Where do I begin? I was new to the church Carla served at, and I felt I was in a different life stage than everyone else. I felt younger, single, and still praying for all my career dreams to come true. I was looking for a sign I was on the right track in all areas of my life, and I met Carla. Instantly she had a warm bright smile and a sincere welcome. We met, and as I continued to attend she always remembered my name. I felt that church had a new homey feeling all because of my new friend Carla. Overtime, she would lead women’s bible studies, and I would feel brave enough to join in because I knew Carla would be there. During those class times, there was the familiar woman’s small talk, some would lean into the vulnerable, some just wanted an excuse to get out of the house, but when Carla spoke, everyone was hungry to listen. You could hear and sense that finally, truth was filling the room. Truth has an edge, and when it is truth combined with the Holy Spirit at work through someone, it is captivating. I realized EVERY WOMAN in that room felt they had a dear friend in Carla. She had a way of gently holding people’s hearts with care, so when we were all together, she could speak life, wisdom, and God’s love over all of us, and it changed us! We did not leave class the same. We felt closer, stronger, and ready for another week of life no matter what that entailed.
Fast Forward a few years, and I am now in a new life stage, married, working my dream career, and all the more particular about whose voice I will allow to speak into my heart, into my family, and to this day, Carla’s words and works are GOLD! I am SO EXCITED for all the ways God is at work in her life to reach even more people. Whether it is through her art, training, or teaching, I am blown away by the depth of her care, her love for God and for God’s people. If it was anyone else I would feel intimidated, but with Carla I just soak up her knowledge, and wisdom and feel compelled to join into her holy discontent for not allowing God’s children to feel lost or alone for even one second longer than necessary. I am so very grateful for the impact she has had on my life, my faith journey, and I know I am just one of thousands of stories of the lives she has changed for the better.