I Am From...

I am from the baby grand piano, from SnackWell's cookies and framed Glamour Shots.

I am from the house with the burgundy bricks at the end of the cul-de-sac,

The one with the carport and circle driveway and the backyard pool and fort.

I'm from climbing trees and front yard baseball games and playing "big rock."

I am from State Fairs and rodeo clowns, from Grandad's kindness and Babah's grit.

I am from pink sponge rollers, a purple canopy bed, "Icee boats," and the "sucker-slide park."

From quiet drawing time and laying on top of our monkey bars, watching the horses next door.

I am from the Romans road in Mom's green Living Bible and being baptized by Pastor Bob.

I'm from Sunday School, "Big Church," and memory verses for Awanas on Wednesdays.

I am from Grandad's cookie dough, Mom's chocolate cakes, and Kraft mac n' cheese.

From braces and freckles and glasses, from sunflowers and Brighton jewelry.

I'm from dyed Easter eggs and summer trips to White Water and Frontier City with JoBug.

I am from female cancer survivors and country cowboys, from Mom's passion and Dad's generosity.

I am from the Ken Brown Calligraphy Handbook, from SuperBook and Nick-at-Nite's block party summer.

From year-round family get-togethers and entertaining carpool rides with Mark.

I am from the red Lexus convertible, Rachael's rap music, and multiple viewings of Titanic  in theaters.

I'm from the house where all our friends and family come hang out,

The cozy home with the game room upstairs and the Friends signature wall.

From Catchphrase and card games and cheesy pizza and frosted brownies.

I am from blue spruce trees, elephant ear plants, and colorful impatiens flowers.

I am from synchronized swim routines, neighborhood rollerblading, and the cheesiest music videos.

I am from fast food dinners, Mom working with me on homework, and TP-ing our friends' yards.

From Dad's fantasy football parties and Mom's ever-growing early Christmas décor.

I am from the pages of all my journals and the fun quotes in my "Pointless Diary."

I am from a miserable Falls Creek experience with a temporarily broken smile.

I'm from Hawaiian pineapples and MGM Grand Keno, thanks to Babah and Royal Neighbors.

I am from glittery pink JSB dresses (with added sleeves), from watching Friends and Frasier with Rach.

From volleyball Faith Friends and the yellow "gum bag" for the basketball girls.

I am from Bible classes and Thursday chapels, from lettering in three sports while barely playing one.

I am from Student Council, Mock Trial, Homecoming, and epic end-of-year swim parties.

I am from fun road trips and ballroom dance classes with Joshua Michael Martin.

I am from poor decisions, brave confessions, giant scrapbooks, and a new home near ORU.

I am from a 7-7-07 wedding dream and a three-page letter that crushed it.

I am from the light of Christ piercing through suicidality and brokenness - "the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it."

I am from the healing pages of John Eldredge's Waking the Dead and Beth Moore's Bible studies.

From leaning on my Tulsa LifeGroup and forming a strong trauma bond with Malori Riah.

I am from the scavenger hunt group with the new kids, Chet Lee and Sarah Elizabeth!

I am from line dancing at the Caravan, Sam n' Ella's pizza, and half-marathon medals.

From the Jenks home with the enduring photo wall and the "Board of Empowerment."

I am from a devastating BFF-breakup and an important talk with Jeffrey Edward at Yolotti.

From a deeply-rooted foundation in Christ that weathers rejection, betrayal, and heartbreak.

I am from Peloton workouts, birthday bonfires, the fluffy best girlfranz, and SNU night classes.

I am from Marvel movies with Tiffany, Crescent Park walks with Laura, and hosting Friday night dinners.

I am from quietly observing courtroom drama and an empathetic heart for trauma survivors.

From the God who is always with me and for me, and the friends who have chosen to stay.

I am from One Republic beach concerts, Bellagio fountains, and Belgian waffles at Mon Ami Gabi.

From ziplining over Niagara Falls, and from Central Park's calm in the heart of the chaos.

I am from the joyful swagger of Robin Arzon and the irreverent humor of Cody Rigsby. 

From a thrilling but short-lived reconnection during a global pandemic, and the deep grief God used to shape me.

I am from "Hope in the Coming Kingdom" and "Always seek God's best for your life."

I am from the inspiring pages of Donald Miller's Hero on a Mission, a hero and a guide.

I am from a beautiful home in a new neighborhood just down the street from my cousin, Kristin.

From my tree bridge painting in the house with a navy mudbench and an empty nursery room.

I am from summer swims and golf course walks with Triston, Jace, and Kyndal Faith.

I am from daily phone calls with Mom and always having lipstick on for photos.

I am from sermon podcasts, Harry Potter audiobooks, and Hamilton songs that fill my trips back to Tulsa.

I am from Friendsgivings and Convivial Christmas parties with the world's best group of friends.

From being "Aunt Lindsey" to my niece and nephews and a growing group of mini-BFFs!

I am from Colorado Christian University, from graduate school work and a future counseling career.

I am from contented singleness, a beautiful adoption profile book, and four failed IUI attempts.

I am from resilience and hope, feeling supported, and trusting God to open doors at the right time.

I am from every thought, memory, quote, song, and photo contained in this blog.

But mostly, I am from Light and Life and Love, - I belong to Jesus, and I belong with Him.

I am from the heart of God, wonderfully made in His image and called according to His purpose! ❤

*This randomness was inspired by my walk at The Station, where they've posted several poems written by high school kids with this theme.  I loved them all and felt inspired to write - I went decade by decade here, and I keep thinking of more things, but I'm making myself stop now! =)