It occurred to me that for others to really get to know me, they need to know a little about the people who helped make me into….well, into ME. Let me introduce to you 11 people who have profoundly impacted my life:
11. Lindsey Little – Let me first state, I barely know her. That’s the very fact that helps her make the list. I barely know her, but God placed her in my small Bible study as a guest speaker and had her make ONE comment about the World Race. That’s all it took. That was the first time I had ever heard about it and it was the very moment God lifted the mystery off of what His plans for me are. In addition to being such a divine messenger, Lindsey has been living the missionary life for years now. And guess what?! She radiates the love of our Father in Heaven, God Almighty. I strive to be like that — shining bold and bright ALWAYS. She is an inspiration, for sure. (I don’t have a photo of her — sorry!)
10. Mrs. Timi Saffell – Anyone who is a part of Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro, AR probably knows or has heard of Mrs. Timi. She loves college students as if we are all her own. I know Beth Moore is great a Bible studies for ladies, but Mrs. Timi is on the same plateau. She took a girl who never had committed to a group Bible study (me) and turned her into one who never missed a Bible study night and rarely shut up doing it. She never told me what to do, but always reminded me to simply seek God and listen to His voice. She prayed for me and over me diligently. She was integral in my spiritual growth these past couple years.
9. Linda Despain – Linda was first my boss at my on-campus job as an office worker for the Arkansas Biosciences Institute. After 4 years of working for and with her, I now call her a friend for life and a second momma. She took care of me in college from taking me to the doctor when I was too sick to drive to keeping me accountable of my actions (i.e. don’t get caught up in typical sinful college behavior) to always being an encouragement when I needed it (and she always just seemed to know when I needed to be encouraged). She’s a gem. She’s family now. She challenged me to stay active in the church, to seek a closer relationship with God, and to always listen to His voice above the voices of others. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for the guidance and love of Linda these past 4.5 years.
8. Jana Hoffpauir – We met as freshmen in the Honors dorms and quickly became friends when we were placed in the same Freshman Family Group at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM). She is one of the only friends of mine from college that I have unwavering respect for. It’s easy to love someone. It’s not too hard to like them. But, for me at least, it’s very hard to respect someone. I respect Jana. I watched her fall in love, keep her relationship biblical, and then marry the love of her life. We were roommates this past year as seniors and I was able to talk about God with her in our apartment, discuss life and the hard things, pray for one another, and witness her devotion to Jesus. I saw her disciple underclassmen in our living room. I saw her reach out and love others like Jesus did. Her friendship is a continual reminder that I am here to serve the Lord and not myself. Just like Jana. (And did I mention that she has the voice of an angel? Well, if angels can sing amazingly, that is!)
7. Caleb Gragg – I met him as a Freshman, second semester. He’s older than me by a year, so when we became friends I thought that was extra cool. We were in the same BCM Leadership Bible study, but he ended up having to miss frequently for rugby. (Yes ladies, go ahead and drool. He’s a rugby player.) So, I took notes to give to him when he missed. We became friends outside of Bible study and I found out he’s a pretty cool guy. Fast forward to this past year: we reconnected and, well, let’s just say I can’t imagine life without Caleb. His famous words that remind me more times since November 2012 than I can count are “God is sovereign.” Caleb has went through a lot. He’s seen a lot, too. But he has come through it all singing praises to the One who made him. And he loves — oh how he loves! His heart is more beautiful than most. I could go on all day, but I won’t. Pretty soon you can read his own World Race blog (that’s right, my Ca is going to be on the July 2014- Route 2!) and see what a precious heart he has for yourself.
6. Arielle Moss – We have been friends since my first week at college freshman year. We have been best friends since my Sophomore year. She can always make a situation fun and never ceases to make me laugh. I love her like a sister. I have two sisters, but really I have three — she just happens to have different parents than I do. Arielle and I have seen one another cry, laugh, pout, be angry, make mistakes, love, worship, and everything in between. When I think of the phrase “do life with” I think of my friendship with Arielle. We’ve had our fair share of rough patches, but God sealed our friendship with His mighty hand and there is NO doubt in my mind about that. She’s in for the long haul. She is ALWAYS an encourager for me, a supporter, and most of all — my friend. Every Christian should have a Christian best friend, in my opinion. Someone to grow spiritually with , to walk without putting stumbling blocks in one another’s path, and to live joyfully in the freedom found in Christ. That’s Arielle.
