She is going to feel so uncomfortable when she reads the title of this post, but it’s true, she is my mentor.  She is also my friend, prayer warrior, cheerleader and truth teller.  Joy and I used to work at different ends of the office in the church we attended.  We had had some contact with each other.  Her youngest son, Will, was in my first graduating class of the high school ministry.  We are still friends with him after all these years.

There were so many great people I met while working at that church.  I think I have a post about some of them coming up.  Just over nine years ago I was going through a rough time.  I had become really close with the middle school assistant and pastor.  In a year’s time they  had transitioned to different positions, so we were no longer on the same team, but still close.  Then God called them to a different state, nine hours away.  There was a lot going on at the time.  It was a perfect storm of emotional trials.  The youth team had planned a going away party.  I was in the atrium setting up and Joy walked over to the table.  We talked for a little while and then told me in some fashion, I don’t remember the exact wording, “You look tired.  Are you OK?”  I think I started crying.  I was not OK.

She asked if we could meet for breakfast.  I agreed and we have been meeting regularly ever since.  God brought us together at the perfect moment.  We have seen over the last nine years that God was walking us through similar things at similar times.  We’ve prayed for each other, prayed for our families, studied God’s word and laughed . . . a lot!  When I need prayer she is one of the first people I call.  We’ve witnessed many answered prayers.  She is a role model of a godly mom and follower of Jesus.

I was not looking for a mentor that day, or any day, really.  I thought a mentor was for business minded women wanting to climb the corporate ladder.  That was not me.  I have never had those ambitions, so mentorship was not on my radar.  Mentorship entered my life quite unexpectedly and I am so glad it did.

Joy, thank you for reaching out to me nine years ago.  You had a small conversation with a hurting young women and changed her life forever.  I am so thankful for you, your family and your friendship.  Thank you for never being afraid to speak truth into my life and for continually pointing me towards Jesus.  My boys adore you.  Thank you for loving them patiently through their threenage years and taking us all to ride the train at Greenfield Village.  I look forward to seeing you soon!  Love you, friend!