College Courage

The Lessons That Shape Me

BY SARAH JENKINS

There’s something about birthdays that make us all reflect, me especially. Another lap around the sun indicates another 365 days of our residency on planet earth and causes us all to look back on the moments and lessons that have shaped us into the version we are at the present moment.

My curtain call for 21 came in March of this year, beckoning in my 22nd initiation of the 365 days to come. As I sat with myself the night before my birthday, I looked back on the year and considered the characters within chapter 21 of my life. I pondered those the year brought me but couldn’t help but notice the recurrent ones more – those who entered my world far before the year previous, having stuck out 5, 10, and even 20 years by my side.

In looking through that lens, the character that came to mind in my reflection was the one who has known me the longest. Every lesson in life I could ever look back on came first from her lips, seeing that she is the one that brought me life in the first place. The person I’m speaking of? My mom.

Julie Terese Jenkins serves as the Vice President and Teaching and Curriculum Leader for Women World Leaders – all fitting titles because she now teaches others the way she always taught me.

The principles that drive my life were ingrained in me by my mother from March 11, 2000 on. From my first breaths, I was taught how important it is to treat others with respect, work diligently at all tasks put in front of me, celebrate with chocolate cake (always), and save tissue paper by flattening and folding it for the next occasion.

She taught me how to love those around me and enjoy every moment of my life in full abundance. She taught me the inevitable sacrifice of things you love for the people you love – she taught me servant leadership and unbridled care for others, always.

I could attribute each lesson to her personal journey and growth, but she’d even tell you that’s not fair. Each time my mother has taught me something that’s changed my life, it’s come straight from the Word of the Lord.

In the moments where she encouraged me to put more effort into the work ahead of me, she’d cite Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV), “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

In the times I needed to remember that even the bleak moments were an opportunity to embrace the moment, she’d remind me of Jesus’ promise in John 10:10 (NIV), “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

In the instances where I needed to be knocked down a few pegs, she’d tell me to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3 NIV).

My mother is the reason I look back at my 22 years of life and see a vibrant and permeating stain of love. It’s a stain that she’s made sure needs to be explained – one so bright and noticeable that it brings forth questions about its origin. My answer every time is the Lord.

I look back on all my years of life and can’t help but thank my mom for all she’s taught me, but more importantly, how she’s allowed herself to be taught. God leads each moment and movement within her life, and it’s something she’s instilled in me and all of you.

I celebrate my birthday this year with that stain of love so proudly adorned upon me, but would be remiss if I didn’t recognize my mother for teaching me of its importance. Thank you, Mom – the world is marked with Jesus’ love because you have taught others how to embrace it.

Sarah is a recent graduate of Florida State University, with a degree in Political Science and Public Relations. She has a distinct love and passion for people, ofter translated through the art of writing. Sarah has committed her future to the power of communicating well in the sphere of politics, while praising the God who will get her there!