10.Tiffany Campbell – a driven and outgoing risk-taker – she taught me to be spontaneous from time to time. Life is about having fun. Her passion to live life to the fullest and to show ALL people love has taught me a lot about my small sheltered perspective I had on life. There have been times when I was completely shut out to her because I didn’t always agree, but God still used her to grow me closer to Him. (Especially in the gym)

9. Mrs. Sherry Atkinson is probably the most humble and encouraging people I know. She actually just called me today to tell me about a recent blog post. I trust her and cling to her wisdom. I know she doesn’t feel like it, but I remember when I would stop by her cube in the Hunter Reception Center and share times of laughter about things happening around campus. Now I do the same but just in another building. She pushes me to grow and walk in humility before the Lord.

8. Jessica Eddins has to be a person everyone loves and has never met a stranger. She was Miss CSU when I first met her and I immediately wanted to shut her out because I didn’t like the Beauty Queen thing. Something was different in Jess. We quickly became friends and then BAM! Let the good times roll with LOTS of laughter and some tears too. Jessica taught me to go after the dreams and passions in my heart. She did that with her life and made me want to do the same. She has a personality to die for and has impacted so many hearts. Talk about transformation. Just try talking to her one time!

7. Justin Sigmon, ohhh the “hot” cousin! as everyone says! He has always captured my heart and love. I believe he inspires me and pushes me to be more than I am now, because he wants to be like me! I can’t let him down. I can’t cap him off below his potential. So I keep pushing through life because I know he is following my footsteps. I am so proud of him.

6. Laura Crump Harrell took me by the hand and led me into a new uncharted territory when I was in Junior High. I learned more about serving and God’s word than I had in my entire life up to that point. She never gave up on me and my socially shielded heart. Her commitment to lead us was what inspired me to want to lead other girls. I am thankful for her today too because I get to still learn from her wisdom and grace.

5. Glo and Johnny Howle, providers! They have loved me like I was their own since I was born. They care about what I am doing with my life and in my life. They support me and encourage me to follow my heart. They have been providers for many years and taken care of me.

4.Lynette and Jon Davis have been incredibly timely in my life! God definitely has used them to push and prod me into the Woman of God that I am suppose to be. From Lynette being patient to wait for 4 years to hear me finally open up and Jon always being my biggest fan. I have come a long way in doing ministry, thinking ministry and living ministry. I have been shown unconditional love through their actions and words. Their kids are joys in my heart. I pray I become half the woman that she is to love, cherish and serve my husband. But then again if we’re both seeking after God’s own heart then we’re going to be drawn to each other.

3. Aunt Polly and Ron lead me to the Lord when I was 13 years old. Ron has been like a brother to me over the years and makes me fight harder and stronger in life. Aunt Polly has been my balancing block some times by pushing me and pulling me out of my comfort zone. She has always thought the world of me and helped me to stretch and climb higher and higher. She helps me to keep life a little bit light hearted.  Crazy can be fun, right?

2. My mom has taught me to love unconditionally and give sacrificially. I have people tell me I have such a servant’s heart. I believe its like John 5:19 says about how Jesus did what he saw the Father doing. I have watched my mom give and serve and love people and I tend to model that myself.

1. My Granny is my best friend! She has loved me and taught me so much about life…how to treat people, how to be a good steward of money, how to prioritize, and how to love. I could never financially repay her for all that she has provided for me,but I will do my very best to pass on to others the truth and love she has given to me.

Now – these are by far not the ONLY people who have impacted how I view life, but they have greatly molded and defined it. I will try to continue this list as the days pass. Because I believe its important to learn from everyone around you whether they are well learned or not. they probably have a life changing lesson for you to learn even if it teaches you how not to live your life.

Today is a mark in my history because I was given a promotion in my job at Charleston Southern University. After four years of living the  student life and being involved with the mission of the campus, I took the position as Ministry Assistant in the Campus Ministries Department. Then at the end of six years of administrating, organizing, planning, managing, helping, serving, mentoring, designing, photographing, video editing, mailouts, cleaning up, setting up, running computers, making music mixes, and much more…I will now assume the responsibilities of Director of Women’s Ministry and Creative Arts.

Some say that this is long overdue for the amount of work I do. To me, it is a true blessing to see what God has brought me through to prepare me for this moment. So to rebutal others’ thoughts I would say that this is all God’s timing. No – I am not trying to be over spiritual about that, because I don’t know that 2 years ago I would have even been ready for such a thing. Because Satan loves to attack my thoughts and tell me that I am not competent to do the things set before me then I tend to doubt myself. It had come to a time when not only was God tugging at my heart for some kind of direction change. but He was confirming that through other people.

There were so many people who God used and I want to thank all of them. This is by far not all that has had a part in keeping my spirits up, my heart encouraged, spiritually accountable, and focused on the mission. I had people like Mrs. Joyce who would ask me to meet with girls that she wasn’t sure how to connect with but had concerns they were headed in the wrong direction. I had Mrs. Glenda who was always encouraging me that what I was doing with each girl one at a time was making a difference. Then there was Corey who has forever been my biggest fan and support. Or how about Ms. Mead who kept telling me how priceless my work and heart to serve was to the school and the students I was touching each day. There was Dr. Ratliff who always showed appreciation for every small work I would do for Student Services and always looking out to protect me. How about Danyel Bellush who was willing to allow me in to mentor and be a part of her volleyball program. Then my prayer warriors, Mrs. Jan and Mrs. Sherry, for praying me through the ups and downs of ministry. Definitely can’t forget all of my students who continously have been supportive, encouraging and the very reason I have opened my heart to continuing in ministry. But none of this would not have been a reality if it had not been for Clark, Dr. Rick and Dr. Hunter coming to the realization that there is a need to serve the 60% of our campus made up of women and the fact that millennials are image driven. Not only did they recognize the need the supported it but they took action. I am very thankful for them to go to bat for me and make sure a unrealistic change came about in such a short amount of time. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Now what does this mean? Well, this is where I don’t have much time to think things through, but I definitely need to be still and know that He is Lord. He is going to carry me through and continue to give me favor in the things He has called me to. Yes, the scripture that says he will not give you more than you can handle is a scripture I will cling to in the days ahead. It is all new uncharted territory for the university and for myself. How will things play out? Will the girls be receptive to me? What is the best way to reach the unreached? Who is the best person to chaplain the Women’s sports teams? Where will we go for the women’s retreat? How will I learn more about graphic design and web enhancement? Does this mean I get to do more photography? How many girls I will be able to mentor realistically? Yes – as you can see – I have a lot on my mind.

I will keep you posted on the things God lays on my heart to develop and grow Godly women on the campus of CSU. Thank you again for all of your support, prayers, love and encouraging words!

10. Caroline Reese

9. Jonathan Cole

8. Noah Thomas

7. Grayson Talon

6. Addison Riley

5. Walker Isaiah

4. Hannah Kay

3. Ella Grace

2. Sullivan Paul

1. Jacob Elias

Wahlaaaa! What do you think about these?