What does "being strong" mean to you? Strength is speaking the truth in love, knowing who you are and walking confidently in that knowledge, and persevering in times of struggle. When I think of strong people, I think of those who have overcome, who have loved when it was easier to hate, who accomplished incredible things through small, habitual actions, who held on to their beliefs despite intimidation, or chosen joy in all circumstances. Life is hard. Strong people know this and still decide to face the day with fortitude and joy.
What keeps you strong in times of trial? Ultimately, knowing there is a God who walks with me through trial and is writing a good story through me brings hope in times of trial. Being a Christian doesn't mean suffering and trial do not happen to you; being Christian means you have a God who has also experienced suffering and walks with you through it. Of course, that statement is infinitely more difficult to remember in those times of struggle, but I am continually reminded that God has never left his people and has always been faithful, no matter how often doubt has crept in.
Who is a female role model in your life and why? When I was in college, I had a female campus pastor who showed me that women could be in the pulpit too. I had grown up thinking there wasn't much of a place for women in the church who felt called to ministry, but Mindy quietly and confidently modeled pastoral ministry. Her preaching was powerful and her mentorship was formational - for all students. As I grew in my own understanding of call, she encouraged the gifts and skills she saw in me. Eventually, I too became a pastor and now teach Christian Studies to young people. As women, the first time we get to see other women breaking the barriers between what is expected and what is possible can be formational in who we can become.
How can you be strong and vulnerable? Growing up, I thought crying and tears were a sign of weakness. I've always been an emotional person - when I'm overjoyed, excited, overwhelmed, gutted, etc., I usually cry. Especially with the negative emotions, I hated that I would cry. But I read this beautiful book that described tears as an expression of mourning for the way the world should be, an acknowledgement that the world is broken and not yet what it is intended to be. They can express the depth of our care for the broken things and not be merely a sign of weakness. I think tears can allow us to see the world with empathy and care in ways that stoicism isn't able to.
How do you encourage other women to be strong? In my classroom, I have the great joy of teaching adolescent women about who God is and who he has created them to be. We get to wrestle with biblical texts dealing with suffering, God's continued faithfulness to a wayward people, and the plans that God has for his world. My hope is that by studying God's love and care for his people of old, that they come to know how deeply he cares for each of them. Insecurity and self-consciousness are prominent issues that they struggle with and I want them to know how deeply God cares for them exactly as they are.
Kylie’s Intentional Act of Kindness
How did you use the $100? One of my good friends has recently become a single mom. She has four kids and just took in her son’s friend who was experiencing an abusive home life. One of my favorite things about her is how fiercely she cares for others even when she has little herself. She is completely selfless, and wholly kind, always looking for ways to love on others. I gave her the money to help make ends meet this month and be able to buy groceries.
When a good friend is constantly meeting roadblocks that stop her from providing for her kids or making rent or having to choose between clothes for the kids or gas, you have to help. As a Christian, I believe that everything we have is really God’s to begin with; our job is to steward our finances and time to give those resources in a way that honors Him and builds His kingdom. Being able to give this gift to care for a wholly deserving family is exactly the kind of action God calls us to.
What was the 'Intentional Act of Kindness' process like for you? To begin with, I was so thankful for Kristen and her generosity to consistently support acts like this. What an inspiring way to empower women, encourage generosity, and give women a platform to share their stories. The intentional acts of kindness part of the project reminded how powerful generosity is to both the giver and the one who receives. This friend has been on my heart for awhile now and this project gave me the opportunity to continue to financially support her and reminded me that giving is such a privilege and blessing. To be able to meet someone’s tangible need has inspired me to recommit to generosity and looking for opportunities to help others.