5. Tom Jackson – While I’m being honest and vulnerable to you all, I’ll just say: if I ever were to have “fallen for someone” it would’ve been this guy. He’s one of my best friends. He’s an amazing friend, in fact. Loyalty is something that is not lost on him. He’s chivalrous when he wants to be — opens doors for ladies, refrains from bad language in the presence of women, etc. He’s extremely smart, yet one of the most humble people I know. I met him freshman year in college. He moved away in July 2013 for dental school and I will admit: it’s been hard not seeing him every week. Tom taught me a lot of things: how to forgive better, how to love more, how to relax, how to be patient, and the list goes on. Another thing about Tom? He doesn’t meet a stranger. I love that. Inclusiveness is something I needed lessons in, and Tom was a good teacher. His heart is more precious than he lets people know outright, but trust me — God gave him a servant’s heart. And it’s beautiful.
4. Granny & Pawpaw – My grandparents have been a spiritual rock for me since I was an infant. I remember going to church with them growing up — every Sunday. They took us to youth rallies, revivals, Bible schools, etc. Not only did they make sure my sisters and I grew up in church, but also they helped Mom take care of us growing up. When my parents were in the process of a messy divorce, my grandparents let my Mom, my two sisters, and I move in with them for weeks while everything was sorted out. They played games with us and to this very day we have game nights together at the kitchen table. They have never ceased to want the best for me and be willing to do all they can to make sure I get it. They have encouraged each of my dreams, my goals, and now my calling. (Though the fact of their youngest grandchild going overseas to 11 countries they have never been to does seem to worry them.) I would have never gotten to this point in my life without them both. I thank God continually for blessing me with grandparents that I could never ever deserve.
3. Rachel Bailey – Notice we have the same last name? Rachel is my sister! She’s only two years older than me, so as you can imagine we spent a lot of time arguing in our childhood. However, the minute anyone else said something cross to me or even looked at me funny, Rach was there to defend and protect me. She’s always been like that, taking care of her little sister. Rachel loves to laugh. She embraces life and what she loves. She has never had a problem with conforming to what society or other people tell her she should do, and I love that about her. She enjoys the outdoors and can’t deny a good morning mountain hike. She appreciates nature and has taught me to appreciate it as well. I can’t recall all the things I have learned from her because there is just too much. We’re like best friends AND sisters. In fact, all three of us are…
2. Shana Bailey – “All three of us” refers to Rachel, Shana, and me. Shana is the oldest of us three and is 4 years older than me. She has always mothered Rachel and I. She’s made sure I am taken care of from when I was a toddler to even now as I am an adult. Shana and I often have opposite views on things (politics, religion, etc.), but we never argue about them. She can hold an intelligent conversation with someone of a different viewpoint with no tension resulting. She is smart as a whip and is a good reason why I myself always demanded A’s in school. Shana loves to help people. Her heart is rooted in doing what is best for others. She always listens to my rants, raves, problems, and praises. She makes time for me even when her schedule tells her she shouldn’t. I’ve spent summers in West Virginia with her when she was in grad school there and those times I will always cherish. She is always up for an adventure and supports my state of wanderlust. Sisterhood with Shana and Rachel is not only a blessing, but a JOY.
1. Mom – My Mom is my number one fan. When I was wrestling with the decision of law school v. the World Race, my Mom looked at me one early morning and said: “Do what makes you happy. It doesn’t matter what other people think. What do YOU think? What do you want?” She is behind my dreams always. She has raised me to follow my heart. She has raised me to follow God. She has raised me to believe in myself because it is Christ in me. She has raised me to have a servant’s heart. She loves people and would help anyone who asks. She loves to make people smile. She wakes up at 4:30am every morning just to be able to enjoy some time in God’s Word, journal, and sip some coffee before getting ready for work. That’s where I get my love for writing. She has worked hard her whole life. My Mom has taught me that if I want something, I better work for it — and work hard! She takes more pictures than you would think humanly possible, and I believe my entire life has been documented by now. That must be where I get my love of photography. I could go on and on about her. How she is the strongest person I know. How she is one of the most selfless people I know. How she truly knows what it means to sacrifice for those you love. But I’ll just say: my Mom is one of my favorite blessings. Ever.
So yeah, meet those who have helped to shape me into who I am. They are precious. I wouldn’t be me without them, and God knew that when He made us all. It’s a beautiful plan He has! 🙂
Disclaimer: There are a lot more people who have helped shape my life, but I was only naming my Top 11. Others would include: my Dad, nephew Mason, nieces Stormie and Kara, step-parents, Micah Thompson, Ryan Todd, Henry Zhao, Heather Blundell, Jesse Woods, Brandon Butler, Archie Lewallen, TW Langevin, Corey Sanders, Tiffany Duke, Duke Family, and the list goes on and on. I love you all!
