I was just able to catch up with a man that means a lot to me and has become a mentor in my life. Tom and his wife, Cindy, are currently living in South Africa as missionaries and were my team “coaches” for my last year on the World Race. This was one of the first times I have actually been able to have a meaningful chat with Tom since the Race because of me being in the Philippines and with him still living in South Africa. He and Cindy were a huge support network for me in that year and since then have continued in that role.
Tom and Cindy have now fulfilled their commitment in South Africa and will be returning to the States in a little over a month. It really was encouraging to listen as he told me he wasn’t sure what all God had planned for their return, but he wasn’t going to take anything other than intimacy with the Father. Times of transition are never easy, especially in the unknown, and I can’t imagine what one in this stage of life would look like. Yet I’m so incredibly encouraged by it, but a little scared at the same time. God does promise to be with us and protect us, but a stable, secure plan was never in that promise.
One of my favorite things about Tom is his encouragement and how I feel like any dream I have is attainable. On the flip side, Tom doesn’t let me off easy by just blowing smoke, but he’ll bring the fire right behind it. While I was on the Race, he would challenge me in every way possible in my leadership position and would often make me make the decision. It was trial by fire more often than not, but he and Cindy were always there to pick up the pieces.
As I was talking with Tom in the midst of all this uncertainty in both of our lives, it was weird to feel peace. We traded a few stories back and forth and revealed some wounds from the past few months, yet somehow I still felt strengthened. No matter what he and Cindy have faced in life, Tom is still standing firm and sticking to it. It’s hard to hear sometimes as he recounts stories of being the “sacrificial lamb” and I almost want to pick up the baggage for him, but he won’t even waste his time with that. Because when it gets down to it, God is sovereign and He’s got a plan.
Tom started this idea called 30 Second Kneel Down, which is basically just a call to prayer and intimacy with the Father. It’s focused on schools and students and developing them to live “no reputation” lifestyles, and live above the influence. I know this will be a huge transition for Tom and Cindy, but I can’t wait to welcome them back. As I talked with him, I just felt the blessing and strength that mentors can bring. Nothing can ever replace the parents that I have been blessed with, but God knows what He’s doing by bringing these two into my life…
