Take Me Back Tuesday | Those That Have Shaped Me

“These relationships have shaped so much of who I am,” I told my friend and assistant as we were driving away from Kansas on Sunday.

You see, I spent a good 6 years working for a ministry called Kanakuk Kamp in the little Ozark town of Branson, MO. It’s a Christian summer sports camp and my sophomore year of college, I got recruited to be a summer camp counselor for them. I was out of my mind terrified as my sister and I pulled up to the gate, having no idea what was ahead of me. Funny, that I really didn’t have any idea what was ahead of me, otherwise I wouldn’t have been so terrified. Now, 8 years later, I see that what was ahead of me was one of God’s sweetest blessings in my life to date. What was ahead of me were some of the richest days of fun and fellowship. What was ahead of me were experiences that would challenge me and draw me out of my comfort zone, stretching me beyond where I thought I could go. What was ahead of me were relationships that would play a significant role in shaping who I am today.

This past weekend, I got to travel to Kansas and photograph the wedding of some dear friends of mine who met at Kanakuk while we were all working together. I have known both of them before they were a ‘them.’ I had walked alongside them as they became a ‘them.’ And I got to celebrate with them as they permanently became a ‘them.’ Because they met at Kanakuk, a good number of their guests were these people I speak of…the ones who have shaped my life in such significant ways. Having them altogether meant that we HAD to get a picture. So, we stepped out in to the hallway and snapped one of the most epic photos ever at a Mary Fields wedding. Epic not because it’s perfect…but because it perfectly tells of God’s goodness in my life. I am so thankful for these people as they have modeled so much of what it looks like to walk in biblical community. To carry one another’s burdens. To rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. They have shown me the beauty of being silly and wearing ridiculous costumes. They have danced with me to ridiculous music and belted the lyrics at the top of their lungs. They have shown me the fruit that comes from studying God’s Word. They have given me countless words of wisdom and laughed with me at my mistakes. They have made ME laugh with their ridiculous antics and made me cry as we have worshipped together. They have challenged me to pursue God more fervently and to love people more selflessly. They have modeled what a biblical family and marriage look like. They have loved me well. They have been the dearest of friends.

They have shaped so much of who I am today.

For all these things, I praise God for allowing me to know these people and to experience this thing called life with them. Standing with them in this picture, I felt so blessed.

So, in the Name of Those Who Have Shaped Me,

I Say, Take Me Back!

(There are so many people that are not in this picture who have done all the above! This is just a snippet of those who have shaped me!)

And because this picture is just too epic to withhold, these women have played a VERY significant role in shaping who I am. Oh the countless hours we have spent in that little non-airconditioned office on the girls side of camp. Laughing through our delirium and exhausted beyond measure. Yet, it was in those crazy hours that we became the closest. I don’t know how I got the privilege to serve with such amazing women but I will cherish those days forever. You ladies are my heroes! 

I’d try to explain but it would be just too difficult. They each know the significance of this photo!