Details
My name is Chelsea Mendez and I am 28 years old. I was born in Paris, TX on May 14th, 1991. I have green eyes and am 5 foot 4 inches tall - 115 lbs. I'm married to Joey Mendez and we have three children - Emmalynn, Amelia, and Isaac. We live in Mabank, Texas, both work full-time jobs, are actively involved in our church where my Father-in-law is the pastor. We are youth leaders, we own our home, and feel very blessed with this sweet life.
Details.
I struggle with small talk and I am overly critical of myself. I'm not a huge cuddler. I don't like cheese. I want another baby but can't have one. I love board games and laughing and the color teal a little too much. When I'm scared, I cry. When I'm uncomfortable, I often laugh. When I get a little hyper and I'm with my people, my laugh gets a little obnoxious, I'm aware. I listen to Christmas music year-round and I have zero rhythm. ZERO. I watch Disney movies with or without my children, and the Mary Poppins soundtrack is my regular jam.
Details.
There are deep wounds inside of me that may never fully heal. There is a pain in my past that I don't talk about often. I like friendly competition, the feel of a tangible Heavenly presence in a room of worshipers, and the safety of my head on my husband's chest after a long, hard day.
Details.
There's a girl that works in the drive-thru of a local pizza shop that reminds me of my sister, Brandi. Her mannerisms, her smile, and the way she talks brings me to tears. Brandi died in a drunk-driving accident when I was 15 years old…and every time I get the opportunity to be reminded of her sweet spirit, I thank Jesus with tears in my eyes. *I know that girl thinks I'm insane.*
Details.
My husband and I, as a team, work hard every day to break the generational curses that lasted for generations before us. Homes of dysfunction, chaos, violence, alcohol, and sometimes even terror. Our children are raised in a home where they're loved fiercely, provided for, snuggled, kissed, prayed over, dragged to church, occasionally spanked, and dedicated to The Father. We work hard.
Details.
I'm corny like my mother, I hate confrontation, I doubt myself every day, and am as proud as the day is long. (Jesus is working hard on me.)
To you, these may just be details. Maybe you wanted them, maybe you didn't…but they're just details.
Maybe you relate to me, and maybe we're entirely different. But the beauty is that even if you don't like me, that's okay. And if you think I'm awesome, well…that's great, too. Even if you come with an entirely different story, different mistakes, different struggles, and different strengths, that's okay. Because our Creator, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8) created us both. From day one He knew who you would be, and he knew who I would be. (Psa. 139:13)
My prayer this month is that we're not so distracted by the details. I may not be your cup of tea, our personalities may force us to work a little harder, and we may not talk as often as we do with other people, but we are one body. Join me this month in trying to bridge those gaps and maintain blood flow in the body. Join me this month in working hard to love on people you normally wouldn't reach. Hug if you're not a hugger, listen if you tend to talk more than listen, apologize when you're wrong (and sometimes even when you're right), seek unity, forgive freely, and set yourself aside.
"I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love." - Ephesians 4:1-2
I believe Lauren Daigle said it best: "I think the second we start drawing lines around which people can be approached and which aren't, we've already completely missed the heart of God."
I don't want that for you and I don't want that for me. We are called to move out into the world around us and love people. Will we fall short? Yes. Will we get it right every single time? Absolutely not. But if love is the goal and the cry of our hearts, we are reaching into the heart of God. When our hearts are beating for what HIS heart beats for, PEOPLE, then and only then will truly be bringing Him glory.
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things." - Philippians 4:8
As always, thank you for meeting me where I am and allowing me to share my heart.
#Gpdoneonpurpose
