Page 68 - #LoveWarrior

Mentors
Former U.S. Navy SEAL and Author of Raising Men, From Fathers to Sons — Life Lessons from Navy SEAL
Training describes mentors as teachers who will watch their students, observe where they are in their journey, report
on whether they are producing the results they have promised to delivery, and how they can do better, and make
assessments as to what is working and what is not. (Davis, Page 65)

In addition to the friendship of the ladies above, I am blessed to have multiple mentors. They give me the strength to
keep going. They inspire and uplift me. They righteously convict me. They encourage me. They hold me
accountable. They fight alongside me. I don't know what I would do without them in my life; on what opportunities
I would be missing out, or what wars would have been raged against me.

My Mother
I’ve said for years now how I would have loved to have been the same age as my mom as she was growing up and in
her young adult years. Despite having made many of her own mistakes, as well as life dishing out a variety of
hardships, she has remained a faithful servant to the Lord. We have been through our fair share of battles together,
we’ve gone to war together. And for anyone who knows about combat — either real or spiritual — you know that
the warriors beside you make all the difference. You create a special bond with them that is never forgotten or
matched. As we both have grown over the years, we have acted as a sounding board to one another; always
reminding the other of a few key truths:

• The Truth will set you free
• Nothing is ever wasted with the Lord
• There is power in the name of Jesus
• The word of God is alive, it is rivers of living water

Finally, she reminds me to stay humble, to always take in account human frailty, “Take time to be kind to those
around you, sweetie, those who are in pain and those who suffer. Always remember 2007.”

“Elizabeth”
Our meeting clearly was divine. The Lord blessed me so much when He had our paths cross in a certification
program. As the program came to an end, I was hopeful it would not be the last of this amazing woman in my life.
Thankfully, it wasn't. Over the years, she has become so much more to me than just a “boss.” She's become an
example of the kind of woman I want to be. Her calm spirit, honorable life, and captivating presence will always be
my inspiration. In my darkest hour, she offers light and a righteous path to seek. Her words of truth have stayed with
me for years. They have continued to bless and guide me.

My Great Aunt and Great Uncle
Truly an angel from above, my aunt makes me ponder her humanity sometimes. “Do not forget to show hospitality
to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2,
NIV). Her generosity, loving heart, and fierce spirit makes this woman, without a doubt, one of my most adored
influences in my life. She keeps me on my toes. With the spunk and enthusiasm of a 25-year-old, she is full of
righteous wisdom. Her unconditional support toward my goals continues to astonish me. She is such a blessing to
my soul.

My Great Uncle is a man parallel to his wife. His kind, servant’s heart is something I’ll forever look for in a mate.
Well into his 70’s he still manages and runs multiple emergency rooms where he lights up at the opportunity to
make a patient smile. His youthfulness, his discipline, and wisdom are a few of the traits I continue to try and mirror.

“Mike”
Originally just a contact I made during my career in the wedding industry, the friendship I now have with this man
continues to remind me of the standard of a righteous, godly, and honorable man I need never lower. With a heart of

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