Tribute to a mentor

I lost a good friend this week. She was my hero, in a way, and I know she was a hero to countless others. Kristen was also one of my youth sponsors and one of the reasons that I am here at St. Andrew doing a ministry internship this summer. It was through my experiences in youth group that I began to discern my calling. I was so impressed by the people like her who gave of their time every week explore faith with a group of youth, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude for them. These adults shaped my life in more ways than they know. I believe a large part of ministry is to share of oneself with others. Jesus spent his ministry sharing his life with other people, and he calls us to do the same. Through giving of herself, Kristen inspired me to give as well. She taught me what it is to minister to people.

Kristen was one of the most joyful people I know, full of vibrancy and spirit. She was also one of the most courageous. Her strength and determination were an example to all around her. She shined God's light and love into the world, and she knew how to live fully present in each moment. Hers was a life shorter than most, but it was a life well-lived.

Some might say my friend lost her battle with cancer, but in truth I believe she won. She won by living each day with faith, hope, love and determination. She never let her illness become her identity. I think we can learn a lot from this kind of living.

It's the kind of life that Christ calls us to each day. To be joyful for each moment and to remember that we are all blessed children of God, called to share with and minister to one another. Kristen taught me so much about ministry simply by example, and I so grateful she took the time to minister to me and the others in my youth group. She will be greatly missed, but the way she lived her life remains as an example to me and so many others.

Michelle Harvick is in her fourth year as a HELM Leadership Fellow and is a member of Firsdt Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arlington, Texas. She is spending the summer as an intern at St. Andrew Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Olathe, Kansas.