Today, we shift gears in this four part series on the kinds of people that make Home a reality. I am going to share about one of my heroes.

(yeah, luckily this hairstyle of mine made an exit, never to be seen again).

Nicole Morgan is one of my heroes. I met Nicole during the same month in 2003 I met Blake (my friend I mentioned in part 2 of this series). Nicole became good friends with the girl I was dating at that time and our friendship began there. Nicole was a bold and confident girl. She caught me off guard in the beginning with how few punches she pulled. And my ridiculousness, sarcasm, and lack of filter did not always go over well with her in the beginning. Recently, Nicole and a friend visited Phoenix and I was surprised to see her struggling with a filter, saying ridiculous things that would not have been possible six years ago.

Nicole is not my hero because she has become more comfortable around me or come out of her shell…she is my hero because her daily life is more challenging than any of my hardest days. Nicole battles chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, along with several other health conditions. The amount of pain that is CONSTANT in her body exceeds what normally drives me cabinet diving for Aleve or Excedrin. This has not stopped Nicole from doing what she can to influence others. During her four years of college, she gave incredible leadership within the campus ministry I led for a season. She ran video during worship services, assisted with web design, facilitated small groups, trained and developed upcoming leaders, mentored freshman girls, and made a tough decision (with several others) to end a ministry that had been a powerful influence in thousands of lives over almost two decades. Nicole’s personal character, integrity, and strength have always blown me away.

We need Nicoles in our lives because they remind us to step outside of our own experience and walk around in the shoes of another person. There are days where I struggle to not moan or complain or pity myself based upon my present difficulties. When I think of what Nicole is overcoming in that moment, I not only remember to pray for her, but I am strengthened with courage and endurance based on her example.

Nicole, you are one of my heroes and your courage, strength, and character inspire me. I admire you and am proud of you have become. I am grateful to be your friend and thankful to still be connected to you.

-Savage