IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Many of us have heard the African Proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” As a mom, this proverb speaks volumes and I was stirred with a word this morning that urged me to add more.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE — to remain hopeful.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE — to show kindness.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE — to give without expectation.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE — to unite when apart.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE — to feel love.

It takes villages around the world to remember why we’re here in the first place. It’s not about the economy or lack of toilet paper. It’s about the village; our communities, families that we cherish, and friends that we love.

“Distance makes the heart grow fonder” — reigns with even more truth, now. It’s about holding onto hope that we will hug one another, again.

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” 

-Psalms‬ ‭91:11‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

I love my village, each of you, always.

-Katie

HEART VALVE DISEASE AWARENESS

Over the years I have been very transparent with the life I live. From running marathons to fitness competitions, from career choices to health struggles, and from the loss of family to my faith; I have spoken my truth. However, this is one piece I haven’t wanted to share. I’ve kept it close to my heart, literally.

I don’t want to share for sympathy or empathy. Knowledge of this struggle is an answered prayer to myself and my husband. I’m sharing for those that feel they are struggling alone to simply say, “I’m struggling, too.”

February 11th of 2020, just before my 30th Valentine’s Birthday, I was diagnosed with MVR (Mitral Valve Regurgitation). This a form of HVD (Heart Valve Disease) that is likely congenital and cannot be reversed. After years of frustration, from medical testing that resulted in misdiagnosis after misdiagnosis, I finally learned that every symptom I have been enduring had a source. Finally, my cardiologist had an answer.

As many know, in 2004 I had a brother pass away from heart disease at 31 years of age and because of that piece of my family history my heart disease didn’t go unnoticed any longer. My age has always thrown off doctors, but my will to find the source of my health problems has persevered. My mitral valve will need to be replaced or repaired at some point, but when is an unknown.

No two days are the same, each one is taken in stride, and every moment counted as a blessing. With God guiding the way and my family by my side — my heart continues beating.

#HeartDiseaseAwareness

#ValveDiseaseDay

Imperfectly Yours,

Katie

PURPOSE OVER PAIN — TRIUMPH FROM FAILURE

We have this idea or notion of who we are going to be.

Then, when we don’t become the idea or notion of who we thought we would be we regard it as failure. We say that we fail because we didn’t become the idea of what an 18-year-old teenager thought of us.

As we age — we evolve. 

As we evolve — we transform.

God didn’t spend an eternity waiting to plant you into the universe for the idea of your fleshly teenage dreams, but for the purpose of Himself — we are God’s purpose. He created us to fulfill His purpose.

As I enter into 2020, and ponder what my 30th Valentine Birthday will look like, I think of who my 18-year-old self wanted me to be. I praise God I was her, but thank God I am not her. 

For over a decade I have had many failures, but I am not the failure. Out of failure I have accomplished some of life’s greatest triumphs. Out of deep and seemingly irrevocable pain I found (and choose to keep finding) a higher purpose. Out of valleys I have climbed the tallest mountains of my life and my strength had nothing to do with it. God used me as a vessel, just as He wants to do with each of us.

Where He leads — I will follow. 

When I am weak — God is stronger.

Here && now. 

That’s where I’m meant to be.

Imperfectly Yours,

Katie 

TRUST YOUR EXAMPLE

As we are promoted in position someone has to have faith and trust in our ability. If God, the one who created us all, had enough faith in NOT JUST His perfect son Jesus, but in the example He would set — why can’t we?

God didn’t JUST trust Jesus, but He trusted that the example would also change the lives of others. I feel He also had to have trust that we as humans would transform. God had so much FAITH and LOVE in US that He sent His ONE and ONLY son to die for our sins!!

So, next time you doubt your ability or the capability of another just think about how much God trusted His son and His example. Trust God that He set you in a position to promote others and trust the example He allowed you to set for others.

Whether it be in a workplace or in your children (I allow y’all to come back in 15 years and tell me the same thing about my own daughter and the example I set for her) you are positioned to lead, but you can’t lead WELL unless you FOLLOW Christ and the example He set for us, first.

When God gives perspective — life is never the same.

Imperfectly Yours,

Katie

AN ASTHMATIC RUNNER

At 10-years-old I was given my first inhaler for exercise-induced asthma. At 12-years-old I was diagnosed as a full-blown asthmatic. Doctors told me I would NEVER play sports or run long distances.

After the passing of my second brother I tried out for soccer in high school. My mother was apprehensive and I wasn’t all that great (I don’t need a witness on this). After practices I would use the track or go to the park to run — EVERY SINGLE DAY. I remember the first time I finally ran two miles without stopping, it was by God’s grace alone.

I always fed off what doctors would say, “You can’t this,” or “It’s not recommended that.” After my step-sister passed away, during my sophomore year of college, I lost myself and my faith to the world. BUT GOD!! By His grace, during a short and miserable run, I found my footing again. God picked me up in the middle of my HUGE messy life and carried me out of my darkness.

I’ve ran 13.1 miles at 20 weeks pregnant and some of the most world renowned 26.2 mile races. Being a marathoner with asthma isn’t common, but I choose not to listen to what the world says. Yes, I carry my inhaler and use it when needed, but I rely on God’s guidance with every stride I take.

He’s brought me out of some very dark battles and if asthma is just one of my thorns to keep me humble, I wear it proudly.

Overcoming is hard, but it’s a CHOICE worth making.

Imperfectly Yours,

Katie