In your shoes.

This life is crazy. fast. beautiful. hard. I love this life. I love my Savior. I love my family. I love my friends. I love my school. I love my church. But most of all my Savior. He makes things so much more beautiful. He puts the color in my world. I LOVE JESUS!!!
Man, I just feel like screamin' it.
Anyway.

School's back. Crazy, huh? I'm a SENIOR. That's nuts.

To my Sophomores:
Kids, us upperclassmen may call you names or joke with ya, but we do love you. You are gonna be in our position in just 2 short years that go by way faster than you can even imagine. I still remember being so scared I wanted to cry when I walked into those big glass doors of the Ozark High School, thinking, HOLY MOLY I'm gonna die. I didn't want to grow up or be in a building with those mean old seniors ;) Much less make any sort of stand for Christ. I was the bottom of the totem pole, and I decided it would be best to accept my role as a church Christian, but forget about doing it all at school. That was too scary. But let me tell you guys, I was so wrong. Were any of you guys to make a stand for our mighty God, I would be blown away, IN A GOOD WAY! I want so badly for you guys to step out of your comfort zones and take a giant leap of faith for His name. Don't be afraid guys! That's not only going to be a huge blessing to yourself in the end, it would bless all of our hearts to such extents, you couldn't even fathom. If I could go back and be the kid that wasn't afraid to share my faith in those halls, I would do it in a heartbeat. Please, if you never hear a word your teachers say this year, hear this: don't be afraid to be an all-around Christian because of what the older or other kids in this school will think. GOD IS SO MUCH BIGGER THAN OUR PETTY OPINIONS! He matters so much more, and if you ever feel yourself lost in the crowd, scared to stand out and find your identity in Christ, grab my very long arm in the hallway and drag me to where I can hear you above the noise, and talk. I'll listen. Whatever it is. I don't care if I'm late for class or can't go to the bathroom. Your relationship with Christ is more important. Don't be afraid to spill those emotions you've been holding in so long. It's time to define that awesome relationship with Christ you've been searching for, no matter who you are.
-

To my juniors:
Jeez, seems like I was in your shoes like, yesterday. Junior year is a tough year, I'll be honest about that. Teachers will be tough, friendships may fall through. I know there were a lot of tears for me last year. But that's just life. If you come to a point in this year when you just don't want to make it another day, like I said earlier, come find me. I don't care who you are or if I don't know you. I have ears and a Savior that loves the both of us and am always willing to listen.
I know the sophomores were close to Candace Harvey as well, but you were her class. And I've come to find out that classes at Ozark kind of become families. No, she won't be walking down that hallway with you everyday, and yes it's gonna hurt. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that. But I will tell you this: the Candace I know would NOT want you being miserable. She would want you to carry on, even when it's hard, even when the days are long. I love you guys so much, and know she did too. Finish this race strong for her. That's what she would want.

To my seniors:
Woah. I can't believe I've been here 5 years now, with you guys. Crazy how just that long ago you were all making fun of my northern accent. Now my Northern friends make fun of my Southern accent. I've learned a lot from you guys. Like what it means to pull together when tragedy strikes. Like what it means to be there for each other. What it means to really be a friend. I'm very proud to finish my highschool years with this class. I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you guys. You have meant so much to me these past years. You welcomed me in and loved me and helped me. I can't say thank you enough for it.
I know we have this year ahead of us, but it's gonna fly by, and I just want to encourage you with this:
God has better and far more wonderful plans for you than you can make for yourself. Let Him make your story. Ups and downs, it'll all be worth it. He's so much better. Than anything. I know that for a fact. Please, please, please, just don't forget how wonderful He is. And let's finish this thing strong.