If I could write a post to list my favorite things about serving with a houseful of women at Living Proof Ministries, it would be the longest article in Siestaville history. And you who have been around a while and tarried over posts that scrolled down three feet long know that’s really saying something.
My least favorite part about serving with this staunch group of women only takes me one sentence to convey. I don’t have to mull it over. I don’t have to weigh it alongside other difficulties. It stands alone. My least favorite part is ever having to say goodbye, even when I know God has something better for that mighty woman of God. I love my coworkers like my own flesh and blood. I see them day in and day out of every single workweek. I have lunch with them and laugh with them and cry with them and serve with them and seek Jesus on my face with them. They are family to me.
With tenderness and tears we hugged our beloved Lindsee goodbye this week. We knew when she came, as young as she is, that this would be a pause on her path rather than God’s ultimate objective for her work life. Her dearest loves and biggest passions are singing/co-leading worship and girls’ ministry. Living Proof is a hustling bustling busy, busy place for women’s ministry: college-age to the grave. But we are unable to develop a girls’ ministry (middle school and high school) the way that it deserves to be built. It truly needs its own complete attention instead of adaptation which is what we were trying to do.
Thankfully, because we are so crazy about her, many of us on staff will continue to see Lindsee on a regular basis because she is in our lives and hearts and not just in our ministry. (I get to stay in ongoing touch with my beloved Michelle who served LPM for 2 years and that thought encourages me greatly right now.) Lindsee and I serve the same body of believers at church and we are personal friends and sisters. I don’t just love Lindsee at LPM. I love her anywhere. I say that with a smile.
The sad thing for our blog community, however, is that you won’t see her on an ongoing basis here as you have for so long. (You have a letter from her below mine.)  She has worked her tail off on this blog and told me that, when all was said and done, it had been where she’d learned and grown the most. She loves you tremendously. I do not have a big enough font or bold enough letters to express my extreme gratitude to her. She has kept this big boat afloat for three solid years. Oh mercy, I am so thankful for her.
The blog will continue going because this community is one of the dearest things about Living Proof to me personally. I will be the primary (and only permanent) contributor so that means that posts may not go up as often but they will go up with much love as God impresses various things – both of a serious nature and just plain silly – on my heart. I will also have some guest posts here and there (a fun one on Monday from my friend of 34 years) and we certainly have plans for SSMT in January. We keep Melissa very, very busy with technical research, writing, and with Greek and Hebrew but maybe she will also write some blog articles again.
We also have a fun idea for some video blogs I’m going to do with questions and answers. Hopefully you will see more about that coming up very soon. Within the next week, I’ll do a post where you get to register questions and they can be ridiculous or serious. I think we will end up having some interesting conversations out of it.
For now, however, I want you to have an opportunity to say thank you to a young woman who has served you so well and who was thrown headlong into very large and deep waters here on this blog. She served diligently here, and courageously.
Lindsee Eddy, I will love you forever. Thank you so much for stopping by this big house full of women for three solid years. With everything our hearts have to give, we bless you in your journey and ministry and send you forth with loud cheers and the strong fragrance of anointing oil. We will miss your gorgeous face underneath this roof but we will see it many times in our personal friendships and relationships and church-lives with you.
May the Lord continue to make His face shine upon you. You are loved ferociously here at Living Proof.
Beth
———————————-
From Lindsee to you:
Yesterday I sat down with my computer, opened up a blank Word document and tried to put into words what I am feeling in my heart. Usually, the written word comes easily to me, but not so much yesterday. I struggled to write, because I’m struggling to say goodbye to a community I have fallen in love with. You can’t invest your life and your love somewhere for three years and walk away without ALL THE FEELS, as I sometimes like to say. So, today, I will try and convey ALL THE FEELS without, as Beth said, taking up five feet of blog space. As I’ve heard one wise woman say, “You don’t have to say everything to say something.” I kind of love her. If you know what ‘her’ I’m talking about. Grin.
A few weeks ago during our Monday staff devotional, Beth literally got us up off our feet and marched us to our downstairs lobby where she had set up a row of chairs. We were told to pick a chair, any chair, and sit in it. For you visual folk, just imagine a line of 10 chairs long, each chair facing the back of another. Our fearless leader then went on to talk about rowing, as in, row, row, row your boat. This hypothetical boat was our boat, the Living Proof Ministries boat. A boat that we all have the honor and privilege of rowing together, not alone, and serving woman from all over. And occasionally even singing a few boat songs together along the way. (Of course I’m going to talk about singing songs. It might be my favorite part. Grin.) (And also, how many times can I use the word boat.) As usual, it was a good, convicting and edifying word that we all received very personally. The visual of acting this out was so powerful because we’re all in this boat together. We need each other and we’ve got each others’ backs. Needless to say, it resonated with us. With me.
