Farewell {for now}

No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth.
Robert Southey

Have you ever watched a struggling team, clearly the underdog, win a championship game? Have you ever known someone, who despite enormous opposition, now living a colorful, dynamic life? What is it inside of us human beings that is always cheering for the less favored, the less talented?

There's something fascinating about the thrill of seeing someone who seems to have no strength left reach deep down, tap into a supernatural courage and overcome all odds, and expectation. It's the sweet taste of redemption. Redeeming time of hardship and long hours of training or struggle.

In efforts not to over dramatize, let me put this in perspective. I can't say that I have recently broken any world records, or found a miracle solution for providing clean water for the whole world. However I have experienced something extraordinary these past months. I have witnessed first hand, for the first time, God's redemptive power in my life. It all started with losing control. The striving ceased. Anxiety lessened. Trust (faith) increased as I sat back and walked through open doors instead of trying to bust 'em down myself.

It's like my life has shifted from a first person, to third person perspective. I am not writing my own story. The pen is not in my hand anymore. Instead, the pen is in God's hand, and I am able to sit back and read. What I've noticed is that my life has been marked with a strange peace, unending joy, and giddy excitement. I savor every sentence, yet I can't wait to "turn the page" to see what the next chapter holds.

This summer has been the best thus far, by far! I am thankful for my family. I will never be able to repay them for their loyal support and loyal love. I am thankful for my friends. I have connected with some of the most passionate people this summer, specifically at Substance Church and been continually challenged and encouraged. I wish I could thank EACH of you in this note for your friendship and the unique joy you bring. If you're reading this, you are precious to me. Know that.

This summer has been marked with random excursions, blissful conversations, summer night shenanigans, great food, and beautiful people. Literally too good to be true. But it is true!

Let me take a moment to say this as well: I know that this hasn't been every one's experience these past months. May I have the privilege of empathizing with you? Because that underdog, the "least likely to succeed"...that was me. The past 3 years especially, has been an up and down internal struggle that manifested in several different ways. I thought the dreams I had were simply too extravagant, the odds were stacked WAY against me. I know me. I know what I do...what I've done. The thought of being someone great, or rather used by someone GREAT, seemed impossible. But the tears, the depression, the sweat, and ultimately God's faithfulness has granted me the "win".

I am the weakest link that has become the strongest. I am the loser that has just won the greatest prize. I wear the championship ring proudly and loudly. That ring holds a purpose and meaning for life. The hope of things to come, the strength, the Grace TO DO. Who knows that God loves when the odds are stacked highly against us in order that He may take them and show off His magnificent power??

The ironic thing is, this is all spurred by allowing myself to read my story verses trying to write it. Life is no longer a "strive-fest" but a "rest-fest". A rest in the One who gives me and leads me each step which has been planned out perfectly beginning to end. I know I will "side step" the plan occasionally, but no matter how many steps I get from the Path, it's always just one step to get back on track.

So it's far well for now from my home in Minnesota, for the final year in my home in Alabama. It seems like it'd be hard to leave in spite of such a wonderful time. But there is much to learn, much to do, much yet to be revealed. I am so excited to continue to share this journey with you Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. I pray that your time of redemption comes soon, because if you're not already wearing it, there is a championship for you to wear. I guarantee it's a big, blingy, and perfectly sized ring just for you. Also, that you would take heart during the process.

"Let us fix our eyes of Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:2

Farewell...for now.

Live full, do good, and keep in touch.

Much love,

brooke

A Midsummer's Afternoon {reflect}

It's time to face the music. Summer is mid way through. It seems to me that summers are a short, and unique season for us. Even those with full time jobs that no longer get the luxury of a "summer break", there's something about staying up extra late and squeezing every ounce of fun from a lovely summer day.

Perhaps is the added Vitamin D that allows us to relax and step out of rigorous routine for a moment...or two. This has prompted me to seriously consider buying a tanning bed. Just think- year round Vitamin D bliss! Just kidding. Don't do that. :)

These past few summers I have noticed a trend, maybe you will be able to relate. It starts like this:

The start of summer is always trying to wind down my brain and my schedule. Still feeling the "afterglow" of highlights from the past year that carry with it a powerful hope for possibilities for the upcoming summer. Because of high hopes, it's like being on steroids sometimes when opportunities come. Whether it's serving, spending time with people, joining someone in some short term "venture." It's like my mind is saying no, but my body is so jacked on "what if's" it twitches as I subconsciously nod "YES!" "Pick me!".

