Little Did I Know
Little Did I Know
I love how this picture pops up in memories the end of each summer. It was taken at Native Coffee the last week of the summer internship in 2019. It was, what we all thought would be the last of our weekly coffee dates. Little did I know Katie Gray (far left) would be back for a second summer and stick around as a lifetime friend. Nor did I know Marlee would come back for a permanent position as the Vista Ridge Youth Minister. Never did I consider I would be having coffee dates with these two for years to come.
I had coffee with each of these friends this week. Katie is in town interning at her home church in Dallas and asked me to meet Thursday morning. Over an Americano, I listened to her share about the highs and lows of her summer. Gosh I love her. God is using her in HUGE ways in the lives of children. Many of you know the impact she has had on YOUR children.
I had coffee with Marlee later that afternoon. Yes, we see each other daily in the office, but rarely as “just friends”. Gosh I am proud of her. What an incredible, Spirit-filled woman we have as an example for our youth. I cannot express how thankful I am to work alongside her. The Lord is using her in mighty ways at the Branch.
Both coffee dates had a few things in common: We cried. We laughed. We reminisced. But the most beautiful part? We left encouraged. Each of these young women, in their own way, inspired me today. I found myself thanking God for the work He is doing through them, and for the way their stories inspired me to “take a new grip” and keep going.
As I reflect on the day, I am reminded of Hebrews 10:23-25:
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…
Whether they know it or not, these women taught me something about this passage. You see, it is just the way they live their lives. They hold on to their belief and hope that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do. They point people to Jesus, modeling what it is to love and serve – inspiring others to do the same. They are intentional about spending time in community with other believers – both in coffee shops and in a church building. And through their example, others are encouraged.
Through their example – I am encouraged.
As I type these thoughts, I find myself asking the Lord to make me one of these examples.
Lord, give me unwavering hope.
Lord, I know you are faithful – help me in my unbelief.
Lord, give me opportunities to stir up those around me to love and good works, and give me the courage to take the opportunities.
Lord, may I be an encourager.
And Lord, thank you for these two sisters who point me to You. May I be the same to those around me.
I had coffee with each of these friends this week. Katie is in town interning at her home church in Dallas and asked me to meet Thursday morning. Over an Americano, I listened to her share about the highs and lows of her summer. Gosh I love her. God is using her in HUGE ways in the lives of children. Many of you know the impact she has had on YOUR children.
I had coffee with Marlee later that afternoon. Yes, we see each other daily in the office, but rarely as “just friends”. Gosh I am proud of her. What an incredible, Spirit-filled woman we have as an example for our youth. I cannot express how thankful I am to work alongside her. The Lord is using her in mighty ways at the Branch.
Both coffee dates had a few things in common: We cried. We laughed. We reminisced. But the most beautiful part? We left encouraged. Each of these young women, in their own way, inspired me today. I found myself thanking God for the work He is doing through them, and for the way their stories inspired me to “take a new grip” and keep going.
As I reflect on the day, I am reminded of Hebrews 10:23-25:
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…
Whether they know it or not, these women taught me something about this passage. You see, it is just the way they live their lives. They hold on to their belief and hope that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do. They point people to Jesus, modeling what it is to love and serve – inspiring others to do the same. They are intentional about spending time in community with other believers – both in coffee shops and in a church building. And through their example, others are encouraged.
Through their example – I am encouraged.
As I type these thoughts, I find myself asking the Lord to make me one of these examples.
Lord, give me unwavering hope.
Lord, I know you are faithful – help me in my unbelief.
Lord, give me opportunities to stir up those around me to love and good works, and give me the courage to take the opportunities.
Lord, may I be an encourager.
And Lord, thank you for these two sisters who point me to You. May I be the same to those around me.
Posted in Alexis Weekly