Like Beth mentioned above, my heart beats for people in general, and women, but the Lord has given me a unique love for high school girls. Yes, they may be an anomaly at times, but they’re fascinating and so stinking funny if you really get the chance to just listen to them. I often say as young girls come in and out of my home, that if while they’re there I can get them at least thinking about Jesus, then I feel like I’ve struck gold. Because you talk about what you think about, which means if they’re thinking about Jesus, they’ll talk about Him.
And that right there is my heart. To see girls at a young age fall in love with the person of Jesus Christ.
I don’t know of ANY ministry that serves women of all ages like Living Proof Ministries does. They are trailblazers. They work hard. They pray hard. They play hard. And they have a leader that loves Jesus and loves people like no one else I’ve ever known. I’m forever grateful that the Lord allowed me to row the boat with this group of women for three solid years. I’ll look back on these years for the rest of my life knowing that wherever God takes me, He could not have taken me there without planting me here first.
But this I know right now, He’s asking me to walk on the water. Into the unknown, where I know for certain, if my eyes are on Him, He won’t let me go.
And if I know and have learned anything, I know I’m not alone. He’s inviting you out onto the water as well.
With a lump in my throat and tears on my face, I want you to hear me say thank you, dear Siestas, for letting me serve you for such a time as this. I will love YOU forever. Your faces will forever be engraved upon my heart. And your kind words will carry me for a long time. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just “see you later”!
I love you all so dearly.
I love Living Proof Ministries so dearly.
But most importantly, I love Jesus Christ so dearly.
Love,
Lindsee
P.S. This isn’t everyone, but this is our most recent picture. I love this Village so much. Forever in my heart.
I knew something was up when I stopped by the blog earlier today lookin’ for perhaps a new post and only saw Beth’s picture. (A beautiful one, by the way!)
Lindsee, I sure hope this won’t be the last we hear from you. I follow you on Twitter, so perhaps you’ll let the Twitter-sphere know what wave Jesus has you riding.
You’re a gem and I thank you for your years of service and brave vulnerability on this blog.
Love, your sister in Christ,
Susan
Sweet Lindsee….
I feel like I have known you forever through this blog and now social media world. You are just stunning in Jesus! I have loved watching you grow and now get out of the boat. Sister…there is nothing more fabulous and terrifying as our journey with the Lord. Being in the boat is wonderful and getting out of the boat makes you sick, but we go. 🙂 I respect you will all my heart. I am always cheering you on. The Lord will do mighty things through you! Press on always. Go get ’em! xo
Fran
Lindsee–Thank you so much for your heart to love women you never even met! I was blessed to read your posts on a regular basis and you often got me thinking as I resonated with much of what you said. The great thing about serving our great God is that we know wherever he places us, we will be blessed!
Thank you Lindsee, there have been so many days when your thoughts on the blog have resonated with me all the way in South Africa. I wish you well with the girls. Thank you for serving them and showing them the way to Jesus
So sad that you are leaving and yet so excited for you. Please keep us posted from time to time about what God has you doing. Working with our youth is so needed and yet it is so hard to find somebody to love them, care about them and teach them about Jesus week after week. Thank you for all your hard work on the blog. May God bless you richly.
As only the Holy Spirit could, He directed me to the blog today to check-in. I pray abundant blessings over you Lindsee. What privilege we’ve enjoyed having you with us these past few years and we trust Jesus now to lead you along the straight path that He has prepared for you. “This is the way – walk in it!” Love and blessings from Nashville. Tiffany M.
Lindsee,
I’m not surprised that you’re leaving. Since we first met on your personal blog–you as a college student, me as a professor, I knew there was something special about you. I don’t think you knew it at the time, but it’s clear some 8+ years later, that the LORD has a specific plan for your life, bigger than any of us could ever imagine. So as I read this goodbye post, I knew you were moving on to that next stage of your ministry. I will miss reading your blog posts here at LPM, but am confident that your stepping out on what looks like water, is really a solid rock. Thank you so much for sharing your life with everyone here and know that you are one of the most BEAUTIFUL people I’ve had the opportunity of knowing, even if that meant traveling all the way to San Antonio to meet you and “hug your neck.” May God continue to bless you wherever you go.
With much love and affection,
Cheryl (aka Profbaugh)
Precious Siesta, your words, oh your words have spoken powerful messages to all of us in the masses. We will miss you dearly, and pray for you boldly. Move mountains. Many blessings on you!
