Mentorship was the aspect of the fellows program I was most excited and nervous about. I have craved guidance from more mature women of faith since high school and fruitlessly searched for it in college. I struggled feeling like I wasn’t the “right type” of Christian girl that older women would want to pour into. The last 6ish weeks, I have been pursued by wise and admirable women more than I have my entire life. My assigned mentor, Laura Thomas, plays a large role in this. Laura is kind, gentle, beautifully honest, and generous in her time, energy, and compassion. She has welcomed me into her home and her life, sharing what is on her heart with authenticity that makes space for me to do the same. In past ministry contexts, women like Laura made me feel othered, be it because of my own insecurities or how they responsed to them. I felt too goofy, not soft or feminine enough to earn their time. Laura meets me where I am while calling me higher through her actions and advice. In the midst of our busy schedules time with Laura always feels like rest.
Ashley, the program director, has been another guiding and steading presence. Ashley is a leader, friend, confidant, and an incredible mother and wife. Sometimes I think to be a “good” woman, you need to be like Meg from Little Women ( if you don’t understand that reference, you’re welcome, I just introduced you to a top 10 read/ watch depending on how much of a literary purist you are). And while the Meg’s of the world are wonderful and beautiful and needed, I am not one. I didn’t know how badly I needed to see a woman who was strong, bold, and charismatic, yet utterly devoted to and dependent on the Lord. She lights up every room she’s in and seeks out the one who is sitting in the shadows. The way she has made time for me, affirmed and embraced the characteristics God has given me has been a blessing beyond what I thought I would find this year. I feel cherished by Ashley, it’s awesome.
And there are so many others, Spencer (my host mom), Emily Walker (one of our teachers), Liz (student ministry leader), the fellows alumni girls, my fellows girls, the moms of the 8th grade girls I lead!! I am humbled by the way these women have made space for me and invited me in. They are all so wonderfully different, so intent on servitude to our Father. They guide with humility and encourage with grace. Their example helps me be a better sister in Christ to my precious 8th grade girls, co-workers, and the fellows.
“Think of me as a fellow patient in the same hospital who, having been admitted a little earlier, could give some advice.” - C.S. Lewis.
I am grateful for my fellow patients. Grateful for answered prayers, some I didn’t know to pray for.
Love ya, be good now!
Tessa