Although the passion is very real, and the commitment there, it always seems to strike me (about midsummer) that things aren't working out quite as planned. Some things are better than expected, and some things seem to completely drop off to the way side.

I miss understand my lingering passion and lack of rigorous routine for a lack of spirituality and faith. Unfortunately in the past this has taken me some time to figure out. I tend to feel discouraged, positive that something is wrong with me. "I'm just not seeking God like I did this year. How come my city isn't all worshiping Jesus yet? How come I haven't seen any crazy miracles this summer?"

Haha. Am I the only one who thinks like this? Join me as I put an end to the trend...

Breath. Take in the moment right now. Take in the view on the other side of this screen. Ready?

No matter what we feel God is always there. Always.

I give them eternal life, and they will never die. No one can steal them out of my hand. John 10:28

If you have committed your life to Christ, no matter where you are, what you do, how you hurt, if your heart is set on Him, you will not fall from His hand! You see, my mind and my heart were in different seasons, and warring against each other. Causing an internal battle that led to anxiety, unrest, and depression. A farmer doesn't harvest in the Spring, or plant in the Summer. This would be very inefficient, and certainly not profitable!

As I take some time to reflect, I am reminded of this Truth. Why am I trying to reap the harvest, when I am supposed to be tending the field?

I am happy to tell you that I have "nipped it in the bud". I am doing what God has called me to this summer. Resting in His Love, and soaking in His Truth He has revealed. Since then, oh boy, I wish I could describe the freedom and almost silly ecstasy of His presence and unexpected plans. Not always a feeling,(in fact recently nothing really emotional at all) but a deep assurance of being in the palm of His hand. He promised me that, He promised you that.

I encourage you to recognize or remember what God has called you to this particular season. Rest? Direction? Relationship? Work? Simply acknowledge it, ask for forgiveness for contradicting His ordained "season" for you. Take joy in focusing on just that thing.

Remember no matter what circumstance surrounds, or what your heart feels, know that God is greater than your heart and He knows everything. NoTHING can snatch you from Him.

That's how we know that we hold to the truth. And that's how we put our hearts at rest, knowing that God is watching. Our hearts may judge us. But God is greater than our hearts. He knows everything. 1 John 3:19-21

Reflect today. Enjoy today.

PS. What is your favorite summer song?

Tornado(s)

Wednesday, April 27th was a normal day. People all over the state woke up, most of them brushed their teeth,headed to work or school with a mediocre tasting cup of coffee,and hoped for the best. I however was at Orange Beach,AL enjoying lots of rays and the continual crash of beautiful powerful waves...

The last thing I was expecting was to come in from the beach late afternoon to crazy storm reports to my current home in Birmingham,AL. At first I didn't think anything of it, because southerners are uber paranoid it seems of storms. Sometimes I wait for a darkish clouds just to run errands because no one is on the roads.

Anyhow, we watched and waited as Twitter was blowing up with pictures and tweets of people finding debris from a hundred miles away in their yard. One picture sealed the deal, as we saw a whole street literally shaved off the face of the Earth. It was apparent that this was a record breaking,mean,ugly storm. Throughout the afternoon there was over 100 tornados reported that touched down all across the SouthEast.

My friends and I packed up a little earlier than planned to help with relief efforts that my incredible Church of the Highlands began initiating immediately.

FLASH FORWARD

Sunday was the first day that I arrived on the scene in Tuscaloosa. You can't even fathom the size of trees that had been flat-out uprooted. AND THEN MOVED. It was a waste land as I drove through commercial and residential areas. Church had a base at a nearby park with supplies up the wazoo that people were coming to collect for free. A small step in the major rebuilding process.

Monday, my fellow Highlands College crew and I headed to Hueytown which was another town ravanged by the tornado monster. The first day we did a lot of driving around to asses the needs and get a strategy. (The needs were glaringly obvious...houses! Food! Drinks! Because there were neighborhoods completely obliterated.) We came across a lady named Mrs.Terry,she was there with her 2 children and a few other family members trying to salvage anything they could find. She walked out of the bared open basement and greeted these strangers (us) with hugs and tears. She was overwhelmed. One of her first comments was "But do you know how good God is?" I asked her if she would let me take pictures as she told me of her and her families survival.

