The value of a mentor

When I count my blessings as a HELM Leadership Fellow, the first thing that comes to mind is how fortunate I am to be associated with such an extraordinary group of young people who are on the same spiritual journey as myself. I am also blessed to have many adults in my life who are involved in and concerned with that journey every day. My mentor, pastor, family, HELM staff, and others are intricate to my success as a HELM Leadership Fellow as well as the person I have become. However, my story would certainly not be the same without one mentor in particular who has meant so much to me throughout my spiritual journey at Centre College.

Cheryl Gibson is a member of First Christian Church in Danville, Kentucky, the small town that has as its main attractions a Super Wal-Mart and Centre College. We met when I learned of her interest in helping with my project as a HELM Leadership Fellow, which was to create a Disciples of Christ group on campus. We have worked together in forming a bond between the college and the church and in developing a group which could discuss, pray, and worship together.

I never could have created this group without Cheryl's help. She has been a blessing in so many ways, but most of all, she's made a great impact on my life. Ephesians 5:15 tells us to "Be careful how you live," and Cheryl does; she is conscious that her every action is consistent with Christ. Her compelling example brings Christ's teachings to life, as she spends every day with purpose. In my opinion, she is a person who "gets it right" according to Christ, but she'll tell you that she makes mistakes every day. Her warmth exudes, and she seems to be in constant communication with God. She cares with her entire heart for others, and is always looking to make someone's day brighter.

At the HELM conference in November, Kay Bessler Northcutt and Stephanie Paulsell provided us with a quote that says, "I came to love God by loving someone in whom God dwelled." As a Christian, it's is important to read the Bible, worship, sing, pray, and listen to God's word. Yet seeing God so powerfully present in another person is such an influential and very tangible aspect of coming to know Him.

This is what many fellow Christians, but especially Cheryl, has done for me. Unlike several HELM Fellows, I don't attend a Disciples school, so creating a new Disciples group and finding Disciples friends on campus has been challenging. I think God led Cheryl into my life for a reason. She's been my connection to the Disciples church and has been someone with whom I have been able to talk about my faith, my decisions, and my daily life. Most importantly, I watch her, and hope that someday I can be as gracious, humble, and in touch with God as she is.

Amanda McFarland is in her third year as a HELM Leadership Fellow and is a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Paris, Kentucky.