Inspirational Profile: Elizabeth Rohr

I move away from Virginia in three days. 

THREE. DAYS.

Three days from now I'll be standing in the Richmond International Airport security line probably sobbing my eyes out as I wave goodbye to two of my dearest friends. 

Three days and I have to say goodbye to someone who has blessed me more than I think she could ever realize.

This someone is named Elizabeth Rohr. 

I, and many of our other friends, often call her "Rohr." Not only because there are about 123418237921 other Elizabeth's at Regent University but because it fits her personality completely. 


Her name is prophetic. 
Her name describes a huge part of her being. 

How so? She Roars. 

She's someone who would perfectly fit the shoes of a lawyer, yet instead she chose to give a voice to the voiceless in a more gentle and nurturing kind of way.


She has chosen the humble life of a teacher. 

A profession that helps the younger generation develop their own sweet voices to be heard in a bitter, cold world.

Her desire to enter a world where ministry is found in everyday living and every-moment examples inspires me. 

Her passion to vocalize whats right and to teach others to do the same encourages me to stand up for justice and equality. 

Her ferocious loyalty in her relationships encourages me to love larger and longer.

Dearest Rohr, dearest friend. I am so inspired by your steadfastness and strength. Thank you for being a wonderful friend to me these past two years. I look forward to the years to come, faithful friend. 

I love you to the moon and back.

Love, Han

P.S. 
Remember one of the first times we hung out and had a photo shoot in the snow with my new fancy camera? Yeah, thought those were worth pulling out again. You're welcome ;)

 

Inspirational Profile: Laura Fisher

There are few people in this life who can make you smile in almost any circumstance.

My dear dear friend and former roommate Laura is one of those exceptional people. 

This gem wasn't supposed to be in my life, but I'm so glad that changed.

Through a variety of circumstances we were placed together as roommates and it reminds me so much of how the Lord knows more about ourselves than we do because she was and still is such an incredible blessing to my heart.

Her joy and pure spirit are so incredible and the beauty of her content heart and simple being takes your breath away. 

She was such an answer to prayer for me. Her constant gentle strength in my everyday life was exactly what I needed and the Lord knew that. He knew my needs before I even did. He knew I needed Laura and her heartfelt conversations, hugs, and endless laughter. 

Laura sees through it all and still loves you despite your obvious faults (I mean, we shared a studio dorm, you don't get much closer than that...literally). 
She always looks for the best in people and patiently waits for you to see it too.

She is constantly in pursuit of the Lover of her soul. I would wake up almost every morning to her sitting in our little papasan chair diving into the word and letting the Lord take her on an adventure and captivate her heart.

Laura, in short, you inspire me. You love like Jesus and live like Jesus because you love and live Jesus. Even in the simplest of ways--which is really what counts.

I am so thankful you are a part of my life and know that you mean the world to me.

I love and miss you dearly my friend. Thank you for being you. <3

Love, 
Hanna 

Inspirational Profile: Emily Kooiman

There are not enough words to express the beauty of Miss Emily...

because pictures are worth a thousand words, here's another one to help prove my point: 

It's been snowing in Virginia a lot lately. 
In fact, the entire east coast is currently hibernating under a blanket of silent white. 

It's caused several days of school cancellation which means--for us dorm-residing folk at least--lots of friends and lots of procrastination. 

It also means lots of time to sit and think, and in the past few days  I've spent many hours with my dear friend Emily, and I've been so incredibly inspired by her. 

Her beauty, kind heart, and genuine longing and love for God has left me breathless. 

She carries such a joy with her where ever she goes. Which is a huge testament to the trials her Father has carried her through over the years. 

Emily has every reason to not feel joy. She has every reason to sit in bitterness continually asking why. 

But that's not her heart.
Instead she has chosen joy, so much so that her heart sings with joy.

Instead of staying in the place of asking why she has moved forward in healing, restoration and wholeness. 

 Emily has chosen Jesus over the questions and joy over confusion.   
Out of a firm knowledge of her true identity in Christ she has chosen to dance for the Father and ask others to join alongside her. 

Emily, my dearest friend, you inspire me to choose joy. You inspire me to dance, sing and praise God not because life is good but because He is good. You have been such an incredible support to me this past year and so much fun and such a joy to be around--which is exactly what I've needed. 
You love so well, care so well, and really embrace people fully for who they are.

In short, thank you friend for being so kind. Thank you for embracing me, welcoming me and loving me so well. Thank you for inviting me to rest in Jesus through your confidence in your identity in Him. 

But most of all, thank you Emily, for inspiring me to choose joy. 

I love you, dear friend. 

Love, 
Hanna


   

  

 
  

First Inspirational Profile: Beth "Gilly" Young

I step into her home, instantly noticing the dancing sun rays streaming from her bedside window and the rays of light streaming from her incredible smile--her studio-sized room may be small but there's so much room to be yourself you don't even notice it.

"The Undoing" by Steffany Gretzinger is playing in the background and my heart is instantly at peace. She cuts up a fresh pineapple (my favorite fruit) and begins to cut into my heart with deep and much needed questions. She shares about her life...

Mississippi born and raised.
  
No wonder she brings sunshine where ever she goes. 

But she's Chicago dreaming.

Allowing the wind of Holy Spirit to take her to the Windy City.
  
Contagious smile, glorious laugh. 

She's the embodiment of love. 

 It's midnight and I just got back to my dorm room...typical. 
As I walked into my dorm building tonight, I saw that the RA had an adorable smiley-face mug full of steaming tea. I commented on it and she replied, "Thanks! Gilly brought it to me"...also typical. 

Beth talks like Jesus, walks like Jesus but most importantly loves like Jesus. 
She's one of those amazing folk who show true acts of kindness but rarely receive the honor they deserve.

So this is my small attempt to honor her because she more than deserves it. 

Beth is not only a spiritual mentor and friend, but one of my inspirations.

Her wise words, attentive ears and caring heart have inspired me to love Jesus simply because I breathe and because I can. 

 
  



























Her passion for her passions (including film, her current major and future career) cause you to sit and ask yourself why you do what you do; to evaluate the passions you've been given and ask if you're really fully embracing the gifts the Lord has given you--if you're really giving them back to Him. 

She's currently working on a feature-film, and told me the students working on the set including herself, have taken the challenge to be Jesus in attitude, kindness and professionalism. They've chosen to be the face of Jesus on in a context that is full of unbelievers...to take on the challenge of living out their faith in their profession and passion. 

The question I have is, how could you look into those twinkling eyes and not see Jesus?! 

My apologies for the blurry picture, I was laughing with her :)

Gilly, in short I want to thank you for being an inspiration to me. 

Thank you, for genuinely loving--for loving how you told me to love; not how the church too often "loves" but how Jesus loves--loving so authentic it hurts but never expecting anything in return. 

Thank you, for challenging me to give back my passions to Jesus. 

Thank you, for asking the hard questions and being able to handle and embrace the even harder answers.

Thank you, for being you, and for Speaking Life into my heart. 

I love you, friend. 

Love, Hanna