Talking with Maddy Anderson: Stepping into Vulnerability and the Value of Connection

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, MSU soccer player Maddy Anderson joins host Bethany Pigott to discuss the podcast’s themes of vulnerability and connection. Maddy shares her journey at MSU and explains how these concepts have played a crucial role in her development as a student-athlete.

Transcript

(0:05) Coaches and athletes are often driven by an unquenchable thirst to push the limits of what (0:09) is achievable. (0:10) Can we win more games? (0:11) Throw farther? (0:12) Jump higher? (0:13) Run faster? (0:14) But what if the goal is not to pursue limits, but rather to live in a state where limits (0:18) are irrelevant? (0:19) Is it possible that the current emphasis in sports on being the best and outperforming (0:23) competition is inferior to what could be experienced? (0:26) We believe the answer is a resounding yes. (0:29) As believers, we are designed to recognize and respond to God's activity in our lives.

(0:33) What if there is an entirely different way to interact with God's presence while competing? (0:38) Can we recognize and respond to God in real time on the court or field? (0:41) The Created To Be podcast will interview coaches, athletes, and FCA staff to discuss the ways (0:46) they see God and interact with His activity in their day-to-day lives. (0:50) The point is that God didn't create coaches and athletes to do, He created them to be. (0:58) Welcome to the Created To Be podcast.

(1:00) I'm your host, Bethany Pygott, and today I'm sitting with Maddy Anderson. (1:02) Can you say hey, Maddy? (1:04) Hey, guys. (1:05) We're so glad that you're on the podcast today, Maddy.

(1:07) Last week we had Claudel Harris Jr. and Josh Hubbard, and Justin was the host. (1:12) So it's good to be back in the seat, but super thankful for all of them just sharing their (1:16) stories and talking about vulnerability and how that looks for guys. (1:21) That was a very different type of podcast, and I was super thankful for how they explained (1:26) that so that the listeners can just see the differences.

(1:28) So today we're going to jump in to the same topic of vulnerability, but from your perspective (1:33) and your experience. (1:34) So if you would just introduce yourself and how you got to MSU, and then we'll dive into (1:39) these topics. (1:40) Of course.

(1:41) As you know, Maddy Anderson here. (1:43) I'm a goalkeeper on the Mississippi State women's soccer team. (1:46) My kind of story you get in here, I was recruited by a different coaching staff at Texas where (1:54) I live and with my club had a couple of camps and they came, watched me, were interested.

(1:59) I was also being recruited at Auburn where my head coach was James Armstrong. (2:03) He left Auburn and came to Mississippi State. (2:06) So whenever that interchange happened, I was very thankful because he still wanted me.

(2:11) Shocking. (2:11) He still wanted me, but yeah, and now I'm here and it's been a blessed five years. (2:18) And you're also super involved with FCA.

(2:20) You've been on the leadership team. (2:22) When Justin and I moved to Mississippi State, you were already on the leadership team. (2:27) You stuck around with us, which we're super thankful.

(2:29) Yes. (2:29) I'm going to have been a faithful pillar just on that team. (2:32) And so we're just so grateful for you and the time that you've given not only to Mississippi (2:37) State athletics, but also to FCA and just your impact.

(2:40) And this is your senior season. (2:41) So we're about to have to say goodbye as you move on and we're excited for you and your (2:47) future. (2:48) Just super thankful for your time.

(2:49) So I know that you have some rich things that you can share with those who listen because (2:53) you've had such a long time in this same place and that's getting a little bit more uncommon (2:58) in sports. (2:59) So I think that it's going to be really great for the listeners to hear just how you've (3:03) grown. (3:04) And the topics that we've been talking about on the podcast were the topics that we started (3:08) the F like an FCA at the beginning of the semester about vulnerability and belonging (3:13) connection with other people and how, you know, this whole podcast is about created to be (3:17) so that we were created to be who God made us to be.

(3:22) And in that, like we have to face what it looks like to be vulnerable in our own lives (3:25) and push past those barriers that sometimes get in the way and then belong to a people. (3:31) And so that can be really hard. (3:33) So I would love to just for people to hear how, how do you define vulnerability? (3:38) Vulnerability to me is kind of like being willing to let down the barriers of like, (3:43) like that tough guy kind of facade and just really be honest and open with the people (3:50) that you surround yourself with, because that's what relationships are truly built.

