Finding "The One" | Life After DCC | Claire Wolford

This episode with former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and freshly married bride, Claire Wolford, dives into honest and real conversations about what life after chasing your dreams looks like and what it means to step into a new season. 

Claire walks us through her love story and shares how she intentionally chose to pursue dating in a way that honored God and remained committed to purity. She has chose to break away from what the world says relationships should look like and devoted her relationship to the Lord. We discuss what it feels like to find "the one", dating advice, and all the different aspects of dating.

Claire is also incredibly vulnerable and honest as she opens up about how she responded to the unfortunate comments she reviewed this past year. She shared how the Lord used that difficult season as an opportunity to help others, point people to Jesus, and boldly share the Word of God through her platform.

I pray you leave this episode feeling encouraged and reminded that the Lord has such incredible plans for our lives. The day-to-day moments may seem simple, but God has created them with purpose and this conversation truly reminds us of that. 

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:06

Alrighty, everyone. Hello, and welcome to another episode of Curly Chats. I am so excited you are back for more, and I could not be more excited to be back. Today we have a super special guest. She is so talented, such a stunning dancer, and such a more incredible human being. And so today I am reach she's returning the favor um of something that I got to do a while back. But today's guest is Miss Claire Wolford. Or have you changed your last name yet?

SPEAKER_02 0:39

Not yet, but it will be Claire Cowser.

SPEAKER_01 0:42

Okay, there we go. It's coming, coming soon. But it's like one of these tedious things, you know. You're like, oh, those things are hard. Well, I'm so excited to have you on. And like I said, you know, I got the honor to come on your podcast, which is so incredible. Go check out Sweet as Honey. Um, she just speaks so much life and wisdom and just um, you know, glorifies God through all of it. Um, so I'm super excited that you're doing this today and getting to share your heart on here. I'm honored to be here. Thanks for having me. Of course. Well, to let the audience kind of get to know you, do you want to give a little brief introduction and tell them how amazing you are?

SPEAKER_02 1:23

Sure, sure. Okay. I am from Lincoln, Nebraska originally and grew up there dancing. So dance has been a large part of my story. Um, I went to the University of Nebraska my freshman year of college, transferred to ASU, Arizona State, and did the whole UDA life for two years. And then I left college my senior year in the middle of COVID, just very crazy. But um went and auditioned for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on a whim, and it worked out. And I spent six years total with the organization for cheering two as an all-star. Um, and just wrapped that up and got married and Baltimore, and I now like travel with my husband. He plays baseball, and I just traveled the country with him. That's literally so fun. Like, what a dream life.

SPEAKER_01 2:19

Yeah, it's such a unique lifestyle, but it's awesome. Wow, I love that. So, how has it been like transitioning? Like, honestly, you have to, you know, the final goodbye of the locker room and all those things, and especially just your life in Texas. Like, how has that been?

SPEAKER_02 2:34

Yeah, I've got I feel like I'm someone who it doesn't hit me till much later. Like, I don't ever cry in the moment. And so when I left, I was like so just happy and grateful for all my years there. And then um, you know, once you like get into normal life post-CCC, you're like, whoa, like this is crazy. You have FOMO, you like miss being with your friends all the time. But uh, I just kept teaching, you know, when that happened, and then I met Colton in the midst of it, which is really such a blessing, too, because I feel like it was like a new, fun, exciting thing for me. Um wrapping that whole experience up, which is a lot to walk away from. And then I did all stars for two years, so that kind of helps because you keep your toes dipped in, but you're not like fully committed and um still get to like wear the uniform and stuff, which is fun. But now the transition from my Dallas life to baseball life was even harder because I like had to leave all my friends and my normal work and just my whole life behind, really, and um, you know, be with my husband, which is so fun. But it is it's like a it's just a shock in the beginning, you know.

SPEAKER_01 3:51

Yeah, I know. I I've just wondered how that, you know, transition has felt because it's like they're two completely different but so amazing chapters, and it's like it's almost like what's that saying, grateful it happened sad it's over, but grateful it happened. And it's like you're literally stepping into a new blessing that God has for you. And you know, he closes doors and he opens new ones, and so it's just been so beautiful to watch you kind of open that new season.

SPEAKER_02 4:17

Yeah, it's been good. It's it's not really like what I maybe imagined my life being, you know, but we talk a lot about it in our Bible study here too of like this is where God has you, this is your mission work now. So I'm really trying to like tap into it and you know, be present. And usually I feel so purposeful, like in the dance world and all of that, and I still do, but now I'm like, okay, my mission is in the stands with the other girls, and just like being fully present in this baseball life and being a wife, and yeah, so it's I mean it's a challenge, but it's like coming with a lot of new blessings.

SPEAKER_01 4:57

That's so cool. I love how you say the word mission. I talked about it a lot the other day with someone, and it's like we are always like, wait, I wanna, I wish I had six weeks to go on a mission trip, this or that or this, and it's like, and then God really, you know, puts that in your mind, and he's like, No, you're on a mission right now. Like where you are is a mission trip. Like there's so many people in your spaces and wherever you go that they need to hear the gospel and they need it and need they need to meet Jesus and and you're that vessel for them. And and same for you know, kind of where I'm at too. It's like anywhere is a mission trip if you if you take advantage of your circumstances, and so I I love that you said that, and I'm sure that's been beautiful to watch of like, oh wow, you know, I got to see Jesus work here and and there, you know.

