I went to church my entire life (minus two years in college when my body sat in a pew but my heart was a million miles away). As a result, my personality formed within the construct of righteousness and steeples. My story didnât just happen in churchâit is church.
When my mother died, I examined every part of my life and thought I might leave church. However, I did not. Church is all I know. I am drawn to it like a moth to the flame. I want to belong. I need to belong.
Unfortunately, I canât unsee and I donât know if I can live with what Iâve seen. What I do know is I need to tell the truth. I need to be honest about what Iâve seen. I need to have a voice.
Church
The Church gathers around a common love for Jesus. But, we arenât very good at loving like him. So, our diversities suffer profound dishonor. I wish we loved well and were inspired to celebrate our differences. Instead, we war. We destroy one another. I wonder if this breaks Godâs heart.
It hurts to be hurt. In spite of it all, I love the Church.
Family
Iâm a proud mom of two pretty amazing, very grown, kids, Bethany and Isaiah. The fact that makes me most proud of them is that they are good to each other.
Bethany married her high school sweetheart, John. They grew up in youth group together. We love John and how he loves our girl. She graduated from Belmont University, a Studio Arts major and landed her first grown up job at Watkins College of Artâshe loves it. One of my favorite things about Bethany is the way she brings beauty into the spaces she inhabitsâitâs truly divine.
Isaiah is a senior Religious Studies major at Belmont University with his sight set on graduate school. His ideas are remarkable and his heart is drawn toward social justice. Watch out for his up and coming mindâheâs a world changer. Iâm excited to watch him embody his dreams.
Iâm married to my babiesâ daddy and my heartâs deepest love outside of Jesus, Tom. Heâs my favorite worship leader. His voice pierces my soul and his passion inspires me. Best of all, Iâm undone by his tender heart and his love for me. Our marriage is more glory than earth these days. It feels good to be on the other side of the hardest work. Hereâs to 25 years strong.
Career
I am a College & Young Adult Pastor at my church in Nashville, TN. Prior to this role I was the Middle School Pastor where I served the youth for 9 years. I walked with them through two youth pastor transitions; during the second transition I served as Interim Youth Pastor for a year and 4 months.
Teaching, training, and mentoring students is my passion. I especially love the transitional life stages. College is my favorite. I side hustle as a Coach for CYMT (Center for Youth Ministry Training). I get to encourage young Youth Pastors with a lot of Iâve been thereâs and me tooâs.
Education
Iâm a graduate counseling student at Trevecca Nazarene University, studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Iâm enjoying every minute of the process. Itâs a giant bright spot in my life.
I earned my B.A. (2019) in Psychology from Trevecca. I was ordained in 1995. I have a Bible diploma (1992) from Florida Bible College, a M.A.R. (2002) and a D.Div. (2006) from Tabernacle Bible College & Seminary.
Iâm excited to share my thoughts and my story with you. Thanks for reading!