When I think about someone living well, I can’t help but think of my dear friend Lindsay Smith. Now, she might not always feel like she’s mastered the art of living, but in the years I’ve known her I have drawn buckets of inspiration from the proverbial well of her life. Hers is a story that shows the hand of God, so clearly in hindsight I can’t help but feel encouraged.
We met several years ago. At the time we were both living in Shreveport, LA, both attending the same Bible study. It’s safe to say that I had a bit of a girl crush on her. She’s adorable, full of wisdom, and holy-smokes…I’d love to get my hands on her wardrobe. But, being me…I get shy around people like that. So I was thrilled when she asked me out to lunch.
You see, at the time I was at a breaking point. I felt overwhelmed by my lack of direction, “real” employment, and desire to contribute to the world around me. I shared that at Bible study and to my surprise, Lindsay was having the same heart struggle. We easily bonded over lunch and through the years I have had the great pleasure of watching her take that desire and turn it into a work of art, masterfully colored by submission to the Lord.
When Lindsay was in second grade, she proudly declared that she would grow up, attend Baylor University, and study English. I guess, you could call her a Type-A-Planner…When she did grow up, she did find herself studying English at Baylor, on course for pre-law. The “plan” was to graduate, go to law school and work for an international adoption organization. In her mind, this would be her way of “caring for widows and orphans.” Life is so dear to her heart, there is no question in that.
But, to the frustration of many Type-A’s, life rarely adheres to our plans. While studying for the LSAT she met her future husband. After lots of heavy prayer, she knew the Lord was calling her to set her law dreams aside, and step into the role of wife.
That’s how she found herself in Shreveport.
Away from family. Away from friends. Away from her dreams.
She spent days asking, “Why?” Although she had affirmation that marriage was the right decision, she couldn’t help but plead for understanding through her confusion. During this painful season she was faced with painful notions: What to do with her time? The admission that she was “just” a stay at home wife. Hesitation to return to her hometown…where family and friends knew of the dreams she’d put on hold.
In hindsight, she told me, she can see that during this hard chapter of her story, her identity was wrapped up in law school. In her dreams. In the desire to have a title. Feeling that earning the title of “lawyer” would give her purpose, security, and fulfillment. It took a while. Nearly a year. But she allowed God to soften her heart. Slowly, gently, He untangled her identity from titles and degrees and anchored it instead, in Christ. He gave her the strength to move forward. She began relying on God, knowing that He could use her passions, even without a degree.
God has all the qualifications–we don’t need to equip ourselves. He will equip us as needed to do His work.
Armed with new confidence in the Lord’s guidance, she stepped out of the house and began volunteering with Heart of Hope, a residential maternity home for teenagers. Heart of Hope offers stability to young women in a time of uncertainty. They provide family-style living, education on parenting and adoption, as well as schooling–so women can return to their studies after having their child.
For months Lindsay volunteered. She worked closely with the executive director and eventually, a volunteer position was created just for her skill set. She began to find satisfaction in her work, but part of her still felt that work without pay is just “pretend.” {I’ve been there before…}
To supplement the family income Lindsay took a job at a Christian founded boutique called Altar’d State. Again, God went to work. Softening and soothing her heart when questions would arise.
I would ask, “Why?” I had a college degree, and I was working part time in retail. I couldn’t understand why.
Again, God was faithful in answering. During her short term of employment {only four months} her volunteer work with Heart of Hope was brought up on many occasions with customers. Some were so inspired by the work of the ministry they wrote her donation checks on the spot. Through her employment Heart of Hope and Altar’d State cultivated an ongoing ministry relationship.
As time wore on, she felt led through prayer that it was time to leave Altar’d State. She had applied for an internship with the Family Research Council, but hadn’t heard back. As she sat in her car, nervous about putting in her notice, wondering if she was making the right choice…she got a call. She was accepted as an intern and would soon be putting her English degree to use, as she was assigned the task of blogging and writing research papers on {none other than} the topic of teen pregnancy.
Isn’t it amazing how, when we submit plans to the Lord he makes them make sense?
From there Lindsay returned to her work at Heart of Hope, where eventually her position became a paid gig. She has taken on leadership within the ministry, intimately understands how the organization works, and has played a key role in bringing peace to girls in crisis. Recently she was a key player in organizing Shreveport’s first ever “Pro Life March” which attracted more support and attention than expected.
I’ve seen a big change in the city. People are caring about and supporting the positive choices–brave choices–these young girls are making [pro-life decisions.]
Heart of Hope has allowed her to care for those in need. Those in unrest. She told me that “love compels us to action.” Through her actions young women, young mothers, future mothers are equipped with the love of Christ. It’s a love that will change generations as it is passed down from mother to child.
We can meet others in crisis with hope and peace because we know there is a God who cares. A God who can bring love and peace, no matter the circumstance.
Lindsay’s time in Shreveport is now at a close. Her husband’s contract with the Air Force is up and they are relocating back to Texas. She says she is more confident moving forward. Now she looks back on her time in Shreveport, even the hard times, and sees that they have transformed her. She is confident in Christ’s leading and her identity rests in Him.
Her advice for all of us? How can we replicate her story of turning brokenness to trust? How can we create a life evident of God’s plans and grace? She tells us:
1. See the Lord first in everything. Take rest knowing that it isn’t what you do…it’s what you allow the Lord to do through you.
2. Don’t be afraid to share your struggle. Seek council. Let your heart be open and comforted through hard seasons.
3. Get over the fear that if life doesn’t look like X, Y, or Z…your life isn’t right or doesn’t matter. Your life can have an impact.
I hope you find as much encouragement in this story as I have. It takes work. And time. But if we really allow God to lead, if we honestly pursue His interests for us…we will see that His had never left us.
xoxo
Amy
