Every woman I've ever met wants a tribe. A tribe consists of your people. The people who will be there for you through it all. The people who aren't blood related, but you still call family. Because that's what they are. Family.
My grandmother who passed last year had a great tribe. They were a group of Spiritual Warriors, and my Mom sent me this picture just this week. They are still a fierce tribe, but missing a sweet and fearless member.
I am so blessed to be a part of so many tribes. There is my Camp Gladiator tribe who push me physically and mentally to the next level.
There is my high school tribe who were some of the few people in my life who have been able to watch the entire Kalk love story unfold.
There is The Fellowship work tribe. These people run one the most efficient and excellent ministries that I have ever seen. We don't have a picture of all of us together, but they are my people all the same.
Finally, there is the infamous LifeGroup tribe. This one has seen is all. Heartbreak, joy, hurts, love, newness, tradition, and growth. These people are who I call, who I hug, and who I "do life" with most.
Each one of these tribes are so so important and so so good to Jacob, Jaxon, and I. However, God had put a longing in my heart for a new tribe. Recently, I had begun feeling immense irritation with the amount of complacency that is accepted in the world. People are too often content with simply good enough. I believe God created us for far more. In fact, I people average efforts produces less than average results. I was craving something more. Something deeper.
After prayerfully considering the tug, God led me to form a group of women who are fully committed to going DEEP and growing in Christ. These women aren't playing games. Each and every one of them has a fierce desire to put in the grueling work it takes to transform.
We began our accountability group back in October, and the fruits of it are nothing short of miraculous. Each of us has set BIG goals, and we each have seen progress in those areas. We have learned how much we DESPERATELY need to rely and depend on God, and how much we need each other to do so. We don't focus on what's going well. We focus on our baggage. It is messy. It is tough. It is raw. But WOW. It is so rewarding.
We have found a safe place in one another. A place we can call one another out and know it is from a loving place. A place that we can witness God move from month to month, and a place where Christ-centered sisterhood is bred. These woman are my lifeline right now.
Today, we celebrated a huge with with my girl Melissa. Today she said "yes" to courage. She proclaimed (literally!) that she is NO LONGER A SLAVE TO FEAR. She fought for it, and proved to God, us, and most importantly, herself, that she can overcome. Tears came over me as we walked across the finish line, together. In support of the victory. Throughout the race we prayed, we spoke scripture, we sang worship songs, we laughed at "stepping on the fear she was leaving behind. Most importantly, we as a team got to glorify God in an exciting way.
Ladies, if you are reading this, and you want this. Make it happen. I would be more than happy to get you started. I will share the disciplines and practices we have done thus far to grow up, but it honestly just requires faith, courage, and obedience to take the leap.
Find your tribe. Not one that is comfortable and cozy, but one that is raw and genuine. One that is messy and real. One that is safe and exhilarating. One that pushes you one step out of the comfort zone to experience God in new ways.
P.S. My love notes to each of them (in order of the picture):
Lauren, you are my ministry partner. You have immense faith. You are unapologetically you. It is refreshing. You are bold enough to say what you think each time. You keep me humble, grounded, and finishing on time *wink* You are our realist.
Melissa, you are my safest space. You are braver than you know, and smarter than you'd admit. You're sharp. You ask the perfect questions. You are always down to try something new, and you trust God through the process. You are our encourager.
Rocky, you are my person. You love fiercer than anyone I know. You push. You challenge. You humbly apologize. You question our unidentified excuses, setbacks, and strongholds in a way that no one else can. You serve us with your commitment and honesty. You are our energizer.
Holly (not pictured, because she was resting to prepare for her little sweet pea's arrival!, you are my inspiration. You notice the good that no one else sees. You are tender to the needs of the group. You are emotional in exactly the right ways, and you aren't afraid to ask for help. You are our peace.
Together, we will always be better. <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
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