The last time I wrote a blog, that wasn’t a life update, I was living in the Dominican Republic and prepping my heart for both the end of the race & the beginning of team leading.
My summer can be described as grief, release, understanding, friendship, travel, & understanding the kindness of the Lord. The beginning of September brought me into the new season of Alumni Team Leading in Gainesville, Georgia.
Right now I live in my tent next to 30-something other 18-21 year old racers. We are getting ready to start ministry in the States and later we are launching overseas to Costa Rica.
A year ago today I’m not sure what my life would look like in the present moment, or even the months yet to come.
I’ve signed up for 3 more months on the field & when I first made that decision all that was on my mind was the want to say ‘yes’ to the Lord & a newfound passion for discipleship. Living a new life of abandonment here in Georgia has now taken me deeper into the WHY behind yet another move and season of change.
A few weeks ago a racer, one whom I love DEEPLY, ran up to me after a night of worship with the most excitement I had seen on her since our first meeting. She started to describe all that she had just experienced and felt that she finally ‘got it’. I remember her asking, ‘Is this what freedom feels like?’.
Yup.
This is what freedom feels like.
In that moment I finally understood why I was here.
Deeper freedom. Deeper friendship. Deeper dependence on the One True King.
In this season of life I have the honor of leading and walking with a group of five women who quite literally are my favorite people. They are the most fun, love passionately, and run after the Lord with challenge & curiosity in their hearts.
They are the true WHY in my life right now. Praise Jesus for the gift they are!
When I think of Abby I see rolling mountains and feel the warmth of the Father.
She is a woman who loves intentionally and serves wholeheartedly.
If we could get off campus for just one day I’d take her to a coffee shop, go hiking, and have a painting party in the park.
Service. Steadfast. Holy.
Adalie lives in a way that reflects simplicity, inclusivity, and deep friendship.
She has a heart of worship that will, & already has, taken captive the hearts around her. Her voice draws people near & you feel the tender presence of Jesus when you are with her.
I always say she is the funniest person I know. Every time I’m with her I can’t stop laughing & feel like my most authentic self.
Love. Pursuit. Heart.
This girl is learning about the Father heart of God and with each revelation I see her turning more & more into the image of Jesus.
I don’t think there is another person like Grace & praise for that because she is a unique, one-of-a-kind woman!
She loves her family, alone time, & having fun (don’t tempt her with a good time! she’s always ready for it!)
Connection. Depth. Clarity.
If you’ve met Mackenzie, you KNOW Mackenzie. She is the life of the party for sure, and if there is no party planned, she is bringing one.
Mack has a passion about her that makes you lean close and want to know more. She challenges and runs after clarity on a daily basis.
PS: She has the best dance moves & makes the funniest faces I’ve ever seen.
Challenge. Courage. Community.
Maggie has a heart that yearns to be with people & to love them with everything she has.
She carries beauty & grace and is learning to let it shine through & around her. Her smile lights up a room!
You want a friend like Maggie – you never go unloved & she is easy to give love to!
Humility. Confidence. Love.
Team Lydia
Women who fight for each other and seek understanding always. We are chaotic & funny yet understanding & loving. I know the Lord is moving their hearts to deeper embrace. It’s an honor to know them. An honor to lead them. An honor to be in their presence always!
If you would, join me in prayer over this fierce group of women. Pray for endurance in the start of ministry, deeper love towards one another, and intentional hearts towards those around them.
#LAW
Love, Gretchen Jean 🙂
Love hearing your intentional heart flow through the words you write! You are a blessing to this squad! Love ya Gretch!
We are very proud of you over here at Benton Roofing! I love getting your Blogs and am happy to see how God is working in and through you!
you are loving your team so dang well! so proud of you gretch!!
this is tempting me with a good time
Thank you! Thank you for leading so well. Thank you for sharing your heart with others, specifically the girls you are called to in this season of life. Thank you for fiercely pursuing Christ as it is contagious to others around you. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you. We are praying for you and your team. God has raised up an army of prayer warriors around you all. You are NOT alone!
Gretchen you just make my heart smile. I love to read your blogs. It sounds like you are with a great group of friends that really love the Lord. I pray for you all. May God bless you and stay by your side always. Your SC family loves you very much. Aunt Joyice and Uncle Coy
Yup, that’s why you’re there! And congrats on staying with the Squad, what a blessing you will continue to be for them!
SO SWEET!!! What powerful women of God 🙂