On Tuesday I had the opportunity to sit on a Q&A panel. The panel was organized for the local high school’s Senior Day on the Job. Obviously the idea was to inform all of our soon to be graduates what opportunities existed in their hometown.
Needless to say I was stoked for this panel as I was in their exact seats six years ago; my class being the first to go through the Day on the Job event. As I toured what would be my future company I did not think I would be working there. I didn’t even think I would remain in the same town. I had one goal. Graduate and get the heck out of dodge. And I did just that. Until three years passed and God had other plans. When an internship leads to a company making a position for you there isn’t much to argue with God about. Anyway, this gave me a chance to present an interesting perspective to the teens.
The other reason I was so excited is because my baby sister just happens to be a senior this year. Which means she finally had the chance to see what big sissy does to make all her moneys.
The kids asked really great questions and for the most part seemed to be interested in what we had to say. But as I was talking I realized this experience wasn’t only impacting them but also me.
It was such a humbling experience to be on the other side of the table. Eighteen year old Erika did not see this as her future. No way could she be in a job that allowed her to travel and meet people from all over the world. To sit and put myself back in their shoes had me excited for their futures. Of everything that would come their way that they couldn’t dream of right now.
I thought that would be the highlight of my day. That was until my little sister’s group came in. She sat right in front of me. And wow. Honestly, it hit me hard. A prayer was answered in that moment.
You all know the saying that seems to circulate social media every now and again? The “be the person you needed when you were younger” one? Yeah. On Tuesday I got to be that person. As my sister sat there, I had the chance to be someone for her. To be the proof that says no matter how much Hell you went through up to this point, there is hope. A chance to be her example. An example I had to make up for myself. I’m not saying all of this to toot my own horn. In fact, this is the part where the real whammy hit me.
In that moment, I understood how much God will fight for you. How much of a plan He really has. It will go down as one of my favorite moments and here’s why:
- When I was a toddler and flew out of a moving vehicle I could have died. But God.
- When I lived in a drug addicted home I could of fell through the crack (this pun was an accident, I promise). But God.
- When I went through physical and emotional abuse I could have been broken. But God.
- When I was a teen I could have followed the example shown to me my whole life. But God.
- When I was severely depressed I could have ended my life. But God.
- When I thought there was no hope I could have stopped looking. But God.
My entire life has been orchestrated by no one but God. And that panel was just one instance where I had a chance to see His blueprints line-up perfectly.
Sis, if you’re reading this know I couldn’t have been more proud to be your big sister this week. I will always strive to be the example you hope for. May God also show you how precious you are to His plans. Life has been rough and will continue to have its moments. But God. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
…but God.
Living on His success,
From Her Fortress.
From Her Fortress 