how do you i begin to process or put into words everything that the Lord did in the past 11 months. honestly i don’t think i have the words yet. but i wanted to write this blog for my squad. i had the pleasure of doing life with 12 strangers this year. 12 strangers who quickly became my family. there were a lot of times that it was really hard. but through every hard moment i’m really glad i decided to press in and love. because each one of them taught me something so different. they taught me how to love myself. they taught me how to fight for myself. they showed me how important it is to use my voice. i found myself through a group of 12 strangers and for that i’m FOREVER grateful. here’s what they all individually taught me.
From Quynn i learned the importance of showing up. even when you don’t feel like it or if you are messy. you show up. a friendship we had to fight for but man i’m so glad that we did.
From Alex Terry i learned to be intentional. there were so many times this year that i received a text from alex at the perfect time. she is intentional in everything that she does and for that i’m grateful.
From Sunshine how to fight. sunshine is a fighter. she doesn’t give up. if there is an obstacle in her way she doesn’t allow it to stop her.
from Sierra i learned the importance of being a friend. sierra loves hard. she pursued me time and time again. she’s loyal and trustworthy. she is kinder than kind. grateful i have a friend in her.
From Cyntya i learned the power of pray. Cyntya is a prayer warrior. she’s someone i can rely on. there was never a time i doubted if cyntya was for me. I admire the way she pursues the Lord in everything she does.
From Amanda Ruth i learned the power of vulnerability. the way she stepped into vulnerability this year was so beautiful. She fights for the people she loves and doesn’t give up on people.
From Jerry i learned the how to love those right in front of me. there were many times where he challenged me to loves those in front of me and for that i’m better.
From Tony i learned a lot about stillness. He has showed me the importance of being still in the presence of the Lord. to sit with Him to listen to Him and allow Him to speak.
From Al i learned a whole lot about being there for people you love regardless of how you’re feeling. alex showed up for me so much this year. he listened, he laughed, he cried. he gave me the best dang advice. Alex is a friend. dreaming with him is my favorite.
From Cari i learned the importance of consistency. cari is constant. she shows up. she remembers. she cares.
From Rob i learned alot about walking with the Lord daily.
Rob’s walk is encouraging. the way he pursues Jesus is beautiful. the way he can’t shut up about what the Lord is doing or how good the Lord is my favorite.
from Kylee. i learned confidence. Kylee believes in people. she calls out good in people. she fights for people. she doesn’t allow me not to believe in the person the Lord has called me to be. Her leadership has changed me to the core.
these 12 people changed me. i’m so much better because i met them.
we laughed, prayed, worshiped, cried, fought and every in between this past year.
J squad, i just wanna say thank you. thank you for teaching me how to love myself. thank you for allowing me to show up messy but still pursing me anyways. thank you for never walking away even when i tried to push you away. thank you for showing up to the table. thanks for pushing me into growth, pushing me into vulnerability. i’m so much better because i know each of you.
this is just the beginning. THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
so what’s next for me?
i’m excited to be starting a new job at my church as the student life coordinator for SEU. i’m excited to sow into students, to walk along side of them and encourage them to be everything that the Lord has called them to be.
i’ll be writing another blog soon once i take some time to process everything that Lord did this year.
but in the mean time it you’re in tampa i’d love to get coffee and share with you the ways the Lord changed me.
Thank you Lord for the gift that is Addi. She is an inspiration, a light, a vessel of joy that illuminates you Jesus. This daddy missed her like crazy and am so glad to have her close!
Love you so so much, Addison Joy. Forever grateful for you. Grateful for this year and grateful for what’s to come.
There aren’t enough words to explain what my heart is doing as I read this. A year that forever changed us. Blessed to have shared it with you.
Those students are blessed to have you serving them!
So so so proud of you Ads!
I cry.
From Addi Joy I learned how to pursue your people hard!! Love is a verb baby and u portray that very well. Love ya endlessly pally