This Girl

This girl?

Five and a half years ago, she was graduating from high school.  I was amazed and utterly exhausted that we had gotten her there. From day one, at five years of age, academics has been a battle with this one.  Social is her gig and school really just got in the way of the things that really mattered. 

Five and a half years ago, in her her words, she was NEVER going to college. 

But, time has a way of tempering our "never", turning them into "maybe", then into "Yes".

Four and a half years ago, she was entering her first semester at East Central.  She struggled, she stressed, she threatened to quit on a daily basis.  She was absolutely certain that she would fail - that she could not do this.  She hated most every second.

It was hard - I won't kid you, she worked HARD, studying many, many hours - probably shed more than a few tears. But... each semester she got a little stronger, a little more confident, the threats to quit came further and further apart.  

She moved around a bit, changed her major a couple of times, but she found her nitch - her place. 

And she thrived.

I wouldn't say she ever grew to love it - that would be a lie.  But she found her place and she grew into a much more confident young woman.

I'm so proud of her.

And in four days...

This girl? 

She will be wearing black again.  She will be walking across the stage as an East Central University graduating senior, with a 4.0.

I don't by any stretch think that your gpa defines you, but I am so proud of this girl - this girl that thought she would never succeed, reaching down inside of her and finding the strength to not just to succeed, but to thrive.

She's gotten a glimpse of what she is capable of and I can't wait to see where the next stage takes her.

If you've been a part of this process with Erin, we'd love for you to join us as we celebrate Saturday.  We'll be celebrating at Cornerstone at 2:00.  Join us if you can!

We are all capable of much more than we believe.  

When we find the spot where God means to use us, we can absolutely soar - I believe that.  

What do you not believe about yourself that God means to see through to the end?  

Trust Him - it's a beautiful thing to watch.