Recently my bestie, Kelli Sears (she is currently launching a new blog, check out her Twitter and Facebook for more details), called to say she had been nominated along with 6 other women for Woman of the Year at Drenda Keesee's Love Encounter conference. She was amazed but I wasn't at all. Why? Well anyone who has met Kelli Sears knows that she is absolutely incredible. She is loving, kind, and always giving to others. She was humbled to even be nominated and I eagerly told her I was willing to attend the conference with her if she would like. She was happy to have me along with her for the ride and we got to enjoy the experience together!
The conference was amazing! Everything was done with the highest degree of excellence to make sure that every woman who was attending had everything she could possibly need for the conference. There was breakfast, snacks, water, lunch, great teaching, and lots of joy not to mention the love of God that was clearly present with us.
(Photo Credit: Megan Mizer)
On Saturday morning Kelli had to be there early to get her makeup and hair done with all the nominees, as well as put on the new outfits that were provided. It was inspiring to see the nominees in awe of the fact that they were nominated for the award. Kelli even said, "Who am I that I am here among these other women? I am so humbled."
It is my belief that she was nominated because like Esther in the Bible, Kelli has come into the Kingdom for such a time as this. As a believer in Jesus, she is an amazing daughter, sister, wife, mom, Mimi, foster mom, home school mom, school psychologist, missionary, business owner, and amazing friend.
I met Kelli Sears over 20 years ago and initially thought she was too busy to be my friend. However, a few years ago we met over a prayer and a vision which led us to begin to talk on the phone, capitalizing on her driving time to schools to check in with each other frequently. We pray, we laugh, we talk, we cry, we dream, we encourage one another, and we celebrate great times together! This precious time continues today as we journey alongside one another.
The last couple of years have been different for us with Kelli launching her new business Navigating Autism Plus. Due to her busy schedule, she is using driving time to return business calls limiting our contact. However when we are together there is still that kindred spirit friendship that is oh so sweet!
Kelli has been through many difficult, traumatic things that could have derailed her over and over again and yet her spirit has grown strong and resilient. Putting her fighting spirit behind the cause of helping children everywhere, protecting them from abuse, neglect, and learning how each one of them learns best to help school leaders embrace their unique style!
On Saturday of the conference when they called all the ladies out one by one their inspiring stories were shared from the platform. When they finally called out the name of Woman of the year 2016 Kelli Sears was the name they called which made the crowd cheer enthusiastically! Kelli was surprised but also happy which absolutely thrilled me as I watched my friend who has spent her adult life serving so many over herself be honored in such a wonderful way. Congratulations my friend! The ride has just begun and it's going to be a great one!
(Photo Credit: Stephanie Sears)
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