(3:55) If you're just fake with people and you're not really getting down to the nitty gritty (3:59) stuff, no growth is ever going to happen. (4:02) Like God intended for us to have community. (4:05) That's why there was two in the garden, not just one.

(4:07) And so we were meant to walk through our walks of faith together. (4:12) We weren't meant to do this alone. (4:14) And so I think vulnerability is huge when we're talking about growth in your spiritual (4:19) walk, but also just with connection with the people you're around.

(4:23) Yeah. (4:24) And I've heard from different people and I mean, Justin and I have been within FCA for (4:28) 10 plus years. (4:29) And so you hear people come in and they really want, they, they communicate their desire is (4:35) to be connected.

(4:36) They want to feel known, but then they also like don't really want to put themselves in (4:41) a position where they could get hurt. (4:43) And so that's where this struggle, right? (4:45) You want to be known, but then you won't put yourself out there either. (4:48) You know, you want to kind of, I don't know, it's like, you don't know what I'm talking (4:51) about.

(4:52) Yes. (4:52) It's definitely like, I can understand because there's the fear of getting hurt with being (4:57) vulnerable because it happens. (5:00) Like some people aren't the greatest and they're going to be rude to you if you're vulnerable, (5:03) but it's also, you want, you desire that connection.

(5:07) It's like written in our DNA. (5:08) And so it's kind of getting over that initial barrier of like almost breaking through and (5:13) having a good experience with vulnerability. (5:16) And then you can continue to build off that and have maybe even bigger steps to bigger (5:21) vulnerabilities.

(5:22) Yeah. (5:23) That's so good because I was thinking about how for me, yeah, it's just like that one, (5:28) that first time that you have a person that really you can trust and then you realize, (5:32) Oh, I'm like, I can be more myself. (5:34) I don't have to, like you said, put on this facade.

(5:36) And that's how even, you know, they talked about it in the last podcast, but just in (5:40) the South, how easy it is to be like, Oh yeah, I'm fine. (5:43) I'm good. (5:43) How's your day? (5:44) It's good.

(5:44) You know? (5:45) Yeah. (5:45) And that's a great like gesture and, you know, exchange when you pass people. (5:49) It's kind of nice, kind of freaks people from other parts of the country out there.

(5:52) Like why'd they ask me about my day? (5:54) But, you know, we just say that, but it's where there are, there can be real, we can (5:57) get into that zone where that's all we're saying when there really is more going on. (6:01) So can you describe a time when exposing your emotions and stepping into vulnerability (6:07) actually led to some kind of benefit or healing for you in your life? (6:12) Honestly, past couple of weeks have kind of been rough, but I opened up to you and that (6:19) was honestly awesome. (6:20) Just being able to let go and just literally release everything and be vulnerable about (6:25) what I was truly going through.

(6:27) It was just like a weight lifted off my shoulders. (6:30) I know we can always give that to God, but he also gives us people in our life so that (6:34) we can feel it in our flesh, just releasing all those emotions. (6:37) And so that really helped.

(6:39) And I was able to open up to my coaches the other day as well. (6:41) And just being able to do that also helps them know like you're a real person, which (6:46) I know is kind of crazy to sound, but like as athletes, we're always taught to like be (6:49) that tough guy. (6:50) Like you got to go.

(6:51) And especially being a captain, I feel like there's kind of an expectation to always have (6:56) a good day and to kind of just walk through life where everything's fine and you're (7:03) good and you're a top player and you just got to keep going. (7:06) But that's not in reality. (7:08) And if we hold those emotions in, it can actually be a lot more detrimental to your mental health (7:13) than it is just to be vulnerable and let it out.

(7:16) So it's kind of almost freeing to be vulnerable. (7:19) And that experience definitely helped me so much just coming to terms with it's okay (7:24) to be vulnerable. (7:25) It's okay to cry in front of people like it shows you're real and that's totally fine.

(7:31) Yeah. (7:31) And there's a scripture that talks about how like in our weakness, he is strong. (7:35) And I've always, you know, as I've just been an athlete, but then also like been involved (7:40) in athletics and ministering to college athletes, like I see how I feel like the threshold for (7:46) athletes is so high of just holding everything together.

(7:49) Whereas if you were in maybe another place in society, you might be able to be. (7:54) I don't know. (7:55) I have no data for this, but just because you're in these environments that are saying like, (8:00) you know, you got to like push, push, push.

