How "Becoming" Shaped Me

         As I stood on the shiny black stage with arms raised high and a voice that was overshadowed by the passion in front of me, I couldn't help the silent tears that trickled down my face as I listened to the unity of voices of hundreds of girls and moms who sang at the top of their lungs because they were just now getting to experience the freedom that this culture has hidden so well. All the hours spent decorating, painting, planning, glittering, and praying was worth it. To see how a generation of girls who have been poisoned with the pressure of being something they could never achieve, present at a conference where the subjects of beauty, boys, media, and who they are becoming, was addressed in a way that was honest and real, was freeing.

Being able to use my skills as a photographer intern and worship leader for the conference for three years now, was even more of an eye opener for me because it changed my perspective. By being apart of something that challenges teenage girls to fight against the lies that are being poured out upon them in today’s society in a practical yet compassionate way, has molded me into becoming a woman who strives for being more than what this world wants me to be. I will not cave into being a size 2, perfect model when I can become a woman of integrity, character, ambition, and intelligence.

My fulfillment in life no longer comes from being the best, or only caring about myself, but understanding the ultimate fulfillment that comes from continually striving to put the needs of others before mine. When I get to experience firsthand the change in a young girl’s heart because she realizes she is beautiful just the way she is, or when a mother and daughter reconnect on a level that only comes from being made aware of the joy they can have by being honest with each other, my heart begins to grow.

I begin to long for opportunities to serve and outlets where my passions are beneficial for others. Even as I labor under the hot sun in Mexico for a week every summer, every day, I am reminded of the impact one small act of service can do for a person or family. The joy that comes from being able to see a mother sob over her brand new house that only took us eight hours to construct, because she no longer has to worry about protecting her children, is what I want my life to be about.

No longer will I be okay with the artificial standard our society has set on our culture. It is time for 

me to achieve, not just get by, to be confident, not focused on my self image, to serve, and not to be 

served, because I have seen the results of what happens when people ignore the social norm of this 

world, and I want in. So, I will continue to love on the unloved orphan, give food to the broken and 

weary, minister and reshape the hearts of  insecure young girls, construct shelters with all the love of 

a home being poured out through every nail hammered in, and to begin to write on the pages of my 

story, my journey, and someday, my legacy.

Surf Sesh

Over thanksgiving break I got to tag along on an early morning surf session and take pictures!

It was a beautiful morning as I drank my salted caramel hot chocolate, cranked up that christmas music, and took pictures of some of the coolest guys I know.

Sand in my toes and the feeling of fresh air blowing in my hair was a perfect way to start off my break.