Confused But Willing: Holly Ford

As a woman, and now as a Christian mother, I have long been drawn to Biblical accounts of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Often discussed is how she “treasures up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Lk 2:19). But what I have noticed about Mary is that she often doesn’t understand, but she is always willing. Confused but willing, if you will. As a young mother, this seems an attainable and relatable posture to emulate.

When my husband became the director of the Louisiana Tech Wesley Foundation, I’ll be honest and say I didn’t ponder it much in my heart, or consider it to have much bearing on my own life in Christ. Having been in ministry with Ryan for quite some time, I was aware of the sacrifices of time, the frequent phone calls, the late nights, etc., but I thought that he would go do his college ministry thing, and our family’s life in Christ would be largely separate. When Ryan asked us to start coming to Eucharist on Sunday nights, I agreed, confused about why, but trying to be willing.

What I have found in the time my family spends at the Wesley Foundation is a unique and unexpected joy. My children have more role models than they can count — young men and women who surprise me with their attentiveness to my children and their willingness to receive and love all those who they meet. My kids want to be there every time I will let them. They tell me about who played them in foosball and table tennis, who fixed their hair, and who asked them about school. They want to work at the Wesley as interns when they are in college. I expect I will lose them one day like Mary lost Jesus, only to find them at the chapel discussing the Bible...or maybe just their favorite movie.

My own soul is refreshed by the openness, love, and kindness that I encounter each time I enter the Wesley’s doors. I am inspired by the discipleship taking place, and the willingness to be discipled. I love to see the dedication, the submission, and the whole hearted servitude of young people committing their lives to our Lord. As I have grown older, I tend to get caught up in the distractions of career, my children’s activities, and my own self centered pursuits, but being at the Wesley with so many young and passionate believers centers me on what is important.

Thanks be to God that He can do so much with so little. A humble spirit, a contrite heart — confused but willing. I may not understand or foresee all that God does for my family through the Wesley Foundation, but the gifts abound all the same. I remain grateful for the community and support our family has found here, and look forward to the blessings to come.

Holly Ford is the wife of Ryan Ford, the director of the Wesley Foundation at LA Tech. She is an ICU Nurse at Saint Francis Medical Center in Monroe. Holly has great musical taste and enjoys dancing and reading in her spare time. We are thankful for her willingness to support Ryan and the ministry that we do at the Wesley, and for all of the interior design decisions she has helped us make over the past few years!