(8:02) Like it's, I think it's just like something that an athlete doesn't naturally think about (8:07) first. (8:08) Like I need to expose this, like how much I'm struggling. (8:11) They think I need to pull it together.

(8:14) Like that's the first thought. (8:15) And so it's very counterintuitive to the athlete to say, oh, I need to go talk to somebody, (8:20) you know? (8:21) But then whenever you do, and you're allowed that space, a trusted space to be able to (8:26) just let it out and you're not going to be judged, then I think that's in self, like (8:30) tears can be healing in and of themselves. (8:32) It's like, you know, all this packed into us.

(8:35) And then whenever we let those tears out, it's like whatever that energy or substance (8:39) is in us just like has a place to exit, you know? (8:42) Yeah. (8:42) And you're not carrying that with you on the field. (8:44) Like whatever mental stuff you're going through off the field affects you on the field.

(8:49) So like I can remember all the practices where I was so in my head to where I didn't have (8:54) fun and I wasn't enjoying it because I was thinking about so much outside factors. (8:59) But whenever you're able to release that, you're able to just play with the freedom, (9:03) glorify God the way it was meant to be. (9:05) You weren't meant to carry all this stuff by yourself.

(9:08) So when you release that baggage, it's like, wow, I'm a whole new person. (9:11) I'm a whole new player. (9:12) Yeah.

(9:13) Wow. (9:13) That's so good. (9:14) Yeah.

(9:14) The time now I kind of think about it in the time of like, you know, whenever you make (9:19) a mistake and there's players that can bounce back really quick and players have other players (9:26) have a longer recovery time, that emotional state. (9:29) I kind of think of that analogy the same way with like this whole thing about like if I (9:33) can just the quicker I can realize that me just working, putting more effort, doing the (9:39) exact same thing when there's something broken is not is going to be futile. (9:43) Like it's not going to lead to anything.

(9:45) The quicker I can realize that in my mind and then do something different, expose that. (9:49) And we've talked about that in the huddle is not just exposing just for the sake of (9:53) exposure. (9:54) Right.

(9:55) Like we, James 5, 16 says, confess your sins to another and you'll be healed. (9:58) And that's one step. (9:59) You can do that.

(10:00) But then also you are also mentioned like go to Jesus and there's things that Jesus (10:05) can show us about a perspective that we need or something that he has for us. (10:08) And we're not going to discover that even like about what he has for our situation. (10:13) But even like who he is, like I've learned so many things about like Jesus, the person (10:18) of Jesus, like who he actually is, not by just reading God's word, which is where it (10:23) starts, but also like experiencing him as that.

(10:26) Like if I never need him to show up for me as a redeemer or restore, then it's going (10:32) to be hard for me to really connect with. (10:33) That's who he is. (10:34) Does that make sense? (10:35) Yeah.

(10:35) And that happens when we expose like our brokenness and our weakness. (10:39) Yeah. (10:39) And then we are made that that strength he gives us.

(10:42) So, OK, so this is a hard thing, though, and I don't know if there's a difference between (10:48) girls and guys, but like what fears have you experienced and maybe you don't anymore? (10:53) I don't know. (10:53) Whatever you want to talk about that has to do with that fear of, OK, I know that I'm (10:58) I'm carrying something and this is getting really heavy and I need to expose it. (11:01) But that's scary.

(11:02) Like what does that what are some fears that you've experienced or that you might think (11:05) other people experience that are kind of hard to to break that barrier? (11:09) I think the fear of not receiving the compassion you're kind of looking for, because it's like (11:17) the saying you need a shoulder to cry on, almost like you want to be vulnerable and (11:24) receive that compassion back to be like, it's OK, I got you. (11:27) And like, here's how I can help you. (11:29) Or even if you don't need like that feedback back, just being able to release it and someone (11:36) being receptive, listening to you with their verbal cues and nonverbal cues, just someone (11:42) who is accepting of your vulnerability.

(11:47) But I also think there's the fear of. (11:51) Just for me, at least being depending on people like I don't like to depend on people and (11:58) I don't want to be a burden to people in a sense, and so I feel like whenever I'm being (12:04) vulnerable, sometimes I'm putting my burdens on other people and I don't want to do that (12:09) because I'm always looking for how can I make you happy, even though sometimes that's not (12:15) necessarily healthy. (12:17) Yeah, yeah, yeah, because I need to take myself into account sometimes, but I just don't want (12:21) to be a burden to other people with my issues, especially when people are going through harder (12:25) things than I am.

