I have had the privilege of living life on this World Race journey during the past four months alongside a team of four amazing ladies; Dakota, Mhairi, Casey, and Melo. I want to share with you a little about each one of them and tell you how they have helped me grow and become closer to God. I am honored to introduce you to my wonderful team…known as Jehovah’s Pride (or JP for short).
First, we have Dakota – pictured second from the right. Dakota is relentless. She is our team leader and she relentlessly pursues God and pushes us toward Him daily. She is a very strong and sometimes stubborn woman, but I see her stubbornness drive her to become a better follower of Christ and not settle for anything less than her best effort. She leads our team with great wisdom and direction from God and I’m so thankful for her desire to see each one of us grow closer to Him and her encouragement for us to use the gifts and talents that God has given us to serve Him well. She has taught me to be bold and to encourage others with my words and to speak truth in love.
Next we have Mhairi (pronounced “Varry”) – pictured far right. Mhairi is passionate. She is an incredibly funny and witty Scottish gal who I can always count on for a good laugh, but she is also passionate and driven by the things God has placed on her heart and called her to. She is a huge advocate for community and loves to bring people together to help them grow and thrive with one another. She has such a heart for others and wants to walk alongside them as they learn to be loved and find the hope of salvation in Jesus. When she sets her mind to something, she is dedicated and determined to do it…and I know she will master a head-stand by the end of the race! She has taught me to never give up and to believe that anything is possible.
Which brings me to Casey – pictured far left. Casey is love, through and through. This girl exemplifies the meaning of love. There is not a person Casey meets who isn’t an immediate family member and best friend. She has such a gentle heart and laid-back way, but she would quickly go to battle and fight for anyone who she loves. She is an incredible encourager and speaks life to each one of us with words of affirmation. She makes sure we know we are loved and appreciated as often as she can, and in case we forget just how much she loves us, she will ask to hold our hand or cuddle on a daily basis. She has taught me how to see everyone through God’s eyes and to love them unconditionally.
Last but not least is Melodie – pictured in the center. Melo is a warrior. Or as we like to call her, French mafia! She is constantly pointing us back to God and encouraging us to find Him in new ways while we listen for His voice. She fights for her relationship with Him and she has such a dedication to know Him better and love Him more. She calls us all to trust in Him first and to have a bold faith that He is always in control. She shares so much wisdom and understanding of who He is and how He loves. She has taught me to pursue the greatest commandment of loving the Lord with all my heart and soul and mind.
Together these ladies have shown me what it means to be in a loving community of fellow believers who encourage and love one another while seeking to bring God’s kingdom wherever we go. They have each touched my life in a significant way and I thank God daily for putting me on their team. It is bittersweet to have our teams changed at the end of this month, and while I welcome the opportunity of new relationships and challenges, I will be sad not to spend each day with these beauties. God sure knew what He was doing when He put us together four short months ago! I will treasure every memory made and every moment spent with them. JP for life!