Her husband and 2 grandchildren were the only ones home. They heard the tornado coming like a thousand freight trains. The only place in the house that remained somewhat stable was the corner of the basement where they ran too. The grand daughter Kate slipped under a wooden structure as her brother Chase was right beside her. Mrs. Terry and her husband got down in the corner just second before the tornado plucked their home from existence. The two cars in the driveway flew and landed just a few feet beside them in the basement! Bricks them crumbled all around them. And within 20 seconds and a quick "whoosh" sound. It was over. They crawled out with nothing but bruises! They crawled out and found them standing in a pile of rubble, all that was standing was the front concrete steps.

Mrs.Terry recounts walking around her house and found a page of her Bible sticking to a broken tree. Matthew 6...

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?"

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."

She held this precious page in her hands...her eyes filled with beautiful brokeness, at peace trusting in her Jesus. He confirmed His promise to take care of her and her family.

It seems unfair that some of the people around her did not make it, where was God for them?? I don't know. But I do know that whatever happens He promises to turn for good. And I do know that He knows what excruciating,"lose everything you have" feeling. And I do know that He makes everything work for good for those who love him. I ask God often that I would be able to "see" with my heart. Because lots of the times what I see with my eyes...well it's not always perfect. When we see with our hearts if you will...we see who He is, and what He is capeable of doing. That is hope my friends. You see I don't trust my eyes. I trust His heart in me.

The front steps is all that remains...

Chase pointed where him and his sister hid. Note the car next to him that flew from the driveway to the basement!

He walked out of the rubble with only bruises.

This was the page of her personal Bible she plucked from a tree after the storm.

"Do not worry..."

Little Green T-Shirt Prayers

Another Tuesday in Mr. Christensen's science class. I whispered a prayer for super natural "science pizazz", knowing the little, if any, of my 9th grade biology has most likely dissolved in the deep recesses of my brain.

As the students trickle in one by one,( not as late this week), I winced and tried to call them each by name by collecting the notecards from last week. Jeffery, check! Sidney, check! Javier,check! Jonathan, Check! Eric, check! Somehow I just couldn't get Diedrich and Diandre straight. O well, there was still time.

As the teacher shouted out the day's tedious and daunting assignment, I had already assigned myself the mission of "cracking" Ingrid, the "mute", as well as helping the students understand their text books. Class went on. As I made my way through the students I eventually made me way to Ingrid's desk. I smiled at her and sat down. It became clear I wasn't going anywhere soon, so eventually she paid me some attention. "What do you like to do Ingrid? What do you like?"...

A few of her classmates looked over.

...

.....

.............

I asked again.

"Shopping." She breathed.

"Gasp! Shopping? Me too. Where do you like to go shopping?" I countered.

"The Mall."

"What is your favorite thing to buy?"

..."T-Shirts."

Smiling a little on the outside but WAY BIG on the inside I asked one more question.

"What's your favorite color?"

"Green."

Ingrid spoke! Her classmates looked at me like I had just discovered sliced bread. She even let me in on a tiny tidbit of her likes. She was surprised and probably slightly annoyed at all the questions, but for today I was satisfied. Heck, I almost got a smile out of her. I was floating.

Class wrapped up and I passed out the notecards again, this time a different question. As I collected them I scribbled on the back of Ingrid's card "green t-shirt". Who knew when this info would come in handy? I high fived the class goodbye and walked out knowing Jesus had been in the class with me. As I shut the door behind me I smirked and asked the Lord for a little green t-shirt,forgetting about the request a second later. Little did I know that someone else had not.

That following day I was in a small group with some high school girls telling them about my classroom the previous day. I was trying to encourage them to ask God for stuff, even silly stuff that can make people's day better and maybe even lead them to a relationship with HIM. I remembered the silly request of a green t-shirt, that I could surly buy, but it was just more fun to ask God for it. Sure enough one of the girls, Riley piped up," I have a green t-shirt I picked out of my closet today for some reason. I was going to throw it away...want it?!"

AHHH!

I looked around at the silly smiles slapped on each girl in my small group. We gave God His glory. God even hears us when we don't hear ourselves, even when we say things that we don't expect to happen. He is a ear that is always attentive and he has a heart that never forgets our desires.

The next Tuesday I took the t-shirt in my bag and waited until everyone had been dismissed after class to pull Ingrid aside. I reached inside and pulled out the beautiful bright green t-shirt. She shot a smile that was so innocent and happy I could barely stand it. I explained that I took her interest to heart and found her a t-shirt. Her gaze finally left the shirt and she looked at me with her big brown eyes and gave me a quick "thank you so much", hug, and just like that was off. It was a short and sweet encounter, but it made every second in that class more than worth it to see the look of hope in her face. I believe one day she will know the One who provided that shirt.

