SUNDAY SELFIE SERIES #79
Sarah Lewis Moursund
SUNDAY SELFIE SERIES #79: Sarah Lewis Moursund. Sarah is one of my very best friends and on a deeper level, a true soulmate in that we learn essential truths from each other. We’ve known each other long enough (we met in NYC in 2009) and well enough to have had a falling out or two, and it says a lot about our friendship that we’re willing to do the work to recover it and reset with as much grace and humility as we can muster. She’s super smart, super talented, and I love her a whole lot.
What has humbled you more than anything else?
Two strong reactions to this question: 1) New York City for a decade. As a Texas ranch girl, my parents did their best to shelter me, but I clawed my way to the reality and natural consequences that New York provides, like them or not. I have amazing roots but had to fight for strong wings. Let's just say getting my ass kicked in the fashion industry (and sort of "making it") over and over again provided healthier motivations to owning my decisions, which is true autonomy and maturity. When a horse throws you off, do you get back on it? Usually, the answer is hell yes. I have strong opinions on letting children get dirty feet, scraped up knees, and being held accountable. I know it's hard for fathers who treasure their daughters and want them to suffer the least amount possible. So I spent my 20's shielding my parents from the bulk of my struggle. That was my compromise for myself - grow the hell up in a way I can stand by, but shield them from the reality of it as much as possible. 2) People I love who don't give up on me when I am an idiot (much like our heavenly Father). My favorite quote is by theologian C.S. Lewis, "Humility is not thinking less of oneself... it's thinking of oneself...less." GAH. We are in a culture where self-absorption is the norm. But actually it's losing ourselves which sets us free, both in God's call and in service to others - whether that be in work or home vocations.
2. Do you feel like you’ve gotten a good education?
Yes I am very blessed - I was successful in high school which set me up to have college scholarships which mostly formed my work ethic, which has been close to unmatched in a lot of ways. I wasn't the smartest person at my huge college classes at Texas A&M University (I wanted to attend Brown or Notre Dame, but as my father said - my money's going to A&M, maybe you should too..." )... but my tenacity took me very far... and I am SO glad I went there. Again, the world is full of all sorts of wings. My roots are so very very strong. I am now pursuing my master of arts in faith & culture at The University of St. Thomas in Houston, which has set me up for "the second half of life" as many great writers note. Speaking of educations, if you're friends with Allison, you know we all say "we are always learning." She just won't have connections with folks who aren't always growing, I would bet. (AMMI right, sister?) But yeah, when I stop using my mind to sort things out around the clock, you can put the dirt on me.
3. Do you believe that forgiveness benefits the forgiver or the transgressor?
Don't get me staaaaahed on forgiveness. I have read a lot of your posts on this and am intrigued by the range. As a card-carrying Catholic Christian (in great shoes), I will admit it's a very important habit to have. I don't care where or how folks figure out LIFE IS BETTER the lighter the load, so drop that pack of pain - despite the origin or motive - and know that is what God asks of us, "Love one another as I have loved you." That means, FORGIVE. I don't forgive for my own benefit but simply because I am not a camel, I can't carry that much crap around. I prefer to feel light as a feather in great heels! Do I forget? Rarely. I am a female Scorpio, I admit.
4. What is your proudest accomplishment?
PROUDEST. Definitely it's being a good wife, someone I am proud of being. This took me a long time because I was married very young and that divorce devastated me to the point of not knowing if I ever would (ahem) forgive myself, nor ever become a person I was proud of being. I knew God called me to be in marriage, so walking through that desert was acute to say the least. I finally found my person - 20 years of looking - and it's as bittersweet as can be. Bitter because my youth is fading but sweet as in I savor every kindness and work proactively to be selfless 24/7. Savor is right - savoring all the tiny acts of love which I pull out of me when I am too tired to do so, and kindnesses he so generously floods on with, hourly.
5. How would you like to live out your golden years?
I have already started my Golden Years plan, I hit the start line at 40, meeting my husband finally and buying a ranch homestead. Everything we do is about land investment, nature and improving natural habitats (about 2 hours east of Austin, where Texas was founded... we call it heaven on earth). But yeah, peace to me is oxygen-rich air, watching my roses grow, seeing wildlife on my walks everyday. It feeds us, and since we don't have children, we are investing in our future this way, already. That's real value. But I am a traveling bird, wow. Just got back from Amalfi coast and Rome where I am able to work a bit, and can't wait to fly south if we can sneak away, soon.
