Hello all!! Wow, what a whirlwind of a month. November was filled with so much deep-rooted joy. I think part of that joy comes from finally being able to truly know the eleven other amazing people I am living life with. When you first join a fellows program, you are thrown into a mosh pit of people with different personalities, different interests, and different ways of living. Yet, even though you are different from them, there is one incredible thing that you have in common, the love of The Lord. I truly see The Lord in each one of them. So, to help you get to know them, this blog post is dedicated to showing y’all how each one of the fellows truly exemplifies Jesus.
Kayley
My girl Kayley is the perfect example of joy. Throughout the gospels we see Jesus explaining to his disciples the importance of having faith like a child. I think Kayley lives out that faith every single day. She is kind, intentional, brave, trusting, and so heartwarming. Before she even meets you, she’s already decided that she will love you. Think about how selfless and hard that is? She truly loves without borders.
Noah
Noah is a perfect example of strength. One of the things I love so much about Noah is that when he enters a room you automatically feel safe. You know that he has your back, no matter the situation that you are in. I think about all my times sitting with the Lord, and how in those moments I don’t feel conflicted or afraid, but safe and secure. I think it’s honestly amazing how we read in the Bible about Noah, a trusted servant of God, who made a refuge for all of the animals. And then I look at our Noah, and I can see how he has become a refuge for all of us.
Dylan
When I think of Dylan one word comes to mind, compassion. He is by far one of the most compassionate, loving people that I have ever had the privilege of meeting. Dylan will laugh with you, cry with you, get angry with you, and most of all, understand you. I think of Jesus, crying over his friend Lazarus, understanding the immense weight of pain Mary and Martha were feeling. That sounds just like Dylan.
Kris
Intentionality. Without a doubt, Kris is the most intentional person I have ever met in my entire life. The moment I met her, I immediately felt seen and known. I felt like I was the woman at the well and she was Jesus. She has the incredible ability to see and understand the circumstances that you are in and love you know matter what. Whenever you are around her, you just drift to her because she makes you feel like you belong.
Jacob
Jacob is the perfect definition of a “fisher of men”. In the gospels we see Jesus call Peter and Andrew, and tell them to drop their nets and he will make them fishers of men. Jacob is an amazing YoungLife leader who goes out of his way to bring kids closer to the gospel. I’ve gotten the amazing opportunity to hear Jacob talk about each one of the boys that he mentored and you can see the impact he had on shepherding those guys towards Christ.
Lauren
There’s a song by United Pursuit called “Lay it All Down” and in the song it talks about laying all of your grief, sorrow, and pain at the feet of Jesus. Lauren is the perfect person who will walk up there with you. She will hold your hand, guide you to Jesus, and hold you as Christ takes your burdens from you. Everything she does, helps point directly to the savior.
Austin
When I picture my conversations with Jesus I immediately picture these deep meaningful discussions filled with belly shaking laughter. That’s exactly what you get with Austin. He has the incredible ability to talk about the deepest parts of yourself and then throw in a joke that has you crying on the floor. That depth is incredible and reminds me so much of the man that Christ is. I can picture Jesus, sitting around a campfire, with arms out wide, saying “welcome”, just as Austin does.
Hayden
When I think of Jesus’s heart, I think of one that is full of love, depth, and warmth. Christ has the ability to see anyone in need and welcomes them into a life of fulfillment with him. Hayden is that same way. When I think of all the times I’ve been sad or upset during my time in Raleigh, the person that always seems to call is Hayden. She never fails to show up and reach out. She doesn’t just reach out, she genuinely cares about you and wants you to lean on her. Her heart is so full of kindness and warmth, just like our kings’.
Kassie
I think Kassie is one of the most authentic, thoughtful individuals I have ever met. You know those people that are so filled with the holy spirit that you can feel it whenever they talk or pray? That’s Kassie. Whenever she prays I feel as though the whole kingdom of heaven is in the room. Kassie also does this thing where whenever she talks about the greatness of God she cries. I think it's a beautiful representation of the impact The Lord has on her life.
Brendan
Brendan is the definition of a connector. He is so personable and truly connects people of all different walks of life. Think about how Jesus chose his 12 disciples. All of them were so different that no one would have ever thought they could come together to worship The Lord effectively. While it was still sometimes a struggle for them to connect and come together, they were able to become united because of one thing: Jesus. Brendan does the exact same thing. He is a connector that brings people together and immediately points them to Christ.
Mary Ellen
I have never quite met someone like Mary Ellen. She is kind, courageous, bold, brave, and humble. She has this unique ability to see the whole playing field and stand up for what she believes in. Most of all though, I see her as reliable. I think of Jesus’s mother Mary, how she trusted in the Lord and how he gave her the incredible task of raising his son. Mary was strong and so full of faith, just like Mary Ellen. She reminds me like a reed in the wind, unshaken by the movement happening all around her.
A Song for us all: Together by for King & Country
Luke Harvin