What story, verse or passage from your faith tradition’s sacred texts has significantly influenced/shaped your life?
Micah 6:8: “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” I believe this verse outlines how we should live out our faith. In 2017, I attended the Choices program at Passport Camps, where this was the theme verse for the week. Seeing this verse lived out by the staff, campers around me, and my church truly impacted my life.
Who are three people (other than your family) who have shaped your life and worldview? And why?
Wilson Insko has been a great friend for the past ten years. He gave me life when I moved to Kentucky and allowed me to be my best self all these years.
Another more recent group is the 2024 Passport Kids staff. These 14 friends each showed me how to be selfless and how God’s love should be lived out to one another. They each left such an impact on my life that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Lastly, my second-grade teacher, Mrs. Chapman, taught me how to find the fun in things that weren’t so fun, like school. She taught her students by making everything extravagant and extremely fun.
List three of your “desert island” books, movies or TV shows.
One has to be “The Sopranos,” hands down, the greatest TV show of all time.
Second, “Napoleon Dynamite,” which needs no explanation. It is one of the greatest movies ever made.
Lastly, “The Dark Knight” film. It has the best Batman and Bruce Wayne in Christian Bale, and Heath Ledger is the best Joker from any Batman installment.
What is one of the most critical issues people are facing today?
One of the most critical issues people face today is basic human rights. Many minoritized individuals continue to be shut out and looked down upon.
It continues to be a government and community issue. The first step to addressing it is to be kind to each other.
What are a few of your hobbies?
I love to stay busy and get outdoors. I enjoy playing sports with friends, whether basketball, lacrosse or pickleball. You name it, I am there.
Another is disc golf. This is a little nerdy, but I have been doing it since the COVID-19 pandemic. (Yes, I have a bag and many discs.)
I also enjoy running. I am not that fast and don’t run very long, but being able to stretch my legs and be outside is truly a blessing.
If you could freeze your life into an already-lived 10 seconds, what would they be?
I would pick a few moments from my childhood in Hamilton, Texas. Most of them are at summer music camp and the huge front lawn of the church. Maybe a few are at the Hailes’ pool or on the Catoes’ land.
Our tagline at Good Faith Media is, “There’s more to tell.” What’s your “more to tell?”
I’d love for people to know how impactful kids and youth summer camps are. Building a positive foundation between Christ and young people is important.
Thankfully, I have seen that lived out in my own experiences. Many college-aged students are leaving the church because it’s hard to connect. A solid foundation allows people to feel confident in taking that first step, whatever it may be.
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Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.
