A Bright Light

When I was 5 yrs young, I became absolutely fascinated with my neighbor’s deck of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders playing cards. One of the cheerleaders featured in that deck was Anita Jefferson. She stood out to me…she reminded me of sunshine😃.

Anita Jefferson

I dreamed of one day growing up to be like her. I have to stop here and say: God is so amazing! It is simply not a coincidence that 10 years later, when I was 15, God orchestrated for me to meet this amazing lady!  She owned Danceline Co. in Dallas, Texas where my high school drill team started attending camp and competition. There are many companies that offer dance camps/competitions in Texas, but thankfully our director picked Danceline!

Anita took me under her wing, and gave me a job as a dance instructor. She saw something in me that I certainly did not see in myself. Anita was such an awesome Christian role model…so positive and encouraging and vocal about her faith!  I remember being impressed by how she truly loved and encouraged all of the girls. She did so much more than drill routines and teach techniques of dance. Anita took the opportunity to speak life and hope into hundreds of impressionable young ladies, of which I was one!

Looking back, I’m truly amazed that as a little girl, I never could have dreamed that God would arrange my life to be mentored by her! And then in His perfect timing, I would see my dream come to pass of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.  

Anita stayed in touch with me, and while I was cheering she helped me tremendously by employing me as her precious daughter’s voice coach. She was always so kind, generous, positive, hilariously funny, and encouraging. From her I learned:

• Invest in people.
• Believe in people.
• Help them in their journey.
• See the best and speak it.
• Share God’s love and blessings.

At the time I loved and appreciated her, but today…I am overwhelmed with gratitude to her and my Heavenly Father! I’m blown away to look back and see all that He did through her!! She doesn’t just remind me of sunshine, she is SON-SHINE☀☀☀☀☀☀☀!

Me and Anita 🙂

Opportunities Around Us

We can be an “Anita” to people in our life, and we can also bless people we will most likely never see again.  Matthew 5:14-16 says,  “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

God has opened my eyes to see people around me that need His love.  There was a time that I didn’t see. Recently I met a waitress who was bubbly and sweet and showed no signs of a hurting heart, but God prompted me to ask her about her family.  It turned out that her oldest daughter was struggling with depression and was getting into dangerous situations. Also her husband was very sick and not working. She told me that she was holding down two jobs to make ends meet. Just by the way she took care of us as our waitress, I could tell this sweet lady was the real deal. 

If I hadn’t asked, she would not have told me about her struggles. I promised to pray for her, but God also impressed on my heart to leave her a monetary blessing (more than a 20% tip) and an encouraging note. Now some of you might be thinking, “See, that’s why I don’t get involved with people! It’s going to cost me!”  I hear ya! But here’s what I have learned: if God says to give, we don’t have to worry about it. He will provide. Plus, I walked away extremely blessed and completely enveloped in His presence!  There’s nothing better!

It’s ALL HIM…He puts the love in our hearts, He opens our eyes, He prompts us into action and He blesses like no other! How can we help but to praise Him and dance for joy! Shine bright in Him my friends!

Psalm 37:23 “A man’s steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.”

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10