Most Influential people in 2013

This blog is published about 1 month later than I had anticipated when I began writing, but better late than never right? Over New Years I reflected on all that 2013 held for me and began to list the major events and influential people in my life. I first began to write about these things only for myself, but decided to share them because I wish for the individuals who continue to be active influencers in my life to know what they mean to me. I tried to keep each account brief, although I could have shared much more about these dear people. Each of the 6 individuals impacted me in different ways, but all preparing me for the life I now live and the challenges I face. These are their stories (insert Law & Order sound affect).

• Connie - Connie is a woman I spent only a few moments with, but the conversation we shared made a lasting impression. Connie is a very wise woman, and I must give her credit for influencing my choice vocation. When I was overwhelmed by the job opportunities and vast array of possible destinations my organization offered, she shared with me how God worked through her in a number of places doing a number of things. Her life experiences and stories of how Christ manifested himself through her were precious and sincere; the tears in her eyes caused my own to water up and when women cry together it gives each the feeling of solidarity. After this heart-to-heart, Connie  asked me the simple question, “what do you enjoy doing now?” And I realized that I was doing what I love - I was leading a girls bible study and involved in a freshmen mentor program- I love meeting up with people for coffee and staying involved at the college as well as working in my church. Mrs Connie then said these brilliant words that forever changed me, “Then go do that!” And so I did. 
• Amanda Bennett - Amanda was my long-time college roommate. The day we met I thought she had a lacking sense of humor and she took me as an enthusiastic homeschooler, but our first impressions were soon overshadowed by the character that lies beneath the surface and a dear friendship began. As I skimmed through my 2013 journal, I found Amanda’s name repeatedly mentioned, and this is why: She helped me immensely in school, proofreading my papers, instructing my writing, and told philosophical bedtime stories when that days’ Intro to Philosophy assigned reading went over my head. She led a daily example of a disciplined life in Christ and in that she taught me to be loving, humble, and disciplined. She even did the other roommate’s dishes because she knew how much I disliked a messy kitchen. I could continue to list how Amanda was a good friend, but our precious friendship is not all that influenced me. Amanda is faithful in the small things. She was involved in a number of organizations on campus, in her church, and within the community. She dedicated and continues to dedicate her time to serving others. She speaks words of love and truth and although I am convinced she is 10 times smarter than me, she has never made me feel ignorant (and there were many times she could have). Amanda lives a life that continues to reflect Christ which not only impels me to  cherish her more, but likewise, do the same. 
• Janie- I met Janie in the spring of 2012 when I was visiting Christ Community Church and we became friends over the course of my final school year. Janie is a wife, mom of 3, and I am convinced, wonder woman as well. She is quite possibly the most patient person I have ever met and that is saying something because I know patience is tested everyday  in her life with 3 energetic boys. I have listed Janie as one of the most influential people for not only her extraordinary example of godliness in the home and church, but because I witnessed Janie suffer a loss this year that changed her life and as a result, changed mine a little too. Through a time of pain Janie was open and honest and most importantly faithful to live a life completely saturated in Christ. When she had, according to the world’s standards, every reason to be upset, depressed, or unattached, she chose to set aside those selfish “rights” and allow God to manifest himself through her. That is not to say she was not sad, but her sadness did not determine the outcome of how she chose to live. With that said, Janie was just as much down to earth as ever and there were times we struggled to have conversations without crying. She was unafraid to cry and there was one occasion I sat and cried with her. Janie is a wonderful woman who truly embodies the compassion, gentleness, and love of Christ. She has been an example to me of how to suffer well and recognize the urgency to trust in my Savior Jesus Christ all the more. 
• Dr. Greg & Dr. Kimberly Thornbury - These two I will count as one because they have been so very influential to me together. I first knew of Dr. Thornbury shortly upon enrollment at Union University, but became better acquainted with him after taking his philosophy class in 2012. The lovely Dr. Kimberly Thornbury I do not know personally but I do know that she remained a model of integrity and leadership in her position at Union as Dean of student life. I witnessed this dynamic duo pack up and leave their comfortable life in Jackson in order for Dr. Thornbury to become the new president of The Kings College in New York City and Dean Thornbury to continue her career as First Lady. Both of the Thornburys are doctors and were Deans at Union. They were successful, well-liked, and impacted not only students and faculty of Union but also their church and the Jackson Community. The Thornburys had a good thing going in Jackson, Tennessee, but they chose to leave behind everything, literally, they sold their house, furniture, car, and a few more things, to begin something new in New York City. For some people the idea of  beginning a new chapter with an all new city and house, with new possessions and jobs, working with new colleagues and making new friends is absolutely terrifying; but for the Thornburys it was an adventure. The Thornburys demonstrated how to hold on to material possessions loosely, and at any moment be able to just let go of everything. Can I really, truly say that I would so easily let go of a comfortable job and house? What about a solid community and support system? The Thornburys led lives that reflected Christ, and in a moment they got up and they left their lives behind, because they understand that the life we live is that of Christ, not our own, and we go where He goes. The Lord used them to greatly influence me in the unification of my faith in Jesus Christ and vocation. I believe the Lord is using the Thornburys for great purposes in New York just as he used them at Union and by his grace they will continue to be shining lights for His glory. 
• Oswald Chambers - In reading his devotional guide, “My Utmost for His Highest”, Chambers has pinpointed many a times my dire need of a savior each and every day of my life. With something like this though, it is the Lord who does the convicting, but I am thankful to have a good devotional book and humble author that God is using to change me. Chambers challenges in devotion after devotion to be so in step with the spirit of God that I no longer live as myself, striving to make every step I take a step that aligns with God’s will for my life, but instead, be so in sync with God and his nature by allowing Him to manifest himself in and through me. This quote sums up the overarching theme I have taken away from the study thus far: 