(12:27) And so I think that's also a fear that some people could have. (12:30) Yeah, I think that a lot of people can relate with everything that you just said. (12:34) Because those are I mean, I I consider that, you know, when I'm thinking about who I'm (12:39) sharing things with, like just some of the things as you were talking, like is this person (12:43) or is this safe? (12:45) Like, am I going to feel safe or am I going to share this in there? (12:48) I'm pouring my heart out and like they're distracted the whole time.

(12:51) Like that that's like doesn't feel great. (12:53) No. Or like are they going to try to fix me or were they really like listen? (12:58) Yeah.

You know, I was just thinking at FCA we're going through the IM statements of Jesus (13:02) and in a few weeks we're going to talk about the good shepherd. (13:04) And how he cares for his sheep. (13:06) And so it is it can be challenging to find people that have that understand maybe have (13:12) experienced Jesus as the good shepherd.

(13:14) I think that's where it starts, at least for me, as I mature in my faith. (13:17) The more I can experience Jesus and what he feels like when he responds to my weakness, (13:23) then it's easier to extend that to other people. (13:25) Then I'm like, oh, this is what Jesus does.

(13:27) So I'll just do what he does. (13:28) Yeah. How do you find those types of trusted relationships that you can share things (13:33) with? Honestly, just it's kind of like counterintuitive almost, but like you need to (13:39) be vulnerable with them, even if it's in small doses so that like you can build trust (13:44) with that person and then they can in turn be vulnerable with you.

(13:48) And then it's just like building blocks of each time you've been vulnerable and honest (13:52) with them, like you can trust them more and more to where you can get to the point where (13:55) if you're really struggling and you can release all that to them and feel trusted. (14:00) But it's also just showing up every day and being kind, being like Jesus, you know, like (14:05) loving on them, being kind, serving them whenever you need to. (14:11) But it takes time.

(14:13) Yeah. Time. (14:14) And you've had the time to develop those kinds of relationships.

(14:17) Can you speak to that a little bit? (14:19) Like what is being in the same place, being able to be involved like in a local church, (14:23) being involved with FCA from year to year to year? (14:26) Like how has that impacted your ability to be vulnerable with people? (14:32) Like I said, relationships take time. (14:34) And I had five years to build a bunch of relationships, even though people have come (14:37) and gone. There's been a core group of people like my coaching staff has been here the (14:42) whole time that I've been here.

(14:43) So I'm really close with all of them and we know each other pretty well to where I can (14:48) be vulnerable with them. (14:49) Also, just people in my church like Austin Davis, I've known him since my freshman year (14:53) and we've got to see Pine Lake College just be able to grow and go into a new campus (14:59) together. Obviously, with the FCA, I've had you all for a couple of years, but I also (15:03) had Jimmy for the previous years.

(15:06) And so being able to stay at one place is huge. (15:09) And like you said, it's getting more rare these days, which is unfortunate because I (15:12) think it's cool to have a commitment to your school, especially if you're having a good (15:17) time and just being able to stick out because you can build these communities, you can (15:21) build these relationships that I think I'll be able to have for at least many years to (15:26) come, hopefully forever. (15:27) But, you know, like I'll be able to have these relationships and be able to go back to (15:32) them and not just be like a transactional relationship where I'm here for a year, use (15:37) them and then leave.

(15:39) One of the things that Justin and I, I mean, just in our experience, it was a long time (15:44) ago. We graduated in 08, it feels like we shouldn't be that old. (15:47) But, you know, that feels lost coming back into this time frame in college athletics (15:52) is that like what we valued in looking back was that how formed we were in this time (15:59) here.

Like it's such a time in your life, college age to be shaped and formed in the (16:04) person that you'll be. I mean, you ask pretty much, I don't know, again, don't have (16:08) data, but, you know, like people that have that are and have families and everything, (16:13) they look back at their college years and say those decisions that I made in college, (16:17) I'm living in those decisions today, you know, so the person you become in these 18 (16:23) to 22 year old, you know, this time frame is really important in who you're going to (16:31) be long term. And I think you have to have that kind of long term perspective to like (16:35) actually value like this is a blip on the timeline of my life and who do I want to be? (16:42) And so investing in relationships, that's how we mature.

