What Side-by-Siders Taught Me

Georgia is our 2021 Summer Fellow through Whitworth University’s Office of Church Engagement. A native of Spokane Valley and sophomore at Whitworth majoring in secondary education, Georgia has flourished in many roles and setting during her time with Side by Side. More importantly, she has embraced SBS’s relational approach to ministry by investing in many friendships, and she is beloved by all.

Georgia and Jackie enjoying some fro-yo.

Throughout my life, I have always felt close to God. I grew up in a Christian family, went to Church, and was raised to follow Jesus. In these circumstances, I have also been blessed to take on a variety of different leadership roles in my schools and community. Each of these experiences have taught me something different about the Love of Christ and the nature of humanity’s relationship with Him. Yet I’m not sure any of that compares to what God has taught me through my time at Side by Side. Through the immensely beautiful community of Side-by-Siders, I have learned that the Kingdom of God is so much more vast, unique, and even unconventional than I had ever imagined. I have seen more love, patience, understanding, and kindness through this role than any of my previous ones. It is through my experiences with various individuals that I have seen the beauty of a strong faith and the importance of fellowship with one another. For example, Josh Coffey and his family have been more than welcoming and loving as I have entered this community. Josh has proven to be an incredible example of faith, patience, and thankfulness. Not to mention, a wonderful friend. My relationship with Jackie Bellis has taught me what it means to value simply spending time with others and has been a beautiful example of what it looks like to cherish those around you. Gabriel Dalzell showed me how to enjoy the little things, Shelley Kurtz showed me how to embrace the uncomfortable, and Anthony Deshazo never failed to surprise me with a joke! I am so grateful that the Lord has led me to this experience and that I have been welcomed with warm and open arms. I hope to continue to be a part of this community and see more of the infinite ways in which God is so Good.