Here’s the deal: I’m an introvert. Even when I’m with my closest friends, I don’t always talk. Yet I care deeply about others. I don’t often know what to say or do when those I love are hurting. Perhaps you can relate?
I’m discovering there are still ways I can encourage others–ways that are meaningful for them and authentic for me. I’d love to help you explore what that might look like for you.
Let’s not let fear, awkwardness, or guilt prevent us from encouraging those we care about. Let’s commit to showing up and being present in their pain–just like God is present with us in ours–so they know they’re not alone.
Let’s encourage one another,
Wired to Teach
I’ve worked in writing, editing, and church communications; care teams and prayer teams; children’s ministry and youth ministry. I’m trained as a life coach and have taken classes in spiritual direction. I even spent almost a decade teaching in a college classroom.
While I have served in a number of positions and roles, it all comes back to one thing: teaching. I long to equip and train others in God’s Word and come alongside them during difficult times.
I started teaching Sunday school when I was in junior high. Then, in high school, my sister and I teamed together to start and lead our own youth group.
I simply haven’t been able to stop teaching: kids, youth, adults. Whoever I can. However I can. God has wired me to teach.
Incorporating Art into My Faith
So where does the art and creating come in?
Well, when I was little, I loved art. Mostly drawing. I took summer art classes. I filled my sketchbooks at home. We even started an art club at my school when I was in sixth grade.
But I also loved to write. And by the time I got to high school, I had to make a choice: art or writing?
I chose writing.
When we started Love Does That, it was really just a place for us to share the Imagine Bible study devotional. But then I started diving into art again and found that it was a great way to pray. Because sometimes, there are no words. Especially when someone is hurting. I often create a card, a Tear Bottle, or an art piece as an act of prayer.
And so, God has brought writing and art back together in my life. I’m so glad I don’t have to choose anymore.
Little Tidbits
- Love Does That wouldn’t be here without my husband Mike’s support and encouragement.
- I love Jesus.
- We live in a tiny town in Indiana with our elementary-aged daughter and toddler son.
- I like vanilla chai. Maybe a little bit too much.
- My Master’s degree is in Communication. I loved diving into the worlds of rhetoric (a fancy name for public speaking) and transformational leadership communication (a fancy way to say “leading people through change”).
- Daniel Tiger is my favorite kids show.
- When we get a delivery, Mike assumes it’s a new book for me.
- I love to take classes and learn. (Is there a way to get paid for that?)
- I’m an identical twin.
- Words are some of my favorite things. I still dabble in editing and proofreading, particularly for those whose mission is to inspire and encourage others.
- We have a black long-haired teacup chihuahua named Hero. Super Hero, to be exact.