That's how we grow. One thing (16:47) that I was thinking about was how, you know, you've been able to display your character (16:52) because you've had time as well. And so I'm assuming this was just a thought that came (16:58) to me as you were talking about your coaches.

I feel like probably you being able to (17:02) display a consistent character over the past five years has also played a role in the (17:09) ability to be vulnerable with a coach, right? (17:12) Yes. Because whenever you're honest with them and you kind of build that trust with (17:17) the coaches, they know what's true about you. And so like when you're acting off, then (17:22) they know.

And so you're able to kind of slide into that vulnerability conversation a (17:27) lot easier. Because if this was just my freshman year and then I was being fine and (17:32) then I started acting weird because I was going through something, they might not know (17:35) that you're actually going through something because they don't know you super well and (17:39) it takes time to build that kind of character profile for both parties. (17:44) Right.

And so that's a good point. (17:46) It takes time. Yeah.

Yeah. I mean, that's a consistent theme. It just takes time.

(17:51) Yeah. So good. Okay.

So we're going to take a short break and then we'll come back and (17:55) wrap up with a few more questions for Maddy. (17:58) Living out your faith in college can be a challenge, let alone in your sport. But it (18:01) doesn't have to be.

Come join FCA in the Crane Theater room in the Shire Fieldhouse on (18:06) Monday nights at 7 p.m. to fellowship with other athletes and encounter God together. (18:10) We look forward to seeing you there. (18:15) All right, welcome back.

So, Maddy, as we wrap up this podcast today, we're going to (18:19) kind of shift from vulnerability to connection because that's another key point that we (18:23) talked about this semester about just connecting with God and others. (18:26) How do we relate with God? (18:28) It is a relationship, but oftentimes it can feel more like we're just checking off these (18:32) boxes, you know, doing our duties as Christians to go to church. (18:36) But really, all of those things are actually supposed to enhance our attachment and (18:41) connection to God, like strengthen the attachment we have with him.

(18:45) So we're going to talk about that, but then also our connection to others. (18:48) So the first question I had is just. (18:50) Has there been a time in your life where you felt like your walk with the Lord was more (18:55) about checking boxes, and then if so, share a little bit about that, but then also like (18:59) how you've moved into this more like intimate relationship with the Lord, like what (19:05) was that like? What did that look like? (19:07) What did that journey look like for you and how do you feel about that, like your strength (19:10) of relationship with God now? (19:12) Honestly, I think that kind of part of my life ebbs and flows, like sometimes it will be (19:16) really good and I won't feel like I'm checking the boxes, but then other times I feel (19:20) like I am.

(19:21) And I think it all stems from my prayer life. (19:24) Honestly, whenever I'm deprioritizing prayer, I feel like I'm more checking off the (19:30) boxes. And I think it's because prayer is key to our relationship with Christ, because I (19:35) mean, you imagine just having a relationship, let's say you and me, but all we're doing (19:40) is like I take you out to lunch.

(19:42) Check. I have a meeting with you in the morning. (19:44) Check.

But I don't like talk to you throughout my entire day. (19:49) That's it's not a true relationship. (19:51) And how can you have a loving relationship if you're just being transactional, having a (19:56) consistent prayer routine or even just being spontaneous in prayer, I think is huge to (20:02) be able to get out of that checking the boxes feeling like waking up and having quiet (20:07) time to like sitting in silence or just being aware of his presence consistently is huge.

(20:13) Like when I'm driving to school or soccer, just imagining Jesus sitting next to me in the (20:19) car and just being able to talk to him about my day, whatever I'm going through, any (20:23) struggles I'm going through, any good things that I'm doing, you know, or if I have a test (20:28) and be like, hey, can you help me with the answers? (20:30) It's literally anything because all he wants to do is just have a relationship with you (20:35) and talk with his child. (20:36) I mean, imagine my dad, like he just wants to talk to me and just picturing that. (20:41) And then the much more love that Jesus has, which is so hard to imagine because my dad (20:46) loves me so much and I love him, but he wants, he loves you so much.

