A few months after college (Samford University), I moved to Washington, DC, with one red suitcase. I knew one person, little about government, could not parallel park, and had never been to an Anglican Church.

Thankfully, all these things changed in a short period of time. DC quickly became a second home for this Tennessee girl (Chattanooga), and the Lord blessed me richly. A Senate staffer by day and a Falls Church Anglican youth leader by night, I drank in the richness of community and the fast-paced, ever-changing and engaging region.

Since high school, I’d had a deep seeded desire to go to seminary and serve in the church. When the Lord moved me to Nashville in 2012 for a job in the governor’s office, in time, He provided an opportunity to pursue seminary too. It’s amazing how clear His plan was looking back, but living it was so full of uncertainty…

My favorite class at Trinity School for Ministry was “Jesus as the Good Shepherd” with Dr. Kenneth Bailey. I was moved to tears in every class of that 5-day intensive, and it was the final affirmation and nudge I needed to pursue ordination.

Baptized a Baptist, confirmed a Presbyterian, and ordained an Anglican, I can look back and say, the Lord has used everything to prepare me for this present chapter – nothing wasted. And with him, I continue to grow. One of my great loves has become spiritual direction – both giving and receiving it. The training I received through Selah has been one of the most transformational experiences of my life in learning to listen to the Lord and pay attention to his invitations.

I am still in awe that I get to be back in an area I love so much and serving as associate rector at Restoration.

My parents, sister and her husband, 2 nieces, 1 nephew (they call me, Aunt B), aunts, uncles and most cousins are all back in the hills of Tennessee. And, I am thankful to say that my family also extends far beyond bloodline and borders to many precious friends of all ages – this is the richness of God.

A few of my “favorite things”…

– Of course, The Sound of Music, the best-movie-ever-made

– Drawing, especially making cards and gifts for others

– Reading Ruth Haley Barton, Brené Brown, Brennan Manning, Beth Moore, Eugene Peterson, Martin Laird, Robert Mulholland, Dallas Willard, NT Wright… and the Desert Fathers and Mothers

– A good bicycle ride…  

– Pickleball! 

– Porch time… good for the soul.

– Mint Oreos and hummingbird cake