Aggies in the Outfield.

Well, what I'm about to get to tell you about makes me so excited because I get to tell you of specific stories of the Lord's faithfulness. I know most days this blog becomes an outlet for how the Lord is specifically growing me. The hope is that those who read will know that if He's moving mountains like these in my own stubborn heart, He's doing immeasurably more in the hearts and lives of those of this church, city, and world. Because of sensitive subject matter and for the privacy of those we're in contact with, unfortunately a lot of those cannot be shared openly online. If you are ever interested in hearing specific stories though, please do not hesitate to contact me! I love sharing stories of God's faithfulness and impact around me. 

This summer I was given the opportunity to help coach a softball team with an organization called RBI Austin (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities). What a season! We were the fightin' Texas Aggies (whoop)! Not only did we go to the championship game, but we saw victories won in these girls' hearts. This organization exists to, yes, coach the games of baseball/softball, but more importantly to teach these kids valuable lessons of who they are, who they can be, and above all who Christ is.

Each week was filled with practices and games that challenged our girls in their abilities, but ultimately created "teachable" moments every step of the way. These are the faces of girls who went from feeling inadequate, to hopefully beginning to see their true value. Conversations often started with healthy discipline, but ended in lessons like recognizing the value of words and our impact on others, and why we choose to love others in this way and Who we ultimately serve. Seeds planted, constantly. We, as coaches, were held accountable to steadfastly pursuing our girls each week and being dependable to make practices and games. With everything that we put into this season, we tried to show these girls the love of Jesus through all the ways we loved them. The goal of RBI is not to simply coach softball, but to continue to pursue our girls throughout the year as examples of their Savior Who is constantly pursuing them.

12+ games.

Weekly practices.

Clinic with Cat Osterman (former UT and US National team pitcher).

Attending Round Rock Express and Houston Astros games.

Playoffs and championship game. 

Forgetting where home plate is because it's covered in dirt.

Having to learn which way to stand in the batters' box in the middle of the game.
Sitting on the bench when we aren't respectful, even if no one's there to fill our position in the field.

Always making sure our gloves are on the correct hand. 

Not working hard in in practice (when it doesn't technically "count") means others play our position (when it does).

Not playing in certain positions because we selfishly begged for them, rather than trusting our coach to make the best game plan (hello, lesson for my own heart).

Rotating positions to let others get more playing time (because winning isn't everything).

Chewing bubble gum until our jaws hurt.

And having lots of fun!

We played hard, and we learned a ton. But most importantly, my prayer is that they would know that they are wholly and dearly loved, and that their value is not found in school, parents, friends, or even the game of softball. I am already looking forward to next year, dreaming of goals and ways we can powerfully share Christ with these girls. They are each a beautiful picture of us, our Father's beloved kids.

Check out the RBI video!