(20:50) He just wants to talk to you. (20:51) And so having that open connection, even because he's there 24, 7, 365, like even at 2 (20:58) a.m. in the morning, if you can't sleep, just being aware of him and kind of tapping in (21:04) and being like, hey, I'm here. (21:06) I know you are too.

(21:07) So, yeah. (21:08) And something you've said before is about how the Holy Spirit is like you're the open (21:14) communication. Like that's how we can communicate in prayer.

(21:19) And there's a lot of scriptures on that about how the Holy Spirit even will give us (21:22) words and we don't have words to say or the Holy Spirit will bring to mind things that (21:26) Jesus has already told us that we've forgotten. (21:28) We see that in the New Testament, you know, like he told them all kinds of things before (21:32) he went to the cross and a lot of them freaked out. (21:36) But I love that Mary was at the tomb.

(21:38) She's like, I, I like believe that she knew, look, he said he was going to be right. (21:43) She didn't know how or how that would look, you know, but like she was expectant because (21:48) this is what he said, you know. (21:49) So the Holy Spirit bringing those things back to mind.

(21:51) I also love that when you talk about how we can be just aware of his presence and how (21:56) that helps us. It's never that Jesus isn't there. (21:59) It's that our conscious mind doesn't always realize that he's there.

(22:03) Yeah. You know, so the more that we can call our minds to attention, that Jesus is here (22:09) because scripture says he never leaves or forsakes us. (22:12) So I've even experienced where in prayer, like I've been able to go back and see him at (22:18) times in my life that I didn't see him initially in these pictures and memories or (22:23) whatever.

And now I see him, I'm like, oh, my gosh, like that's incredible. (22:26) He was there. He was doing this and things like that.

(22:28) So, yeah, I think prayer is vital in keeping that relationship feel like this is (22:33) relational. This is not just a transaction. (22:36) Yeah.

And I think a lot of the time, too, there's kind of like an image of prayer that (22:41) people have in their mind where it's like you have to be on your knees by your bedside (22:46) before bed. But prayer is not not like that. (22:50) Prayer is literally an open communication all the time.

(22:53) Like I said, I can be in my car. (22:55) I can be doing laundry and praying. (22:57) I could be crying.

It doesn't even have to be words like he it. (23:01) There's a scripture that says like the Holy Spirit like speaks through, speaks for us. (23:05) And that can be through our tears or it can be through people or the Bible.

(23:10) But prayer is not just one form in one way. (23:14) There's a multitude of ways that prayer can happen even through worship. (23:17) Yeah.

Maybe that's because it's more of like a heart connection. (23:20) Like, can you tell? I can tell in a worship service when my heart is yielded and like (23:25) connected to whatever we're singing, you know. (23:28) And then I can also tell when I'm like in my mind and just like saying the words, you (23:32) know.

So I think prayer is that like if it's coming through tears, it's because something (23:36) is going on in my heart where I feel connected to the Lord and I'm expressing that some (23:39) way. And so, yeah, it could be through words. (23:41) It could be through tears.

It could be with other people. (23:44) It could be next to my bed, you know, whatever. (23:47) But like I think, yeah, I think prayer and also worship kind of go hand in hand and (23:51) keeping that relationship vibrant.

(23:53) And then we talk about whenever you can feel that connection with the Lord. (23:57) That's really what John 17 talks about when it talks about union, like being so like (24:02) you're in him. He's in me.

(24:04) Like there's this connection there. (24:06) And so then even like taking that on to the court or the field, what does that look like (24:11) to be connected at the heart level while you're competing? (24:14) You know, like that's just kind of an open ended thought for me. (24:17) Like I don't.

I mean, I think for me, whenever I feel super connected to the Lord, it's (24:24) more of just being able to play with freedom and be content, like being present in the (24:29) moment and playing, but also knowing that if I make a mistake, I'm totally fine because (24:35) I'm not defined by my performances, the good and the bad. (24:39) I'm defined by my father in heaven. (24:41) And I picture Jesus sitting in the stands cheering me on when I make a great play, but (24:46) also when I make a mistake, he is always there and he's never going to leave you or (24:51) forsake you.

Like you said, if you lose a game or you make a bad play, he's always (24:56) there. And so I think when you're really close with the Lord, you're able to play with (25:00) that freedom and enjoy the gifts that he's giving you a lot more so that you can glorify (25:05) him to your best of your ability. (25:07) Yeah, it's going to be that is my heart and desire is for athletes to step into this (25:12) union and see how it starts impacting them, the quarter field, because really our lives (25:16) are worshipped to him.