SPEAKER_02 5:44

Yeah, Colton um has been talking, he has like a Christian mentor/slash mental skills coach, and part of his like homework one day was to look up the word avida, which means like work and worship. And yeah, it's I mean, I feel like we're both really trying to embody that. Like just anything you do, whether it's like you're you know, a trash man, like like whatever it is that in your line of work, like it's a way to worship God and how you serve others and serve him through it. And I think that's like the coolest word. I've just I've had it on my mind a lot lately, and like no matter what I do, it'll be an act of worship.

SPEAKER_01 6:28

That's so good. I feel like so many people struggle with that, honestly. Of like, how do I do this, but also be a vessel for God here and like not cross the line? But it's like those lines have to cross. You know what I mean? It's like the lines do cross, and you have to be the same person in your workplace as you are in church, as you are at home. And so I love that word. I'm gonna save it to me because I'm not gonna remember how to spell it. But it's like, how do you feel like you personally, like even I know you didn't know what that word meant probably when you were on DCC, but even like when you were there, like how do you feel? Because I feel like I get this question a ton of like, how do you do DCC and also be a Christian or also, you know, live your day-to-day life like how you would if you were not in it, you know? And so I think how would you kind of manage that?

SPEAKER_02 7:19

Yeah, I mean, also I when when we are talking about this, I'm thinking about like how lucky we are to be doing something we're so passionate about for work, and that's always been something like huge to me too, because I'm like, I can't sit at a desk from nine to five. It personally just would I would be so rather be a newkeeper, yeah. But I mean, some you know, be passionate about the work you do first, I think, because that makes a huge difference. Um, but I was just shocked in the dance world when I auditioned for DCC that there were so many believers around and like women who were so open about their faith and like moving to Texas, I was like, wow, people are praying at dinner again. I haven't seen that in a long time. And I think that was just like a huge encouragement encouragement to me in the beginning. Um, but all throughout, like even when I was auditioning, my mindset was okay, if I don't make it, like I'm gonna grow as a person, a dancer, a Christian, and I'm gonna get, you know, better audition experience. Like, I think my mentality was just um to grow during it too, and like to learn from everyone around me. And then I took all of that and I feel like um felt like it was my mission to pour that into the next, you know, generation dancers coming behind um me. So I mean that that's I feel like how it started, and I, you know, started sweet as honey in the middle of it too, because I'm like, wow, I'm learning so much from all these girls around me, and I want it to be heard, um, or I want what they're telling me to be heard by other girls and other dancers and everybody. So that just was like a really special thing on that team, and I know now you get to experience it too, which is which is awesome. But I think just how you carry yourself and how you deal with the ups and downs, like when you think about it, and when I think about it now, it's like okay, there's a lot of rejection you face even on DCC when you've made the dream happen. So, like as a Christian, your your responsibility is to show like how you handle those situations like Christ would. And like that's how you point people to Christ and how you show up for others and like all those relationship things that are really like the biggest puzzle piece of it, I think.

SPEAKER_01 9:51

Yeah, that makes sense. I completely agree with you. And I'm like, I was just thinking, it's like you know, when you have a test in school, you have to study, or you know, you can make the fail, the the poor choice of not and just fail the test. But it's like that's the same way how God works is like you have to prepare it for your test. And I was just thinking, it's like you have to prepare yourself, spend the time with God, and really build your character so that when those things do happen, you're like, Hey, I'm ready to go, like I'm at the front line of this battle, like I'm ready to go, I'm already ready for this test kind of thing. Instead of, you know, when those things come, you just crumble, right? So it's like I I love that you said that because it's just so true. It's like people are watching you also. It's like once you declare your faith, people all eyes are on you because they're really waiting for you to mess up. And then those things come and you're like strong, and they're like, wait, the God they serve must be must be pretty good because they're able to be joyful and hopeful and have all this peace during something that should not have those feelings. Yeah, for sure.

SPEAKER_02 10:58

I know, and I feel like um I uh felt it a lot like around me too. Like I I genuinely had such a strong fun run on DCC. Like I had so many opportunities and I was so blessed in that way, but I saw so many friends who didn't, you know, and who really did face that rejection, like not daily, but a lot. And what I always talk about it, but like one of my roommates and best friends, Jessica, was like such a honestly, just like a perfect example of a cr like how Christ would handle those situations. Like I would get things that she wouldn't, and she is like, whoa, go clear, like I you know, celebrating you like a sister. And like that, that just relationship like changed me because I was like, wow, like this is how you know Christ wants us to be. And I'm seeing that, like I'm being treated that way by this person, and it's like impacting me and how I'm gonna go about my future now. And so yeah, I saw a lot of it.

