Closing a Chapter

Last night was an emotional one for me. For at least 8 years, I have been leading the staff women of Vanguard Church. That leadership has changed and evolved throughout the time, but it has been a constant in my life, an opportunity to pour into these women who carry out the ministries of the church. They have ministered to me in so many ways, and last night was the pinnacle of it all.

Ellen and I have known each other for 22 years!!

I met her when I was 16 years old.

As the staff has grown and changed throughout the years, we have changed the dynamics of this group. Over the last few years, I have met monthly with these women, the pastoral leadership staff and wives. I have also had the privilege of bringing together all the staff women 2 times a year for a time of interaction together.

This is something I am going to desperately miss. I love these women. We have journeyed through a lot together. We have celebrated, mourned, and challenged each other. I was so thankful for the opportunity to come together one more time as a team.

They blessed me in so many ways. Their words of encouragement and sharing the impact I have had on their lives was humbling and overwhelming. We have laughed together, cried together, and shared out joys, successes, and hurts in ministry.

From Left to Right: Tosha, Me, Dana, Bria, Jessica, and Ellen

As I have said, change is hard for me. It is hard to imagine this new chapter of my life and what God has in store. I love these women. I know that we will still be in friendship, but it will change. It has to. God is doing so much. I am processing and trying to embrace this new chapter. Right now, I am grieving the losses. I look forward to new things and new opportunities, but for now, it is necessary that I deal with the sadness I am feeling. God is teaching me even through the sadness.

This is me and Cindi, one of our elders' wives.

She opened her home to us and prepared an amazing meal for our time together.

Thank you, ladies. I love you. I always will.