Page 43 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2018 - Online Magazine

and that is where that my Papa has had has influenced
he has chosen to and shaped him into the man of
place himself. God he is today. When talking to me
one time, he claimed that God had
Writing this, I placed so many experiences in his
understand that life that he had no idea what would
I was not alive come in handy later down the road.
for the majority That is how I look at his adventures
of his life, so one in view of my own life. They have
might wonder shaped him into who he is today,
how it could have and he has used those lessons and
impacted me so experiences to nurture and pour into
much? The truth my life, along with all our family, as
Lubbock. is, I know it made well as many strangers he has met
a huge difference to all the people along the way. Papa has taught me
My Papa has some incredible stories whom he personally encountered. how to be selfless, how truly to love
of amazing adventures, but his Through all his travels, one of his with abandon, how to be authentic
career path has not always been easy main roles was that of counselor and and present wherever you are. He
or comfortable. It has often been teacher. He taught and connected has taught me how to be tough
difficult, either physically and/or with people deeply and genuinely, and to persevere in difficult times,
financially, but one thing my Papa and he learned how to help selflessly how to have faith and trust in God,
has told me is that, even with all wherever he could. Most of these how to care and have compassion
the struggles, he would not want to events happened years ago, but my for others. He has taught me how
change any of it. Many opportunities mom and I still come into contact to mourn, how to laugh, and how
were available which could have with people today who, once to have complete joy in the Lord.
kept him financially stable and realizing our connection to Papa, tell Papa loves those around him with a
comfortable, but numerous times, the story of how they would not be rare yet powerful love, and I am so
he chose the more difficult route, where they are today if it weren’t for thankful to have been blessed by it. I
the one which would better serve Papa. Having those conversations will forever be moved and impacted
people in need. My Papa’s constant always makes me all warm inside, to by my Papa. I love you, Pops! Thank
mindset and “theme” for his life has see the effect he has left on others. you for being you!
been to “find and help people in their
transitions and in their brokenness,” Every experience and adventure

Lubbock Christian

Article Submitted by
Lindsey Blackwood

Lindsey Blackwood is a senior at Lubbock Christian High School. She is
the Student Body Vice President and a member of the Varsity Volleyball,
Basketball, and Track teams, as well as a member of National Honor Society.
She is part of the Green Lawn Youth Group and enjoys spending time with
family and friends, traveling, and being outdoors. After graduation, Lindsey
will be attending Lubbock Christian University as a nursing major.

Lubbock Senior Link 43