Lindsee,
Your words are so beautiful and you will be missed! I have read your blog for years, and when you joined LPM I was thrilled! You are so precious, and I have learned so much from you. As a mom of girls, I have a tender place for you because your heart is so evident. Thank you for serving us so well, and thank you for teaching me things for and about young girls by just sharing with us.
I am so grateful for your ministry. May the Lord continue to bless you as you follow Him.
much love!
Kelly
Did we get a vote? No? Too bad!
Girl! you will be missed!! You are so sweet & fun & smart & Lovely!!!
I LOVE that GOD calls each of us to do something HARD – because then when we fail (we all do!) – HE SHINES GREATER! So think of this new chapter of life a chance to see GOD’S GLORY come shining through to you and for you!!! A new chapter means Growth! Praise God!
Lindsee you have been a good blog friend!
GOD Bless you and Protect you as water walk with Jesus!!!
Lindsee, I’m going to miss you on this here blog! Maybe you should go back to writing on your Lindsee Lou account. You have so much to offer (and have offered!) through the written word! Not only your words, but your spirit behind the words is just breathtaking. I don’t even know you but can see that you have the heart of a humble servant. Jesus’ presence in you is so evident when you write.
Though I think you’re a few years younger than I (I’m 31), I can say that I’ve learned so much from you! What a joy it has been to hear your insights and even share in the goofy things of your everyday life. You will be sorely missed!
May God bless you richly on the next part of your journey! I pray God will grant you every last desire of your heart as you seek him with all your heart. (And, do tell us where you’re going… only if you want to… haha)
Oh, and can I also add that I find it so beautiful that you have such a passion for high school girls. I hope God uses you to a much greater extent than you could ever imagine. You know, it was in high school where I first started falling in love with Jesus through his word. I can remember reading the Bible in my car in the school parking lot early in the morning before heading in for basketball practice. When I think back on that time, I can’t help but think of how tangible God’s grace and love will be to those students for having someone like you invest in them! You have so much wisdom and grace to offer! I have no doubt that your commitment to this age will reap tremendous harvest in their lives over many, many years to come. Shoot, for the rest of their lives. Whoever you’re going to serve next will be SO BLESSED to have you! Much love to you.
Oh my goodness Lindsee! Although there are (selfish) tears in my eyes, I am so excited for you! You have been a blessing to Siestaville and you made us all feel so loved by LPM and by YOU! You have been such a delight to watch/listen to/pray for and I could go on and on. I will miss your blog posts and hearing about your life at LPM and your life in general. I hope we will hear snippets of what new things you are doing and what is happening in your life. I sure wish I could have hugged your neck. Hoping that our paths cross again, sweet, sweet Lindsee! Much love!
I am so torn. So sad to see Lindsee go, but I know she’s doing what the Lord is leading her to do.
Lindsee, I have so much enjoyed reading your posts day after day. I have laughed, cried, completely understood, and have even heard the Still Small Voice of the Lord as I’ve read your words.
God bless you in all that your future holds. You will be missed here, but I am sure greater things are coming!! But I also hope we haven’t heard the last of you completely! 🙂
God bless you Siesta!
Jana
Dearest Lindsee,
I have so enjoyed your blog posts over the past 18 months that I’ve gotten to know the LPM family. I can say this season has been the hardest part of my journey with Jesus so far, and He has spoken to me through your words on this blog time and time again. You have such a beautiful heart for Jesus! And, as many other women have said, your burden for girls is such a treasure. Get ready, girls, God is sending a mighty warrior to fight for you! Go get ’em, and we will be here in your corner rooting for you!! Lots and lots and lots of love!!!!
Love you Lindsee! You’re breaking camp and moving on but all of us who love you will be there to cheering you on to see what God has next!
Oh, Lindsee, I have so enjoyed your posts over the years. But as someone who shares a burden for teen girls…I’ll be praying for God-moments and ministry opportunities to open up one after the other for you to coach and inspire and challenge and call in our precious teen daughters.
God Bless you!!!
Lindsee, God bless you in your new endeavor. We’ll all miss you here at LPL, but I can’t wait to hear what you end up doing out on the water. How exciting!!! Much love to you!
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” Hebrews 11:6 He promises to reward you. Godspeed, sweet niece of mine.
Lindsee,
As you take this next step:
“I’m asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Col 1:9 niv
I want you to know that the only Christian music I have downloaded in three years has been in response to some of your blog postings about certain songs and artists.
Thank you. And take care.
Wishing only the very best our Lord has in store for you.