SPEAKER_01 12:13

No, it's so true. Well, Jessica, if you're watching this, you have been the topic of conversation today. We had Bible study, and she got brought up like three times because we were just raving about her and how just like joyful and optimistic, and you know, how she just shows the characteristics of Christ, and it's like that's so cool that someone who hasn't even been on DCC in a while, and it's like we're still talking about it, you know? It's like, how do we make a kingdom impact like that? And I again, like, that's by your actions, and you know, we were talking about James. It's like faith without works is is dead, and it's like you have to you have to speak and do the same thing. You have to, you know, they say practice what you preach, and I'm like, okay, why don't we switch that and preach what you practice? Like already be practicing these things and then just preach them, and then it comes naturally to you, you know. So it's been cool to hear about Jessica because I didn't get to be on the team with her, unfortunately. That's so sweet.

SPEAKER_02 13:10

I'm gonna have to tell her about that because she'll just be like so touched. And she's just genuine, like genuinely a wonderful person, but you know, I think about that too. I'm like, okay, because of the position I was in, you know, like how I how I acted, or how do I put this? I think because of you know, people saw like her journey and how she responded, and that's like way more powerful. And so if you are a person that is, you know, in that position, like on a team or in your job, and you are facing the rejection, like you have so much power in that to show Christ. It's easy for me to say, I mean, I was I was given so so much, you know, and of course we're gonna praise the Lord for that, but like it's praising the Lord when you're not as you both have a testimony, it's just a different testimony, it's different, yeah. But I think hers was so powerful, and yeah, I love that you said it's still being talked about because that's awesome.

SPEAKER_01 14:16

Yeah, and I think that's encouraging for anyone watching that like feels you know, I a lot of times this week it's come up that God is a God of just, and it's like God is a God of justice, and we sometimes feel rejected, or someone says something behind our back, and we're like, that's not true. I feel very, you know, offended. But it's like God keeps reminding us of like God will fight your battles and like he will reward you at the right time, and he's just building again essentially your testimony, but knowing that you don't have to fight those battles is such a relief, and it's like wow, you go before me, like you you set the path before me, and you prepare a table in front of my enemies, and so it, you know, because there's so much pressure to like clean up the mess and and stop this rumor and stop this and and make someone believe this about you, and it's like no, it it doesn't matter, like it's a it matters what God thinks about you, and and that's all you have to do, you just have to seek him. So I love that.

SPEAKER_02 15:16

Yeah, and maybe the reward isn't like you know, broadcasted as like this is a bigger accomplishment, but like to me that reward is like just how you impact people and how they remember you now too. Like that's a bigger reward, you know.

SPEAKER_01 15:34

No, absolutely. It you know, I say worldly people reward reward people in worldly ways, and so you can't expect a worldly person to reward you with things that fill your cup, and it's like you have to be looking for the blessings that God is gonna give you in in the spiritual eyes, you know. It's like because I can't expect everything that I want to be a blessing to me because it could actually hurt me, and so it's like looking through the spiritual lens and eyes of like, okay, God, wait, I shared Jesus with that person, that was my reward, you know. I love that. Um I just I'm in awe. Like right now, it's like you post your dream, right? Like post everything like you could have imagined, whatever it is, but it's also like it's life or normal people, you know? And so I think talking to a a few other people too that have walked through this season, like truly, what is like the feelings that you feel of like stepping into a new season, but also knowing that you've walked through a waiting season, if that makes sense. Like you go through a waiting season, especially like waiting for a husband. Like, that's such something that so many people are in. They're in this season, and so many girls are gonna relate. And to be like, whoa, it happened one organically, and two, I saw God be faithful in the waiting, and he's exceeding my expectations when it comes, you know. So I kind of just want you to like touch on that because I know so many girls will kind of just relate and want to hear that from you.

SPEAKER_02 17:07

Yeah, I mean, talking about dating too. I mean, I like spent so many years journaling and praying for that to happen. Like, I wanted to meet my husband. I was like, I'm really God. Like, yeah, just wait, and he did exceed my expectations. And I'll tell you the story, but um, I had a pastor, Jensen's father-in-law, told me one day, just like talking about dating, like, you just need to be content. And God, or he was like, What did he say? Adam didn't have to do anything for Eve to be brought to him, like God wove her out of his ribs and um provided her for him. And it's funny because it's kind of how it happened with me and Colin. Like, he showed up in my living room, which is hilarious.

SPEAKER_01 17:59

Like, it wasn't-but that though. They're like, we'll be like, We're not dating. Like, God will bring me the right one at the right time. And they're like, What do you expect him to show up in your living room?

SPEAKER_02 18:08

Yeah, yeah, he did. Actually, I do. But I mean, I think on the other hand, too, like, I was open. It wasn't like I was lazy, just you know, sitting in my house and it just happened. Like, I was going on dates, I was yeah, I was trying, but I wasn't like forcing anything or seeking it out, and meeting him truly just happened like so randomly. And so I think that's always funny to me to look back on. And he for sure exceeded my expectations and with Colton, and like probably he's different than what I thought I would end up with in a way, too, which is fun. Um, but I think in all of that, like it doesn't fill you, like it can't fill you, you know, like no matter what it is you're praying for, it will not fill you. Like God has to be the only thing. And we talked about this last night, um, with his again, with his mental skills guy. He asked him a question, like, uh, I'll be happy when. And it's supposed to make you think like, I'll be happy when, what, you know, and Colton's like, uh, I'll be happy when like I retire and I've you know made a good money, made good life, and like we can like settle down. And the guy's like, okay, I get it, but like, how about right now? No, and it's yeah, and I so we talked about it, and you know, and I'm like, yeah, there lit you literally cannot, that cannot be anything that um fills your cup, and like that you think, okay, I'll be happy when I get this dream because well let let us tell you we got the dream, yeah, and then you there's so many other things going on that you want to happen again. And it's like we're just human, we want more, we're greedy, we're like, you know, we feel like naturally um climbing the ladder, and so yeah, I think it's important to like guard your heart in that way too, of like Jesus is the only thing that is gonna satisfy you. And if you can get that right now, then you know, in the future you'll be able to kind of handle things with a different perspective.

