It seems like a lifetime ago when I finished university studies bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and heading for a career in media and communications. My first job out of college was at The Tennessean – a twice-daily newspaper in Nashville, Tennessee. I soaked up everything I could at that job from watching the massive presses run to sitting in planning meetings with people whom I considered to be shaping the narrative of the city where I lived. I remember being allowed to sit in the conference room with all the reporters when the verdict of the OJ Simpson trial came out. I loved seeing how the minds of those writers were processing the information and questioning certain points and how they would frame their coverage. It was an inspiring and life-shaping experience for me.
The man I loved, CJ, was in seminary in New Orleans, so I moved there to start my life with him after we were married. I immediately took a job at a cable broadcasting company where I learned all about television marketing and broadcasting. I was used to the fast-paced deadlines of the newspaper industry so the move to TV was fairly seamless. I got to do all the behind-the-scenes work and learned about the technology and science used in broadcasting. Still, my heart was in print, so I accepted a job at an advertising agency where I got to oversee all the print marketing for businesses including their billboards, mass mailers and newspaper strategies. I loved that job and the people I worked with.
When CJ finished seminary and the Lord called us to a sweet community in South Mississippi, I never dreamed that God was planning a place for me in the newspaper there. But because our God is a good God who grants the desires of our hearts, that’s just what He did. I started out as a rookie in the advertising department, but more doors opened up for me to move into management. Because it’s a community newspaper, the staff there actually have to fulfill roles in other departments periodically. I got to cover sporting events, write opinion articles and sometimes, even, deliver the newspaper. It was awesome and I loved it! Then after a few years, the owner of the paper took a chance on me and offered me the job of publisher/editor. I definitely felt in a little over my head from time to time, but I had the best staff that were like family and great friends from other newspapers and the Mississippi Press Association who were always willing to share advice and wisdom. Some of my favorite memories of those days were praying with the police chief before going into what would be a heated city board meeting. I got to hold the hands of people going through really hard times as they shared their stories, and I was there to celebrate the victories of sports championships and local businesses’ successes. I was privileged to represent our lovely city at meetings with state government leaders and other community board meetings. It was hard, but it was thrilling. It was so challenging, and sometimes I felt devastated by things that happened. But more than anything it was pure bliss to ride that roller coaster with those that I got to work with, and when that ride came to an end, I felt nothing but gratitude for the amazing experience.
Now as I sit in our remote area of Southeast Asia….. those days seem like a lifetime ago and my view of the world looks so much different. There are no deadlines, yet there is a great sense of urgency. My high-power meetings are not in boardrooms but in living rooms, tea shops and in rice fields. I hardly ever do any writing, but I spend countless hours reading and studying and learning. I no longer get to represent a beloved city, but instead I get to represent the Light amidst great darkness.
As I reflect back on all of this, I’m reminded of a favorite Bible verse. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” This small passage relays a pretty big idea. It’s so much easier to look back over one’s life and experiences to see the way the Lord has led; it’s much more difficult to look forward and see the future. But I think that’s by God’s design. If we could see all that happens in our lifetime, it would probably immobilize us completely. Instead, like the passage says, God leads us down the path that He has for us step by step, and He lights just the area that we need to see for today. It’s a reminder to keep our eyes fixed on Him and to have faith in His sovereignty.
As my baby girl is now about to embark on her high school senior year and with it college applications and career choices and so many future plans, I know that, just like God has led me through some twists and turns in life, He will surely lead her in the same way.
I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to have everything all figured out.
There will be hardships and sadness, for sure. There will also be mountain-top experiences and moments of joy. And all of it is held in the Father’s hands.
What a wild ride!
