I’m so proud to be friends with such inspiring women. I enjoy hearing their stories, sharing
similarities and learning from them.
Whenever a girlfriend reaches an accomplishment, it makes me really
proud. I get inspired and it sparks a fire in my heart.
I knew it was time to bring back this series called “The
Gentlewoman” where I highlight everyday women and give the world a glimpse of
who they are.
Today, I am featuring my lovely friend, Jessica. She recently graduated from UNT - an
accomplishment that may have been delayed, but none the less it was
accomplished. Jessica has experienced
some highs and lows the past 12 months, but through it all she has remained
positive, motivated and God fearing.
1. For those people who don’t know you, can
you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I’m originally from San Diego, CA, but I’ve
lived in Dallas for the past 11 years now. Wow! Time certainly has flown by. If
I had to describe myself to anyone who didn’t know me, I think all you need to
know about me is that I’m a pretty positive person with four major loves: God,
family, friends and sports!
2. You just graduated from UNT! Congratulations! Can you tell me what this accomplishment
means to you?
Thank you so much Vickie! Well, graduating
at 37 definitely wasn’t part of the plan. Growing up I always envisioned going
to a university as soon as I was done with high school. Unfortunately, some
things are out of our control and moving back and forth from California, New
Mexico and back to California during my last years of high school certainly
didn’t help. Going back to school was always a goal of mine, and to know that I
accomplished that on my own, while working full-time and volunteering at church
means the world to me. It’s something that can never be taken from me.
3. We met and started a friendship through our
church. Can you tell my readers how long
you have been going to Fellowship, where you volunteer and give some details on
what this church means to you?
I began going to Fellowship Church around
2005/2006. I was introduced to FC by my best friend and I’ve never doubted that
Fellowship was where I needed to plant myself. I’ve worked in various areas
from greeting and working with the teens in The Mix ministry. I currently serve as the choir director for
the Dallas campus.
It’s so hard to put into words what
Fellowship Church means to me. The church isn’t just a building; it’s the
people who serve in it. Without the people, the church is nothing and I am so
grateful for all the amazing people I have met and who have become part of my
life. I truly don’t know what I would do without all these wonderful people.
4. You live in Dallas and your parents live in
California. How hard is it to live in
such a big city without your family?
Living so far from my family definitely has
its drawbacks. I think the hardest part is not being there for all the little
holidays where we shared so many traditions. I’m fortunate because I have made
my own family here in Dallas. Family isn’t always the people who share your
blood, they are people who share your life, and I have the most fantastic
Dallas family.
I recently went through knee surgery at the
end of last year. It was a difficult time,
but my FC family made it bearable. I
honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through the experience without
their help. I was overwhelmed with the love I received. They really took care of me. It was so touching that I actually broke down
into tears. From taking me to the
hospital, picking me up, visiting me, taking care of my dog and bringing me
food and sweet treats (the list goes on and on) – it is forever engraved in my
mind and heart. I will never forget how
loved I felt during a very difficult time. Thank you.
5. A few months back you decided to start
eating healthier and start exercising.
You have lost weight and you look fabulous. Can you share some of your
journey with my readers?
Oh my gosh. Where do I even start? I just
remember looking in the mirror and not only was I not happy with what I saw,
but I was crying. I knew the reflection looking back at me was not the
reflection of who I was. I knew I had to make a change if I wanted to live a
long and healthy life. I’ve lost an aunt and uncle to complications from
diabetes and I knew if I didn’t change my lifestyle, I was heading in the same
direction. God has given me one body, and if I want to serve Him to the best of
my ability I better keep my “house” in order.
6. For anyone who is struggling with weight
and/or eating healthier, what would you like to say to them? Can you share any tips/tricks?
First, don’t diet. I’ve taken the pills,
creams, and wraps. Those are all quick fixes that don’t teach you about
nutrition and portion control. Find a program that teaches you how to relate to
food. I live by the 80/20 rule, meaning that 80% of the time I eat clean and
20% of the time I get to indulge a bit. I’m human and can’t eat perfect 100% of
the time and this way I don’t feel bad about the times I do indulge because I
know I will workout and eat clean the next meal. Finally, having a support
system is key. It’s so much harder when you try and go at it alone.
7. Who inspires you and why?
I don’t think I’ve ever told them, but my
parents inspire me. They have had their struggles as people, as spouses and as
parents, but they never give up. They work through it and know that everything
that’s worth anything is worth fighting for. They’re far from perfect as we all
are, but they are fighters and I admire that.
8. What is the best piece of advice you ever
received?
Never give up and give your worries to God.
9. What do you think women in our generation
need to hear?
Have patience. We are a microwave society,
who wants what we want, when we want it, where we want it and how we want it. I
am just as guilty as the next, but if we are always in a rush for the next
thing, we can never enjoy the gifts God has given us in the present.
10. What are you most proud of?
I am most proud that I
didn’t give up on my goal of going back to school and getting my degree. It
could’ve been so easy to quit and just keep working, but I didn’t. God kept the
fire alive in me and I can’t wait to see where he leads me next.
I have not yet reached my
goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take
hold of the prize. – Philippians 3:12
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