Yeah. (25:18) Like as we connect to him at the heart level and we know him, then our words are going (25:23) to be worship. Our actions are going to be worship.

(25:27) Our tears are going to be worship and prayer. (25:28) You know, it's not just this, like you said, this one picture. (25:32) OK, so we've I kind of mentioned already at the beginning of the podcast that you are (25:37) on your last journey here in Starkville approaching graduation.

(25:41) So as you look ahead, how do you picture continuing to cultivate the kind of authentic (25:46) connections we've talked about, both with God and other people? (25:50) Honestly, I'm I'm so sad to leave Starkville because this has been my home and I've made (25:55) so many great relationships and I love it so much. (25:58) So I'm kind of nervous leaving this and having to recreate these new connections. (26:03) It's a scary avenue that I'm going to enter.

(26:06) But I think just sticking with my relationship with God and like keeping that (26:12) foundation of my life is going to be massive because if I'm stable myself with that (26:19) relationship, I think you'll be able to help me be comfortable stepping out and finding (26:25) those new relationships and being vulnerable. (26:28) But also just walking as a light of the Lord, like people take notice when you walk as a (26:34) Christian, like they're looking for you. (26:37) Some may be looking for you to stumble, but some may be looking to be like, hey, she seems (26:41) a little different.

Like what is it about her? (26:44) And Jesus can radiate through you. (26:46) So just exhibiting his love constantly. (26:49) I feel like that's been my theme that I've learned throughout my college years is just being (26:53) loving.

There's a lot of hate in the world. (26:56) Yeah. And I think you just need a lot more love.

(26:58) And so being able to love despite someone may be hurting you, loving someone when they're (27:04) succeeding over you, just loving in every circumstance because that's what Jesus did is (27:09) kind of what I'm trying to focus on and maybe set as my foundation going into a new (27:15) unknown. Yeah, we have through the years just been able to encourage students that have (27:22) come through FCA by just saying, hey, look for this type of community where you can be (27:27) yourself, you know, just develop, continue to grow in your relationship with God, but also (27:31) connecting with others. But if you can't find it, go create it.

(27:36) And it's been really I know that it's, you know, unknown coming up. (27:39) But like there's also excitement in that where it's a new season. (27:43) You don't know who God's already put in your future that you're going to connect with and (27:47) what new opportunities and what this time has prepared you for, for what's next, you (27:52) know.

And it's been fun through the years to hear, you know, former student leaders that (27:57) have come through the different ministries that we've been a part of and hear them say (28:01) like, yeah, when I was leading the seventh graders at my church or when I was leading my (28:04) small group, whatever, you know, and you're like, oh, my gosh, or like being an FCA coach at (28:09) a high school, you know. (28:10) And so it's just been cool to see how these things do transfer. (28:15) Yeah.

And so I'm confident that they will and confident that people will be put in your (28:18) life, that God will have them there. (28:20) And also that as we walk in these things, I think it also attracts the similar type of (28:25) people into our lives. (28:26) You know, as sad as we are to see you go, we're excited for what your life is going to (28:31) look like beyond Mississippi State.

(28:32) And you have left such an impact, an imprint just in your boldness to walk in in your (28:38) faith while you've been here, like you have set such a standard and a model for other (28:43) people on your team, but also within just other teams, like so many people look up to (28:48) you. So we're so glad that you could join us on this podcast. (28:51) Thank you so much for coming.

(28:53) Thanks for having me. (28:54) Yeah. And like this was our last.

(28:56) This includes our podcast series for the fall. (28:58) We do. I know.

(28:59) I know. We do six. (29:01) Yeah.

Justin's mentioned some other ideas. (29:04) So never know. (29:05) We might have some bonus episodes, but as far as for our six episodes, this is it.

(29:10) So thanks for coming up on the end to just put an end cap on this great conversation (29:14) we've had about vulnerability, belonging, authenticity this semester. (29:19) Thanks for listening to the Created to Be podcast. (29:21) To learn more about FCA at Mississippi State, visit www.msufca.org and follow us on (29:28) Instagram at HaleStateFCA underscore.

(29:31) If you would like to become a financial partner, visit www.fca.org slash donate to sow (29:37) into the work God is doing through FCA at Mississippi State.