Lindsey, I found this blog during a very dark time in my life. I know that God lead me here. It was about two years ago. I have really enjoyed and learned so much from this blog. It has really become dear to me the past couple of years. It’s been so inspiring to see women reaching out to one another on here. It has really made a difference in my life. Thank you for all of your blogs and what you had to share in them. I will miss hopping on here and looking for new ones by you. I wish you the best in your future and hope for an update about where you’ve landed. Thank you for your faithfulness in serving all of us women all over the world. Maybe God bless and keep you.
~Kelley
Dear Lindsee,
I saw your tweet tonight about goodbyes so I rushed to LPM Blog. My word this made my heart skip a beat. You have been such an integral part of Siestaville, LPM Blog & entire LPM. You love Jesus and others so passionately. You have a servant heart that comes through every time!
I love that you love high school girls. It’s certainly a God given gift. I’m excited to see where He takes you!! Oh those girls will have their socks blow off. Oh how I wish my daughters had a beautiful (inside & out) young woman that lived to pour into their lives. YOU are that woman that God will use immeasurably more than all you could ask or imagine.
With a lump in my throat & tears in my eyes, I feel like I’m saying goodbye to a dear friend, You are so loved sister. I’m so grateful for everything you have done to draw me closer to Christ. But this is not goodbye, for if I don’t “see” you again, we will meet up in Heaven. Abundant Blessing to you always!!!!
Lindsee,
Thank you for your faithful service. You have brightened my day many a time, and warmed my heart, and make me laugh or smile. I thank you for that. May a God bless you in your future service to Him.
Lindsee – I’m sad that you’re leaving & will miss your blog posts terribly; but…I am also happy for you & I’m sure many blessings will follow you in your new journey with Jesus! Best Wishes
Melissa
Thank you for all your work on the blog, Lindsee. You will be missed.
Lindsee,
You have been such a pleasure on this blog and you will be greatly missed. You have been blessed to work with such an amazing team but God has wonderful things in store for you! Thank you for being obedient to Him!
How has it been three years already?!!? Thank you, Lindsee, for using your gifts on our behalf. Blessings as you begin this new chapter!
Looking forward to hearing all that the Lord is going to do through you in your next place of ministry, dear girl!
Blessings and God Speed!
Oh, Lindsee, bless your sweet heart!!! You have made me laugh, made me cry, and just been such a blessing to me and so many others. I know that God has special plans for you, my Siesta! Keep smiling that infectious smile, and know how very much you are loved !
Lindsee,
Goodbye sweet Lindsee. I am so excited for your new adventur
e. Jesus has such a great sense of adventure. Hold on to Him tightly and enjoy the ride with Him. Love you & love my Jesus, Lynda
I have enjoyed your posts so many times, the funny things, the heart touching stories and just knowing how much your care for others. It showed in your words, pictures, and love that came from your heart.
We are sad for us, but oh so happy for you! Will miss your sweet smile, and pray God will bless others with the same as you serve where HE sends!
May the LORD continue to direct your paths!
Proverbs 3:5-6
Lindsee, it breaks my heart to hear that you are leaving us, because of how many times your wonderful posts – the deep and the lighthearted – have brightened my day or encouraged me deeply. It’s here on the LPM Blog that I first recognized God’s call on my heart about a year ago to serve women, and your words here have been a huge tool God has used to foster that passion in me. Thank you for your transparency, for your wisdom, and for all the time you’ve poured into writing your siestas. Thank you for showing me that being young doesn’t mean God can’t use you to minister to women of all ages, even if you’re 19 like me. Thank you, dear friend. You don’t know me, or very many of us here, but I have come to love you so much and simply adore your bright personality. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You’ve made a big impact on me, and count on it that I won’t soon forget it.
Thank you so much for leading us, sharing with us, loving us and encouraging us. Your words have been a bright spot on many a day and put great thought of the Lord in my head. I am further in my journey because of this blog. Much love and success to you.
Sweet Lindsee, thank you. Thank you for your service and thank you for your words and thank you for trusting God to take you on from here. I have NO DOUBT that He has a big plan – no matter what that looks like and how small or large the number of girls (and their mamas!) it may touch. Like you said, whatever is next will be forever marked because of what you’ve been a part of for these last 3 years. How exciting, yet scary and sometimes boring while we wait and how hard while we grieve the goodbyes. But we don’t grieve without hope and that makes all the difference. I appreciate your heart, because I happen to have a 13 year old daughter and so I love anyone who might love her. 🙂 (With Jesus love that is! Ha ha!) So blessings to you, sweet little sister. God’s got you and even though it’s gonna feel strange for a while (speaking as one who is in the middle of her own little while) keep trusting the path and walking with the One who is the Way.
http://www.incourage.me/2014/09/trust-the-path.html
With Much Love and Thanks,
(Another) Melissa
Lindsee,
You have encouraged me so many times on this blog. I loved your words and also your pictures. Thank you for serving us so faithfully! I pray you find new mercies at every turn in your new journey.
