“Scary news is: You’re on your own now.
Cool news is: You’re on your own now.”
I listened to this speech recently to fully get myself hyped up for the Eras Tour. I won’t give any spoilers away because after only walking in with knowing a few things, I walked out of Mercedes-Benz feeling like the whole thing was a fever dream and dream come true all at the same time!
This speech also was pretty great as I’ve been telling people this past month that I am in my discernment era aka was in the process of making all the big decisions it seemed- Where to live? What house? How do I pay for this? What job? What’s changing, and what will be the same? Ultimately, what do I do post fellows?
Taylor’s answer: you’re on your own kid.
That’s true…and not. While it feels like I have to answer all these questions on my own, my discernment era has brought me back time and time again to how much I need the Lord. I sought lots of advice, and after all the anxious walks and talks, I was still left with a yearning for just wisdom from the Lord.
At the end of the day, we’ll always have discernment eras, but what’s great is that they’re not long term. Cue the music, we’re exiting the discernment era and entering into the adult world, but before we do, I’d like to write this last blog thanking four official/unofficial mentors in my fellow’s life.
Kim Patterson!! You welcomed me into the office from the very first day, literally walked with me often, and spent lots of time unofficially helping me process all things fellows. You are my friend in the office that always helps me think outside of the box, the one that always checks in with people, and the one bringing them together even if it’s with our WVCW pool-noodle microphone!
Robin Vincent!! You’re my actual mentor that quickly turned into one of the best friendships in the church that I could ask for! I wasn’t sure what having a mentor would be like because of the weird ones I had in college, but the first time I came to your house, you sat me in those FAMOUS chairs in your kitchen and made me feel right at home. Usually, I can be shy and take time to open up, but with you and at your house, I always felt so welcome and known. You have opened your home up for girls’ nights (even when the episodes of the Bachelor were TOO CRINGY), and you always sat and wanted to know everything going on. You are always there for me, your students, or kids to talk through the fun and hard things, and I’m so grateful!
Beth Finneran!! You are an icon and a great friend! After meeting you at Shark Tank and talking about the Winx Club, you came up to me at church to specifically show me a picture, and it made my day! Some of my favorite moments of this year alone were the Galentine’s party at your house (talk about creative and exciting), hanging out with you, Meg, and Brooke around Christmas, and then celebrating Easter at your house. While I didn’t find the golden egg…singing the ABCs with Anna and getting to just hang out with your family that day was too sweet, so thank you!! You seek others out, remember the little things, and invite people in so well!
Ashley Crutchfield!! I’ll do this more formally at the lake, but I can’t end this blog post without thanking our FEARLESS director. I know us fellows can be MISERABLE AND MAGICAL. You are this amazing friend and leader for each of us that would MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT, let me sit in your house for hours to talk (@discernment era), send me a list of tv recs, or be the ultimate hype woman. I’m thankful to be staying in Raleigh because that just means more time hanging out, singing All Too Well (10-minute version) many more times, and seeing you be the amazing connector you are! You bring people together, keep the door open, and share with others while doing it all in pink or glitter. I knew the first time we talked on the phone about Fellows that you were this courageous and cool person that I wanted to learn from, and that gut feeling was right!
So, I’m on my own, but not really. Thankful for this Raleigh community, and even more thankful to keep continuing friendships and life here!
-xoxo Mal