SPEAKER_01 20:22

That's so good. I love that it says, you know, the missing rib kind of thing. And I'm like, it's a rib, it's not like you're missing your whole body, you know what I mean? It's like it's not like you're missing the thing. Like, obviously, like so much of marriage and and dating and all this stuff, it's like when you find your personal, obviously that's like a next step in you know, the kingdom. But it's like it like you said, like I think that's so good, and it's gonna literally like give revelation to so many girls and guys is like it can't fill you. It can, it can, you know, bring me some expectations, bring you joy, like it's gonna be more than you could ever imagine, but you can't be like, I'm gonna be happy when I meet my person because a person's not gonna give you all the happiness you need. It's like you have to be the person you want to be before you get into that relationship.

SPEAKER_02 21:13

For sure. And I think I had those lists, you know, and then I I kind of like tore it up because I'm like, okay, I'm so focused on who this person is gonna be and what I want him to be. Like, who am I? Like, I need to work on myself first, you know. And I think too, it's like you I had to, and I I had like not a perfect dating history if we're gonna talk about all that. But like I um oh, where was I going with that? Shoot. Oh, I had to be in the right place with my heart to recognize like Colton was who God had for me and like who a godly man is, you know. Cause I think sometimes we can chase the wrong things and we can build things up to things they're not, whether that's a boy or a job or whatever. And I had to be like spiritually ready, you know, and in the place to be like, okay, like, does this guy exemplify Christ? Like, am I ready to like step into that kind of commitment and all those things that go into a relationship? But yeah.

SPEAKER_01 22:29

No, that's so good. So good. It's like I do the same thing. I, you know, I have I have the list, and a while back God was like, okay, here's your list you've made. Now become that. Like I've made a list for a man, but it's like he's like, I want you to fulfill all this so that when he meets you, you meet his list. Yeah. And it's like, well, yeah, I want to be that I want to be that person that you know exceeds his his expectations. So I think that's so encouraging and can encourage so many other people of like we just idle, we can idolize it. We really can, and we can put it on this pedestal. I feel like, especially girls, I think it's just our tendency that we want to be, you know, loved and and have the cute, all the cute stuff. And but it's like it's real stuff, and you have to realize that you're dealing with real feelings, real people, real emotions, and it's like if you don't know who you are before you meet someone, it's like that's not gonna make you who you are. Right.

SPEAKER_02 23:26

Yeah, and you're you're gonna be imperfect regardless of your life, you know. Like you can put whatever you want on that thing, but at the end of a whole other story, yeah. At the end of the day, like if two believers are following Christ and come together, like that's all you need.

SPEAKER_01 23:44

Yeah, it really is.

SPEAKER_02 23:45

And like obviously you need attraction.

SPEAKER_01 23:48

Right. We don't need to like, you know, it just because he's you know, I always say this, just because he's a man of God doesn't mean he's your man of God. No, no, no. Yeah, like like you know, the devil's not gonna tempt you if if he knows you're after a man of God, he ain't gonna tempt you as someone that's you know out doing the complete opposite. He's gonna bring you what looks like to be a man of God, and he might be a really good man of God, but it doesn't mean it's your man of God. You heard that one?

SPEAKER_02 24:14

Right. I think my biggest thing with Colton too was like I never struggled with peace. I feel like in every other relationship, I was constantly talking to my friends, or in my head, like, well, I like him, but there's this. Or, you know, you just you just constantly like your mind's going. And I never felt that way with him. Like I just felt like uh secure. And I think part of that was just the way he pursued me too, of being so consistent and not love bombing you, but like letting you know how he felt through his actions and um just the way he like lived and treated people and stuff like that. I just felt at ease, and I think that was like the feeling I needed all along.

SPEAKER_01 25:03

Wow, you know, that's so amazing and so encouraging, and it's like I feel like so many people ask, like, how do you know it's the one? How do you know? And I'm like, I think that's the answer, like the piece.

SPEAKER_02 25:16

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 25:17

And it's it's so yeah. Go ahead. Oh no, I just I think it's it's so uh real because I think we've all been in relationships where it's like you're constantly anxious and you're constantly again climbing that ladder of like, well, if we can go on this date or if we can do that, or we can do this, maybe it'll get better, and I'll put the band-aid and I'll hide it. And it's like, no, like God is on a god of confusion. So if you have confusion about this person, like it's probably not the one, you know. It's like so. I think it's so encouraging, and it's gonna be so encouraging for other girls um to know, like, you're supposed to feel peace. Like God is gonna give you peace. Confusion is not from God, so no, I just love that. I'm so happy for you. I think this world of I don't even like the word dating. I'm like, I watch all the memes and it's like we don't need to date, we can just talk at the altar, and it's like I mean, wait, tell him how long your like turnaround was. So you met him when, and you got you've had a unique situation, which I think is so commendable. So I want you to share it.

