A Standing Ovation

Tomorrow marks the end of an era. Tomorrow everything changes. Tomorrow they leave.

They being Richard and Kelly Sealy, two of the biggest inspirations I've known in my lifetime. It's hard to even put into words the impact these two amazing souls have had on me. I cannot begin to articulate the kindness, generosity, holiness, creativity and (for lack of a real word) fun-ness that they have brought with them. But I'll try.

Last August my friend Charlotte invited me to come to Lighthouse. I wasn't quite sure where my hesitation was, but I'd never really been keen to join a youth group. I suppose I was quite content to go it alone, and probably somewhat afraid that they'd all be "Jesus-freaks". But I went along anyway. I was at a point in my spiritual life where a major crossroads was coming up. Life was changing all around me and  faith was either going have to be something fully invested in or something non-existent. I was searching. Searching for meaning in amongst the sea of confusion and noise. Searching for  a God whom I knew existed but had yet to grow close to. Searching for answers. 

Lighthouse provided those answers. And more importantly it provided a gateway to a whole new world of faith, an open, beautiful world where I could grow spiritually and emotionally in the safety of God's love. The work that Rich and the Lighthouse team have done and the foundation that they have created is incredible. 

I have learned so much from Rich. He is an incredible soul, who knows and loves God with such profound reverence and joy that one cannot help but long for such a faith. It's a hard thing- to completely abandon your life to God, to relinquish all control and let His will be done, but Rich exemplifies this in all that he does. I admire so much his unyielding faith in the face of adversity, his total trust that everything God does is for a reason. Rich has been a teacher, a guidance, an inspiration and a friend. His friendly and cheerful support in faith have converted many a Kiwi teenager, and I can say with absolute certainty that wherever Rich will go in the future, the Holy Spirit will follow and continue the amazing work that God is doing through Rich. Thank you, Rich, for all that you've done. You are a true example in faith and I cannot thank you enough for the countless ways you have instructed and inspired me. 

And Kelly. How do I even begin? Kelly makes faith attractive. She makes it accessible and fun and beautiful and normal. Kelly has been so blessed with wisdom and peace, qualities which radiate from her and infect those around her. She is such a beautiful soul. She exemplifies an everyday holiness to which we can all strive, a purity and charity and joy that are both admirable and enviable. Kelly has inspired me more than words can describe. Girls group has truly been the highlight of every week for the past nine months, and every Wednesday leaves me happy, enlightened and motivated to keep growing in faith. In all honesty, before I met Kelly, my mindset about faith was something akin to: "Okay. I love God. But really, holiness is for nuns. I'm just not special enough." Kelly disproved that theory the moment I met her. She taught me that holiness is something we all can, should and must strive for in everything we do, both by her words and by her example. It's going to be so hard to lose you Kelly. Your presence in my life has changed me irrevocably, and I'll never forget the example you've set. Thank you so very much. Thank you seems like such a meaningless phrase, but know that I pour into those two little words my whole heart, infinite gratitude and all my prayers.

By this time tomorrow they'll be on a plane, headed back to the land of the free and the home of the brave. We may never meet again save in heaven, but Rich and Kelly Sealy have changed my life. Their legacy will remain with me forever.

Thank you, God, for the Sealys. 

AMDG