“As soon as you begin to live the life of faith in God, fascinating and luxurious prospects will open up before you, and these things are yours by right; but if you are living the life of faith you will exercise your right to waive your rights, and let God choose for you. God sometimes allows you to get into a place of testing where your own welfare would be the right and proper thing to consider if you were not living a life of faith; but if you are, you will joyfully waive your right and leave God to choose for you. This is the discipline by means of which the natural is transformed into the spiritual by obedience to the voice of God...At first we want the consciousness of being guided by God; then as we go on we live so much in the consciousness of God that we do not need to ask what His will is, because the thought of choosing any other will never occurs to us.” 

The truths and challenges that have impacted me in this book align with many of the characteristics I see in these most influential people listed above, which could be another reason I appreciate Chambers and this daily guide. 

• Dietrich Bonhoeffer - I read a mini biography about him in Eric Metaxas book, 7 Men and the Secret of Their Greatness, which then inspired me to pick up the full biography also written by Metaxas that I am in the process of reading right now. I think about Bonhoeffer all the time; he lead a fascinating life. He set the standard for knowledge of music and languages, personification of manners and behavior, and the general dedication to education and the “furthering of one’s mind through extensive reading” much too high, but then I remember that he was a human just like me and that makes it somewhat realistic and challenges me to be a life -long learner as well. Bonhoeffer was a brilliant man, and at the age of 21 had a doctorate of theology. While he waited to turn 25 in order to be ordained, he occupied his time by traveling across Europe and the U.S. teaching in churches, engulfing himself in different Christian cultures, communities, and church dynamics and beliefs, always continuing his pursuit of knowledge of God and the bible. Whatever Bonhoeffer did, he did to the best of his abilities and this attribute alone speaks volumes of his character as neither his country nor his family, both great influencers, encouraged an education or vocation in theology. However this did not hinder Bonhoeffer from growing in his faith and acting upon his convictions (which eventually led him to be involved in a plot to assassinate Hitler). Bonhoeffer’s lifestyle has inspired me to travel, read, know why I believe what I believe and be able to back it up completely, monitor unnecessary speech, invest myself in the church and in the community I live in, practice discipline, and root myself completely in the precepts of God. Bonhoeffer led a life of integrity, discipline, and courage, and through studying his life I am inspired to do the same by the grace of God.  [I recommend both 7 Men and the Secret of Their Greatness and Bonhoeffer if interested in learning more about Dietrich Bonhoeffer]