SPEAKER_02 26:23

Well, this is probably gonna rock some people's world, but no, like I no, we're coming up on two years of knowing each other, like of first meeting. Like we met All-Star Break 2024, and we're approaching All-Star Break of 2026, which is wild. But we've been married for six months, so we're like, it was fast, but in the grand scheme of things, it did not feel fast to us. So we met in July, like I said, in my living room. Um yeah, kind of went on like a double date, a little breakfast date, and I told him, I was like, look, we're not gonna talk every day. Like, I'll get to know you, but like I'm not in a rush, you know. And that quickly changed because I just enjoyed talking to him. Like he made me laugh. He we would play those like card games where like you ask questions to get to know each other. So we were getting to know each other quickly, and like it was it was fun and it was developing. And um basically started dating, I think like September 1st after like a month, and then dated that whole year, um, and then September like 27th or 8th last year in New York, he proposed um the last game of the series, and in Central Park, he like ran straight off a bus, and I was like, I was with some girlfriends, and you know, they had tried to like trick me that we were just going to dinner, and yeah, yada yada. He ended up being in the park, and we were walking through, and I got proposed to in front of like all these people, random people, random people, which was fun, and then we ended up going on like a little dinner date that night, which is so special. Um, side note, but I think I always wanted people there. You know, I wanted a party and I wanted to celebrate with people, but the most special thing ever was just like him and I going to dinner that night and being like able to talk about it and like be in the moment, you know, with just each other. So think about that. But maybe have the party the next day, yeah, yeah. And we had it like I think uh two weeks later or something like that. Yeah, that's perfect. It was good, but um, yeah, and then we anyways kind of backtracking, had talked about like we knew we were getting married or wanted to get married, um, but we talked about the timeline, and we were trying to do this in the right way. Like we were we didn't want to live together before we were married, we were trying to be pure, and that's hard. So we were like, okay, can we do another baseball season apart? No, no, and we we were like, no, like I I think we should get married before next baseball season. So we started premarital counseling with a baseball chaplain and his wife who had mentored us um separately and did went through all of that, and they're like, you guys are ready, like just do it, it's gonna honor God, like you know, just do it. And I think um looking back now, like I was nervous of you know, kind of how that would be perceived, but I didn't care at the same time because I was like, I know we're making this choice, honor the Lord, and I am so happy that we did that because I cannot imagine me being in Dallas, like flying to him every so often to see him. Like, I love being with him and I love just getting to like do life together, and like we did it in the most intimate way, you know. Like we went to Hawaii, we had our parents there, we got married with that chaplain I was talking about, and the day just got to be about that, you know, it wasn't about the big shebang, which we are having in December because um, yeah, we want all of our family to be able to be there and celebrate too. But um, I'm like looking back now, I'm like, God definitely bless that, and I made the right decision, and I don't regret how fast it moved, and it and it just doesn't feel fast to us. It felt perfect.

SPEAKER_01 30:47

So long range, but no, I literally love that, and I think it again, all the things you're saying are just so encouraging, and it's I feel like it's it's weird, you know, you have to break the norm. And like for us as Christians, it's it's kind of normal, you know. Like it's like the Bible doesn't really talk about dating, so it's kind of a gray area for a lot of people, and so you kind of get confused and you're like, well, how fast should I move, or how slow? Is this too soon? Is this too fast? Whatever it is. And it's like my mom always says, you know, if there wasn't Instagram, we'd all be getting married faster. And it's like, but people want to plan these huge, ginormous weddings, and then at the end of the day, you're like, wait, I just want to be with you, you know? It's like, and it's honestly like our relationship with God. It's like we think we have to do all these things to get him, and it's like he just wants you in your living room, face down, crying, and that's it. Like, you know, he just wants your presence, and so I think it's so moving that it's like you broke the norm, and you're like, I am okay that people might think this is whatever, but I'm gonna do it because I know it serves God and it serves me as like the right thing. Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 32:01

I think I had voices too, like that just kind of tried to like encourage keeping it more of a secret. Like, yeah, you can do it, just like keep it a secret, you know. And I'm like, no, this is like this is the like a testament to what we believe and to Jesus. Like I was like, I can't keep that a secret when I know it's honoring him. Like, who cares what people think? Like, I didn't really care if anybody thought I was like weird or what they wanted to think. I was like, like you said, we in our culture, it's like we we put it off because we gotta plan a big wedding and do that whole do that whole thing when really it's like we could have a you know a year together extra and being married, which is so sweet, and like without all that. Um and of course we anyways, I'm going on a tangent. I'm like, of course we're gonna celebrate in a big way with everybody too, because like it's important to us. But the more important thing is that we did it the right way and that we like were trying to put God first.

SPEAKER_01 33:15

Yeah, so good. It's it's hard, and I think I think that's something that a lot of Christians struggle with, but it's at the same time you have the awareness of like it doesn't matter what people think again, it's like we have one judge, and when I get to heaven, I would like God to say, good job. You know, it's like and you think back to those big pivotal moments of like, well, do we do we risk going another year and possibly falling into temptation and sin? And I think the big factor is having the fear of the Lord because you could have easily been like, no, just you know, kind of just move on with life and and do it later and do it kind of how the normal is, but it's like having the fear of the Lord that if I don't do it the right way or I don't do what God said, then I might have to face the world the consequence for it. And it's like, you know, I think that's a huge factor that we forget when we're making big life decisions like that one. It's like God will will kind of humble you after you take say, no, I've got this, God.