Lindsee,
Thank you! Your humor, wisdom and vulnerability over these last 3 years deeply touched my soul.
God bless you, sweet girl.
When I saw the picture of only Beth earlier this week, I thought wait a minute, where did Lindsee go?! Lindsee, has it really been three years..and now your leaving us. The loss is ours that’s for sure. Thank you for sharing your heart with us, for praying for us and loving us so well. Jesus has shined through you so beautifully here on these pages and into our hearts. I thank you and I thank Jesus that He made us part of your journey. I pray that your path ahead will be lined with the blessings of God. I will never forget you. With Love, Mary G.
Lindsee, so sorry to hear yu are leaving, but so happy to hear the direction God is taking you in. Is there someway to contact you. We have 3 teen girls in our small church, and they are growingin their walk, but looking for different ways to bring Christian leaders into their lives to watch and observe and learn from.
You will be missed in this space but I look forward to seeing how our faithful God is going to continue to use you! Love to you, sister.
Lindsee,
I LOVE that you said your heart is with teens. As a 62 year old RN in Adolescent Medicine I feel the same way. Teenagers have a lot to teach us if we just listen to them and show that we care. At the same time, they can learn a lot from us by watching HOW we live even though sometimes they may tune out our words. May God bless you richly as you are obedient to His calling. We will miss you! Linda
Dear Lindsee,
Somehow I thought something was up this blog was waay too quiet for too many days!!!
It was nice seeing your radient face on here so much the past years. I was a frequent on here when you started (has it really been that long?). So we say “so long” here. We sisters in Christ never say “good by” it is just so long. If our paths never cross in this life they sure will in eternity so until that time. Godspeed! My His grace shine upon you always and forever we love you!
Betty M
Soooooo ĂĽber thankful for the love you have faithfully laid out for us on this blog dear Lindsee! God’s best prayed all over you! Mwah!!
Dear Lindsee,
You are so dear to this community. I have enjoyed ‘getting to know you’ on Twitter and the LPM blog. You are delightful and so gifted. I have nothing but respect for you and your positive, gracious spirit. Praying for this next adventure in your life…may it be amazing in every way. And may Jesus bless you and exceed all you can think and imagine.
So much love to you,
Shelly
Thank you for sharing your heart, Lindsee. Godspeed on your journey!
Lindsee, You walk On the breathe of our living Lord, loving & serving Him. You have ministered to us, your Siestas, and now, how blessed these high school girls are going to be to have your leadership! Go, girl!
This week I will be at MD Anderson with my husband. I wish I could go by LPLministry center and have you’ll pray for him. If I don’t get there, his name is Gerry, and he is struggling with skin cancer. Please, pray for his healing. THE POWER OF THE LORD WAS PRESENT TO HEAL. LUKE 5:17
Dear Okie,
Thank you for telling us about Gerry. I am praying for him right now.
Much love,
Sherry
Prayers for you as you head in this new direction. So many high school girls will be blessed by your touch in their lives, I know. We’ll miss your witty blogs, and I’ll especially miss your sunrise/sunset photos!
Lindsee, you will most assuredly be missed. See you later and God’s blessings upon you as you walk out His purpose in your life. Rev Candis
Lindsee, praying God’s blessing on your life and ministry. Please keep in touch via the blog with those of us who don’t get to bump into you in Texas.
Precious Lindsee,
I had the privilege of meeting you briefly at the Woman of Faith Conference in Houston earlier this year. Oh how I wished I could have known someone like you when I was in high school so many years ago. I know how desperately those girls need you to convey in your unique, special and gifted way of the love of Jesus. I pray for that to happen every time you interact with the young women you encounter. I will miss your blogs! God bless you, Siesta!
Thank you for your faithful years here on the blog! I know that God is going to bless you big as you follow Him on the journey He has for you.
Dear Lindsee,
We all have mixed feelings about this news! Only the Lord knows the full impact that your writing and work at LPM has had on us out here.
You’ve been so open and transparent in your blog posts, and it always touched my heart. Insight beyond your years, and your love of Jesus and desire to serve Him are evident in your writing.
You will be missed- but know you are being prayed for! Many blessings to you in your new endeavor- knowing that God has prepared it and is already there with you!
Much love, Kim