So there you have it. There's nothing too small or too big you can ask Jesus for. He just wants to be a part of your LIFE. Everyday, informal, crazy, up and down life. If you don't pray a lot you might as well start somewhere. Try "little green t-shirt prayers." You never know who may be listening...

How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. Psalm 31:19

...because He loves you.

Ingrid is the girl farthest to the right.

White Girl

I walked into the high school as an unfamiliar feeling as a minority. Feeling sure of myself, but a little unsure of how others were mentally responding to my presence. I silently prayed for the students and the teacher that I was about to meet for the first time. I felt the thrill of courage and anticipation as I strode into Mr. Richardson's 4th block science class.

Where was everyone?

I saw what I was positive was my teacher, a lean, tall, "bigger than life" smiled, black man...Mr.Richardson. He was thrilled and a bit surprised as he quickly, an unsure sized me up, that he would have another set of hands and ears to help him out.

Little did I know that I would need much more than "hands and 20/20 vision" to be of any good to this classroom.

This was a routine every Tuesday last semester in the ministry school I'm attending. Woodlawn High School is located in Birmingham in the little town of about 14,000 residents. Over half of its population is unemployed, 40% of high schoolers drop out, half of the buildings in Woodlawn are burnt out and teen pregnancies are out the roof.

There is no where else I'd rather be.

Me and a handful of other students spent time weekly in this neighborhood based out of a place called The Dream Center, a hub of all outreach to the Woodlawn, conveniently right across the street from the high school. I can appreciate a comfortable bed and even a good paying job. Ultimately however, there's something in me that wants to bring hope and healing to generations of brokenness. Dirt and excess garbage attract me, the sight of a crumbling building looks more like a gleaming opportunity than a pile of rocks. I no longer see with natural eyes but superatural, 'beyond this world' vision, because I believe in and serve an 'out of the box', creative,loving, powerful God.

That's also why Woodlawn High School where the reading level average is at a modest 4-5th grade, beckons me as a golden potential, not a bunch of failed youth.

So back to my first day, 10 minutes after the bell passed the students trickled in. I sat an observed them observe me while Mr.Richardson introduced me. I saw "what the heck are you doing here" written all over their faces. What was this white girl doing here and what did she possibly want? I just smiled inside with an unexplainable love for each one of them. The lesson for the day was jotted on the board and instructions were told, however I could barley hear myself think over all the shouting back and forth. I quickly went to make friends with the clearly "most outspoken" students. "Might as well gain their respect first since the whole class follows their lead." I thought. James was clearly the loud mouth of the group spitting out words I'm sure my mom has never even heard before, contrasted by Ingrid, a sweet Hispanic girl who when was asked her name bowed her head as her classmates answered for her,"she doesn't talk." I promptly went to her side and put my hand on her shoulder, "good to meet you Ingrid." She broke my heart as I saw such a look of hopelessness of her face, if I only knew her story..

The hour and a half was going by quickly especially considering the mass chaos and lack of anything productive getting done. There were five minutes left. I asked Mr. Christensen if I could have the class attention. He gave me a look of "YES. Why didn't you ask me this an hour ago?"

I got the classes attention and introduced myself and explained my reasoning for being there. To help them, but more importantly to be a good friend. I went around the room and wrote down every name as they told me so I could remember them next week. Next I handed them each a notecard, and asked (okay maybe begged) if they would write something down for me. I asked them to write down a dream, life goal,or something about their life. A BIG DREAM! If they had all the money in the world, what would they do. Because something told me that growing up in a place where half the people are unemployed didn't encourage a lot of dreaming. But I believe when a place is dreary, a light shines more brightly. I was honored and their teacher was shocked to see every student fill out a card despite almost non filled out their worksheet due at the end of class RINGGGG! School's out.

I thanked them and gave everyone a handshake or high five as they rushed out of class. And I followed anxious to read what they wrote.

I went back to the Dream Center and read the note cards. Here are a few:

Javier: Dream, 'Pilot or Ace'

Sydney: Dream, 'I would support my momma all of her life'

Trey: Dream, 'To be a pharensic scientist and travel the world'

Aderion: Dream, 'is to succeed in life open my own small nation-wide buisiness"

James: Dream, 'To go to the NBA and help out my mom and her life' Life, 'Make it threw highschool'

Joe: Dream, 'To become a milionare' Life, 'Ex girlfriends are iratating and they suck' (haha!)

