To the guy marrying one of my Race sisters,
Hey, man! So I heard you’re getting married! That is so exciting and life-changing! I just wanted to write you and make sure that you know how good you got it. (First, you are marrying one of my many sisters and that means that I only want the best for her. ;p) I had the honor to go on the World Race with her. Before the Race, I only had very surface-level ideas of friendship. I never realized how deep and relational you could be with another person! Your soon-to-be-wife helped me thrive in Christ-centered community. She uplifted me when I was down. She reminded me of the goodness of Christ. By calling her sisters higher, she inspired me to walk in deeper freedom. She is so bold and on fire for truth. She is redeemed of all sin, hurt, and pain and lives out in forgiveness towards herself and others. Even on the days when she isn’t acting like this, this is what Jesus calls her- so you should too. She is full of peace and patience. She is wise beyond understanding so seek her council. Be her friend: trust me when I say she is a great friend. Edify her and support God’s calling on her life. Bring conviction in humility and pray for her in times of need. Ask for her help when you are in the valley. Above all, find Jesus in each other. Seek more of Him together. So whether her name is Selina, Melissa, Shekinah, or Mack, Alivia, Jordan, Lexi, or Cat, SJ, Kate, Cami, or Dan, Caela, Maddie, Brittany, or Aidyn, Ella, Jackie, Alyssa, or Erin, Kyla, Gracie, Sophie, or Abby; whether her name is Olivia, Milena, Kori, Savanna, or Madison, Julia, Aly, Chase, Jacee, or Allyson- she is quite the find and you are one lucky guy.
To the women,
I’m sitting here with emotions that I do not know how to put into words. Where do I begin? I’ll start with, “Thank you.” Thank you for changing my views of women. Not that I ever viewed women in negative light, but I underappreciated you. I didn’t see the amazing gifts that you bring to the table. Thank you for being intentional and sincere. Caring about my thoughts and feelings for real and not just being surface level- I never expected friendship this impactful. Thank you for your encouragement, affirmations, and empowering spirit. You fight for each other to live in freedom and inspire me to fight for my brothers and sisters to walk in the light and rest at the feet of the Father. Thank you for bringing conviction in a humble, honest, loving way. Whether to each other, to the squad, or to me, you are just and holy through the grace of Christ and choose to call others to walk in that holiness as well. Thank you for trusting me. I am honored and humbled to be let into your lives at all. I have seen so much redemption and growth in you. You are all such leaders. I know not where life will take you. You may never get married. That doesn’t change anything that I said. This was just a fun way of writing it. You are amazing and and it will be hard waking up each morning without you all running the house haha. Ever in Austin? Drop on by. I mean it. Love y’all.
I have only one week left in Cambodia! After that I go to Thailand for a week and then it’s back to US living for the summer. In September, I’m heading back out so if you would like to support me as I help lead the next squad, donate above!