SPEAKER_02 34:15

Yeah, yeah. And I I had a I've always had a really big conviction with purity, and yeah, we I've never done it perfectly, but that's the thing that pulls me away from God. Like I feel it, I'm like, I it's not guilt, it's just that you know you're sinning. You know, you're like, you know that this hurts his heart, and so then it was just coming in between our relationship. And I'm like, I cannot try to do this for another year. Like, I I just can't, you know, and like we're human, like we're so we're we give into those temptations too much, and like I'm not afraid to say I'm I'm not perfect because I'm like he redeems and like he doesn't just look at you as like trash, you know, like right, you know, he I think he mistakes don't define you, right? Right. Um, but I think he sees your heart and like trying to put him first and trying to pursue the things that make him happy, and so he blessed that, you know. Um but yeah, I mean I also think too, like as a like not a warning, but like a caution, like you we moved fast in a very, I feel like in a prayerful way with community and with you know family and friends affirming it. But I think sometimes people like to keep it private and not let community in. And like that is what I think made me so you know reassured that this was the right choice too, is like we had our people that really mattered around us encouraging us, and they were they were there for it, you know. They were like, Yes, you should do that, but I do think that's so important because you could get wrap wrapped up in things um and trying to like push things to be too fast, and I think that that's like super vital in your relationship.

SPEAKER_01 36:30

I agree. The community part and everything when you're making decisions in this life and decisions in life, it's like if you don't have a community, you don't have a like to me, you don't have a backbone, you know? It's like I need that backbone. If you don't have a community, you're isolated, and then and that's what the devil wants. And so I think that's huge of what you're saying is like you spent the time and you put in the effort to make sure this was the right decision, and ultimately you listen to God, you know, it's like God affirmed your thoughts and your what you heard from God with your community. But if you don't have a community, it's like all the time I'll pray, I'll hear the Lord, and then He'll send my mom or He'll send this person to be like, Hey, we was thinking about you and heard this from the Lord, and I'm like, crazy, that's a confirmation. But it's like you have to be connected to the spirit and you know, you have to have a community of believers. Let's have that twisted. Let's have that twisted here. You don't just have a community, you have a Christian, sound community. Like you gotta you gotta be surrounded by the right people because I know you can testify to being surrounded by the wrong people, is just it can really hurt you, but for sure. For sure. I love that. Your love story is so beautiful. It's just it's it's just a testimony of of love and faith and just God's faithfulness, and I think it's something so talked about. You know, I saw Sadie Robertson post and she's like, My most viewed podcast episodes are when I talk about dating, and when I post dating, all of you guys answer, then I post something else, and it's like, where are you guys at? And it's like it's because so many people are just eager to know more in the waiting season, especially because they're like, I really want this, but I think the big thing that you said that stuck out is just that it won't fill you, like you're not gonna become something, like you're not gonna gain a crown when you get this man, you know? It's like you gotta figure out who you are before that, and and there's so much that God does in your singleness, it's such a blessing.

SPEAKER_02 38:29

Yeah, it really is, and it's like such a time to not, and it's hard to do this, but to not like wish it away because it's you mean you could be selfish, you gotta go spend your time how you want and like go after your dreams. You you don't have any, you know, anything like keeping you in one place, and I think that's like something I did struggle with was like just wanting to be to have a husband and be married so bad that it's like, oh wait, I need to like give up all that, yeah. No, no, yeah. You're like, wait, I actually don't unless it's the right person, you know. I'm like, right, how many months did I waste like talking to the wrong people just because I wanted that when really like yeah, it's not worth giving it up unless it's the right person, you know.

SPEAKER_01 39:23

Right. So good, so good. I hope everyone is feeling this word. It is so just touching, and I think we all needed it, and it's it gets to be a you almost become what's that word, like seizing in your belief. I you know what I mean. Like it's like you start believing for so long that you're like, God, do I even want it anymore? And so I think it's also just encouraging to hear stories of it happening because we're like, okay, there is a man of God that is out there. There's not just a man, it's a man of God that God has predestined you. It's not like he like I told someone the other day, I'm like, it's not like he just like that person has turned out to be pretty funny and cute and has a little bit of money, and this person seems like they'd be a good match. Let's put them together now. It's like, no, like he knitted each person in their womb to eventually one day meet each other and spend their life together. It's like this is a predestined or a you know, something that he's already decided is gonna happen in your life. This is part of his will.

SPEAKER_03 40:26

Mm-hmm.