Ingrid: (who doesn't talk...but boy she writes!) 'Im good at Art,music and been quite,mean,playful and traveling around the world. If I would get a million dollars get a house and buy lots of stuff'

I bet that's more information than their teacher would ever know about them, and I knew after my first day meeting them. It didn't matter the color of my skin, all that mattered was that I was myself, and I cared about each one. I knew their names. I knew their dreams. I had no idea that these kids would teach me so much.

More stories to come...

These are a few of the students from the class. Check out the swag.

Robert

Land of the Free, home of the homeless.

It rained today at the beach.

I work at the beach.

Rainy day=day off...

Despite the cut in my paycheck, I was alright with the shortened day because I had been craving going on a little photo adventure in the city. I slapped on my hat,strapped on my backpack,slung my camera slyly around my chest, and squeaked down the sidewalk in my wet (bedazzled) crocs. As I begun this impromptu venture I felt adrenaline pumping. It was like I was about to steal something. And I did. I stole captured images on my trusty camera.

HOLD-UP,

this journey actually started first thing in my car after leaving work. I turned on the camera, and immediately started shooting drizzly pictures. As I drove I had one hand on the wheel and the other on the shutter button on continuos picture mode.

(Mom, I promise it's not as bad as it sounds.)

I stopped at a light, where a homeless man was standing on the corner. Nothing new. Forgetting that my windows are completely see through I tried snapping a few pics of the man. I thought "hey, the light is red, i've always wanted to document this sort of stuff." I did a few sly ninja shooting moves and got some not-so-secret shots of him.

I should get a job at Jiffy. I'm nuts.

Thankfully the light changed, I was almost sure he saw. I quick turned the corner and parked a block down.

Now the story returnes to the squeaky crocs. Feeling bad about stealing this homeless guys mug...I took the two bucks in my pocket and bought two double shmeezers from Micky D's. I headed towards the corner. I gave him the shmeezers and introduced myself. His name was Robert. I quickly gathered that Robert was very intelligent under his unshaved beard and scronny limbs. A war vet, he has no family, no home,no transportation, and no friends.Robert hitchhiked to Minneapolis from Arkansas in November and misjudged the Minnesota winters. As I listened to a little more of his story he was quick to joke and squashed our idea of the hopeless "homeless". He had a good chuckle after seeing my camera," Hey, are you the one that tried to sneak my picture in that car??"

"Yes Robert,I can't lie to you, it was I that took those pictures." I couldn't help but join in at my silliness. He shared of the surreal difficulty of living with nothing. I lost track of the times he said,"it's not easy." I asked Robert what makes him happy, he was quick to say young people having a good time, with no one bothering them. I asked Robert what is it that allows him to get up in the morning, having nothing. He said with a smirk, "the birds." Can you say good attitude? Or maybe sick sarcasm? But funny.

Robert continued to fill me in on his experiences in shelters. They sound like terrible places. After asking him how he would help people without homes, and without hope...Robert gave a beautiful answer as if he had thought of it a thousand times. If he was a millionaire he would build a huge buildings with different levels. The first level he would open would be for women and children. Security would be enforced to ensure its resident's safety.

In awe of his insight I asked if I could take his picture on his terms this time. He gladly complied. Honored at what he shared with me, I thanked him for sharing with me and promised to tell his story, and ensured him that his openness and ideas would make a difference. Anyone...ANYONE can make a difference.

He enjoyed his Micky D's, we prayed together, and I bid Robert farewell.

The photos of him are simple. I felt rushed and a little awkward blatantly taking his photo on the corner of a busy metropolitan street. If only I could obtain a script of the thoughts running through peoples thinkers as they drove past in their shiny cars (by the way my car is shiny, it's okay.)

I will never forget his face. These pictures are significant, because it's the start of something fresh. In ten years I will say," it all started with Robert." Thank you Robert!

'Common, dream big with me muddy people :)

I couldn't get him off my mind while I was trying to snap for the next thirty minutes. But I gave it a shot. Here's to Robert, dreams being fulfilled, and a splendid day off...

this is reality.

i couldn't fit my hair products in that backpack...but it's his everything.

drip drop.

i hope Robert finds a bike.

i can't resist boots.

After stuffy city smog, a breath of fresh air...

tidBITE*

Don't donate to homeless shelters, buy them shmeezburgers and chat a bit.

If you're really interested in local homeless here's a great ministry to get plugged in with:

http://urbanhomeworks.com/