A Story of Redemption

It was March 2019. I was a sophomore in high school, and some kids from youth group and I were driving up to winter camp for the weekend. The anticipation for camp was high among all the kids in our group. We were excited for the activities, games, and chapel sessions. When we finally got settled into our cabin, each of the girls went around in a circle and shared a little bit about themselves. That is when I met Beth. She was our cabin leader for the weekend. Beth radiated gentleness, kindness, and vulnerability. She was joyful, and I was in awe of how she carried herself, despite walking through so much difficulty in her life.

As the weekend unfolded, Beth and I got to know each other. We walked around the camp and shared our stories. She asked me thoughtful questions no one had ever asked me before. She truly was interested in building a relationship with me. She was genuinely fun to be around, and her sense of humor and laughter were contagious.

From that trip on, I knew Beth was truly a remarkable woman of God. I was preparing to serve on a mission trip to Guatemala that upcoming summer and needed a mentor to help me prepare. I immediately asked Beth to meet with me for lunch at school. Not only did she do that leading up to the mission trip, but she continued to pursue a relationship with me after I came home. What I thought would be a short-term mentor-to-mentee relationship has continued to this very day. Lunches turned into coffee dates, and conversations about ministry shifted to conversations about life. We have continued to meet, even as I’ve moved across cities and states. When we couldn’t grab coffee, we’d always make time for phone calls. Beth has treated me like one of her daughters, and I don’t say that lightly.

Beth has walked with me through every season of my life since I was 15 years old. She has graciously held my hand as I walked in dark valleys and climbed the mountaintops. She has cheered me on as I chased after my dreams and wiped my tears as I mourned on her couch. She has sat with me in silence and has encouraged me with wisdom. Beth has shown me grace, kindness, and unconditional love. She has said the hard truth and lovingly pointed me back to the Father time and again. She has planted the mustard seed of faith in me when I felt dry and weary. She has shown up when needed and without being asked. Beth has shown me the love of Christ in so many ways; it would be impossible to write them all down. I am eternally grateful for how she has mentored me over the last 7.5 years.

Watching the Lord redeem her story has been truly beautiful. As she has had a front-row seat in my life, I feel so privileged to have seen God do a mighty work in hers. In the last year, I have watched Beth find love again. A love that can only be orchestrated by the Lord. Dave is an equally incredible man of God. He complements Beth so well. I met Dave the day they got engaged. From the start, I could see how well he pays attention to detail. Dave is a great listener and humbly serves behind the scenes in many capacities. He always points back to the Lord instead of himself.

What an encouragement it has been to me to watch the Lord bring these two together. I was truly honored when they asked me to photograph their wedding. On February 14th, 2026, Dave and Beth were united before their closest friends and family. The day radiated joy, peace, and worship unto the Lord. The weather was perfect, full of sunshine and the spring blossoms of the surrounding orchards of 7 Oaks Ranch.

Today is Beth’s birthday. Celebrating her this year is not just about marking another year; it’s about honoring the impact she has had on my life and so many others. At Dave and Beth’s wedding, one of Beth’s friends said in her speech that Dave “won the lottery” by gaining Beth as his wife. I couldn’t agree more! She truly is a remarkable person who deserves to be celebrated and encouraged, just as she does for everyone else day in and day out. Happy Birthday, Beth. I hope that you feel surrounded by joy, love, and hope today. Thank you for being who you are and for showing people the love of Christ each day. I love you so very much!