SPEAKER_02 40:27

So it's so sweet. And I mean, if you're like in a season of singleness, like keep praying for it. Like, I think God wants us to come to him with our prayers, you know, and to be honest and open, even if even if you're in a period of like, this sucks. Like be honest with God because I think that's yeah, and it's what brings you closer to him and like strengthens your dependency on God, which is the point, you know. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 40:57

Well, disclaimer this episode was not supposed to be on dating, it kind of just happened. So if you like think we like pre-planned this to be about dating, we didn't. So this is what the Lord wants you to hear. Yeah, I love that. So um I did have a question for you, and we kind of talked about it earlier, earlier, you know. Um, it was really cool to watch you kind of stand up for yourself um during this year, during something when something happened. And you know, they kind of showed it on the show. Um, but when you came and filled in for Reese, um and you know, you experienced some unfortunate like comments and this and whatever it is, and it's like I think I know you. I know it doesn't like affect you as it would affect a normal person, like that has no, you know, trust in God and like knows your worth truly, but I do want to ask you kind of how you dealt with that because I think this could be more informational and encouraging to people rather than like giving the credit to them, you know? Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 41:59

Um so basically, like if you don't know what she's alluding to, it's like I filled in on DCC for Reese this year um at two games, and it was filmed by some fan who posted it. It's like a harmless post, I guess. Just a zoomed-in video of me dancing. And then I probably wrongly opened up the comments and right. We know we Yeah, we should never do that. We should never do that. Um, and I just saw people debating like my body and like how like some people like defending me and some people being like, how did they let her on the field? Like, you know, just uh comments every which way. And normally I wouldn't have posted or like engaged with it, but I just I had like a tug on my heart to like speak on it, and I think that's because I spent so much time um working through that and struggling with it on the team, and I knew I was like, I know some girl is gonna see this and think, like, oh, we kind of are the same size, or I I don't want people to say that about me, like, and just spiral. And I know I knew it could be a trigger for a lot of people, and thankfully, God had me in a place where it wasn't triggering me anymore. It was like, okay, this is just like stupid. Like, why do we feel the need to talk about these things? And there's so much more to a person, and like it just shouldn't be debated in general. But um, I spoke on it on my TikTok, and and I think it's important because you uh I s I wasted a lot of time um worrying about how I looked on the team and like walking in to the locker room and just immediately being put in a bad mood some days because I would look at myself in the mirror and not be happy with what I saw. And I knew, you know, when I walked out in front of a hundred thousand people that it was being reaffirmed because I would see the comments, you know, and you're like, oh, it's true. Because I think it too. And now people are calling it out. But I think what I struggled with was like, I took care of my body. I ate well. I exercised. I was strong. Um, and my body just doesn't look how a lot of people's looked, you know, and like just naturally. I don't, I don't really know. Which it looked great. Thanks. I mean, it does it. No, it's not, it's not, but I think like you compare yourself and you get frustrated, and um, it was out of my control in that way, which is what was like upsetting me all the time. Um but I I always say this, but I had a friend tell me like you need to walk into the locker room and just not be concerned so concerned with yourself. Like, go talk to your friends, go ask them about their day, see how you can serve other people, and it's what helped me shift my mindset from myself to others, and it helped heal that because I wasn't like so focused on me. Um, but yeah, and then I just I think I put something out there because I'm like, hey, like I've worked through this, I know it's gonna come across some person who is gonna maybe not even a dancer who is gonna make her spiral because she thinks she's not pretty enough or skinny enough. And I want to say something because I think it's you know important. Um, and I I hope that through that people also heard like you're more than your body and your worth is not in that, is it in Christ and Christ only, and you're perfectly made. Yeah. But yeah, so no, that's so good.

SPEAKER_01 46:04

And I remember watching it and I was just like so proud of you because I'm just like you can you have a few options what to do with that, and you made such a good you know decision to just stand up because that shows that you're also like healed to me. Like that video was very like I'm healed, but I'm here to help, you know, like help let me help someone walking through this season. Um from what I've experienced, and I think that's kind of really a good example of like how the Lord turns everything for our good. It's like it hurts for a moment, you go through something, and then it's like he gives you the platform to share your testimony, and so you got to do that, and I think it was really beautiful um to watch, and I'm sure it was you know rewarding for you to kind of be like, hey, like I got to use my voice and and say these things, and I hope you know it touched girls out there.

SPEAKER_02 46:55

Yeah, absolutely. And I I had like um someone in our life, our family friend really close who struggled with that when they were like our age, and it affected them a lot in the f in their adulthood. Um how you treat your body, and like basically ended up dying of cancer who and it came back twice. It was all those things that they said were caused by the harm she did when she was younger. And so I've always also been hugely, you know, like against all those things, like the things that you want to do to yourself because you think you're not good enough. Like I think it needs to be told that how it can affect you in the future to really make you think too, like, is this worth it? Because I would never want that to happen to like a friend or to me again, you know, like it's just it's such a touchy thing, but yeah, like you said, I mean, everything is meant to be a testimony, like every struggle, and if that's fine, then I'll use it, you know.

SPEAKER_01 48:07

Right. That's so good. And it's like our bodies are made, not made for how they look, but how we feel, and it's like it's a matter if you feel good, then you look good, you know what I mean? And that that's what I've always told myself. If I'm feeling my body and I'm treating it as a temple and honoring God with it, like that doesn't mean you can go eat all the junk in the world. Like, no, you should honor your body and treat it like a temple. Like, you're not gonna go sit in church barefoot with mud on your feet and eat a cheeseburger. Well, I hope you don't, but like it's like it's a temple and it's a place that's sacred, and you should treat it like you would treat, you know, and honor Jesus. So I think that's a good way to like, you know, spirit not I mean spiritualize it overall and just say, hey, like this is serious matters because again, it's your health. And yeah, I'm glad you kind of mentioned that because I think there's not enough fear installed in us, instilled in us, um, and we kind of just think it's fun and playful for a short time, and then you're like, whoa, this actually like impacts me. Yeah, yeah. I mean, more than you think.

