Leah's Story
The closest of friends, on Leah's 19th birthday. That's my baby face on the left. Then, Leah, Sam and Brittany.I’ve tried to write about it for years, always scrapping it mid-way, overwhelmed with emotion, disappointed my words couldn’t do her justice, ashamed that I couldn’t find a way to express her impact, always finding myself tucking her story away for another day.And it came back to me when I least expected it. I was preparing to tell my story of AGvocacy, yet again. I’ve done it a countless number of times. I felt my passion and my presentation getting stale. I had to get back to my life’s purpose, why do I do what I do?I do it because life is too short not to stand up for what you believe in. Life is too short not to “be a light” to this world. Life is too short not to value people. Because in the end, the only thing that matters in life is people. Life is people.Leah taught me that.At 18 years old, Leah was living her dream, playing college basketball for a prominent NAIA team, when she was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. People from our hometown and around the country immediately rallied around her, following her story, cheering her on, and praying for her.She taught them all this verse,“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” –Deuteronomy 31:6
Leah and her dad, Dennis, at her sister's wedding. Taken just a couple of months before she went to Heaven.And she was strong and courageous, believing in God’s plan for her life, whatever that entailed, inspiring others to do the same. And it was nothing short of amazing. Leah had a short life, but she had a well-lived life. She made an impact on this world for Jesus. I was so proud to be one of her closest friends, and, through her example, found myself yearning to have an impactful life.This week, I am releasing my new Farm Faith Collection, a group of deeply meaningful, emotional and personal pieces that I photographed and designed in honor of Leah's genuine and heartfelt desire to change the world for Jesus.40% of all profits from this collection will be donated to Christ-centered ministries in Leah's name.
