!!! Witnessing them meet the Father and walk in freedom! WHOA IT IS INCREDIBLE!!!! Being with them and watching each person come alongside and choose the person next to them is such an incredible image of the Church. I see it at meals when we are laughing so hard we almost pee our pants. I see it when we are doing laundry together and having sweet conversations. I see it when someone is hurting and people reach out with kindness to care for their heart. I see it when we come together and worship fearlessly. I see it when we are cleaning and we pursue honor. I can’t say it enough, It is so beautiful.
THE LORD IS MOVING ALL OVER. SO INCREDIBLE.
What is your favorite rhythm in this season?
My favorite rhythm in this season right now is celebration!!! I have been able to fix my eyes on celebration this whole month. I have been celebrating so many things and have been able to invite others in. It has become something I do each morning. I sit in celebration of all things!
I have been wrestling because to our worldly eyes this doesn’t look like much. Something I get asked all the time is “Leanna, what are you actually doing?” I wish I had the words to fully explain everything, but hey that’s kingdom!! I am simply being obedient in what the Lord is asking me to do every single day. I show up and He does the rest. I am content with where He has me. It might not look like much, but THIS IS MORE THAN I COULD EVER IMAGINE.
All I have is gratitude.
with love & joy,
Leanna Murphy