SPEAKER_02 49:13

And I uh my last like tidbit on that, I think about actually, you know what? Kelly Finglass is the one who said this to me. I don't know why. She was just like giving us all advice, and she was like, Okay, if your daughter were to follow you around all day, would you be proud of what she is seeing? That's so that is such a good thing to think about and like just sit on. And I think about that too, like, okay, she's gonna hear what I'm saying to myself. I really got I have to like, and I'm still working through that, but just I really have to be conscious of what I say to myself because I think in the tongue power, the tongue holds the power of life and death, and what you speak to yourself, like you're speaking life or death over you, and then think about who's around you when you say those things, and I don't want that to come out when I have a child a child, you know. I want yeah, them him or her to be able to say, like, my mom always speaks life over her and over me, you know.

SPEAKER_01 50:24

Wow, that is so good. I love that, and I think that really helps put into perspective because one day that's gonna happen, but also it's every day. God is listening to every thought, and you know, like you said, it's like when someone listens in all those thoughts, they're gonna think like you know, wow, or wow, like uh negative connotation, and it's like you don't want to tell the person that created you that he didn't do a good enough job, and and he created us so perfect, and we're all so beautiful. Um, and he he doesn't make mistakes, and so if you think you, you know, you're not as perfect as the person next to you, it's not true, and it's just that he creates us uniquely and that we're all created so differently. Um but it's just beautiful to see. I love seeing the differences in all of us, and that he's so intentional to make little things so different, and it that's what makes you stand out. So definitely I feel like we've talked for like 10 minutes, but it's been a lot more than 10 minutes. Um so encouraged, so just moved and touched, and I think it's been so informational. Um, but you you know, I ask all my guests kind of what's the last you know, tidbit of advice or something that the Lord has been really working through that you want to share with the audience today? Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 51:37

Um so many things. And we could talk for days, literally. Literally. I I think new things happen all the time. I'm I've struggled with like anxiety over like health right lately. Just um, yeah, things around me. And so I am really having to surrender like things that I can't control and just that he holds the key to everything. And I um, you know, it's like you don't add an hour to your life with worrying. So I think just like being able to surrender that and then at the same time or in another breath, I guess another piece of advice would be just to be where your feet are. I know you hear it all the time, and going back to the very beginning topic, like your mission field is where you're at now. Um, even if you are wanting and wishing to be somewhere else, like now is what matters. So um just like look around you and be present, and and I'm trying to be more, you know, bold about sharing Jesus just where I'm at. So yeah.

SPEAKER_01 52:56

So good, so good. We are so grateful. Um, I just you know it it always just amazes me the testimonies that come on here, and it's cool to see how they touch people so differently, um, and just how the Lord kind of weaves in. Because like I said, I don't really prepare like questions because I don't want to get in the way of the Holy Spirit. And so I I reiterate this so that the audience knows like whatever is said on these podcasts is meant for who's watching it, truly, because you know, I just truly want to lead by the Holy Spirit and what he wants this podcast to be and not what I want it to be. Um, but thank you again. And before we leave, you know, I always ask the guests to pray for us. So would you mind praying for everyone watching and just bless it?

SPEAKER_02 53:43

Yes, absolutely. Okay. Dear Lord, thank you so much for this time that we've had together to talk about you and talk about all of the great things that you're doing in our life. Um, and I pray that, like Sophia said, you would just take this to the ears that need to hear it and um plant a seed in their hearts. And I pray that you would just continue to work through us um and speak through us, God, so that your message is heard and pray that we would all just be lights in the world and that we would use every day uh as an opportunity to love on others and love you more. So I pray that you bless everyone in their week ahead. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

SPEAKER_01 54:28

Amen. Well, thank you guys for coming back for another episode, and thank you, Claire, um, for sharing your heart and just being such a light. So we thank you and thank you for watching. Yay! So fun. Love you guys. Before you go, like I said, I want to give the opportunity um to give your life to Christ at the end of each video. Um, like it says in Romans 10 9, it says, if you declare with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Um I know I was personally really touched by this episode and that if you have not put your um hope, your trust, and given your life to Jesus, um, I'm giving you the opportunity right now. So I invite you to say this prayer if that is you and the decision you want to make today. Um so just repeat after me. Dear Jesus, I believe that you are the Son of God, that you gave your life for me and you rose from the dead. Forgive me of my sin. Come be my Savior, come be my Lord, and fill me with your Holy Spirit from this day forward. I am yours. In Jesus' name, amen. I am so proud of you if you made that decision today. Um it always, you know, it says in the Bible that heaven is rejoicing. Um, so I know God is looking down and is so, so proud of you. Um, I don't want you to walk this journey alone. So be sure to come on my YouTube or send me a message, and I really hope I can connect and hear your testimony. But thank you guys again for coming back for another episode, and I will see you guys next time in two weeks.