Lindsey McChesney

Core Value: We make Jesus our pattern by weaving him into our every moment. How do you make Jesus your pattern...at home? at work? during leisure activities? in your rest? 

Sometimes weaving comes naturally in our lives and sometimes it’s really hard. Our flesh rejects the weaving, but I believe we have to consciously ask God to make it our pattern for everyday living. Weaving Him into our every moment is a daily prayer that I use to focus my attention on Him. At home that involves my joy and happiness within my home, my interactions with my husband, and in return, my response to outside influences. Home is where I choose, daily, the outcome of my day as it pertains to my mindset before I even walk out of the door. 

At work it takes a little more attention and focus some days. I want students to feel comfortable in my classroom, therefore I place an emphasis on relationships. Jesus is the perfect pattern for this because He placed importance on relationships with the undesirables. This automatically weaves Jesus into my mindset because I plan for these opportunities within my schedule day to day. I am a big believer in application, so if I’m reading or watching something or someone, I want to know how I can apply it to my life. Consistently looking within myself and self-evaluating where I am and where I want to be, with God’s help, is where I find rest. Through these outlets, Jesus is naturally woven into them because he is woven within me.

How do you live out some of our core values at work? 

We strategically engage wherever we are to point people to Jesus. 

When I was in high school I felt like God was calling me to the mission field. I was always caught up in the fact that being called to be a missionary was this elaborate venture of somewhere far away, but in that moment I felt God was saying that every day I was called to be on mission for my students. With that being said, I try to point people, coworkers and students, to Jesus on a daily basis through my interactions and conversations. My coworkers know they can count on me if they need a prayer partner or just needing someone to listen to. I pray that my students will see the joy and mercy of the father through my teaching, homework, and various projects. Through my daily interactions I believe that God shines through me as I listen to students discussing their current situations or plans for the future.

We generously pour out our resources for a mission bigger than ourselves.

Not only do I feel like I’ve been called to the mission field, but I have also been called to give to others and love others. In my life, my hope is to help people by giving them something they don’t already have, or have yet to discover it in themselves. We live in a big world, but serve a bigger God. We are called to be set apart and called to live for the mission, by being the mission. Giving of ourselves and loving others is everything to me. As a fitness instructor this means a great workout where people can come in and completely forget about the world outside the walls of the exercise room, but also gain confidence and security in who they are and where they’re going. In the community it shows through being a part of Junior Auxiliary of Cleveland whose purpose is to help children and families in the community. With family and friends this can be anything from a laugh, happiness, comfort, encouragement, building confidence, spending time with someone, or just loving and living life together. Giving your time not only shows people that they’re important, but it also helps them pour their resources into someone else, expanding their mission that is bigger than themselves. 

How do you live out some of our Behavioral values at work? 

Relational: 

At school I facilitate a bible study for girls. We meet once a week, and although I let them lead, I ask God for opportunities to share my experiences so that they can see the mercifulness of Him and all that he’s done in my life. (Outside of school) Starting a discipleship group with some women at the church has been an awesome experience before. I had led various studies before, but this group and study have been great because we are in community group together, but now we are taking that knowledge of ourselves a little further as we discuss and meet together.

Relevant : 

As a Christian, I have been called to be set apart. I believe that being relevant is showing Jesus despite what the world defines as relevant or what others see as engagement in the world. Students walk through my door every day that are so beaten by the world that it’s written all over their faces from the moment I see them. I realize that I may be the only person they come into contact with that isn’t a product of the world, therefore I strive to be Jesus. With my coworkers, I strive to be a positive and calm person amongst the chaos that education can be sometimes. So many people get so caught up in the negativity that it becomes a distraction to others and takes away the positivity that can come from a situation. I try to remain calm and stay positive during these moments. 

Reliable: 

Over the years I have always filled my plate with appointments, meetings, hang outs, etc., because I put an emphasis on relationships. Sometimes it’s a lot to juggle, but my coworkers, administrators, and students know that I will always follow through with my commitments. I want people to know they can count on me, to be a constant in their lives. To trust that someone is going to do what they’ve said they will is a challenge, but that is something I strive to accomplish.  Being a constant in someone’s life takes time, but it’s so worth it in the end. I am nowhere close to perfect, but this has always been important to me. 

Does any particular Scripture inspire your approach to your job / craft? 

Titus 2:7-8 

“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” 

Proverbs 9:9

“Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.” 

Do you have any stories of how Jesus has used you to impact your co-workers? (Somewhat mentioned before. )

It’s awesome to be introduced to a coworker’s family member as a prayer warrior (sometimes this word seems a little stronger than I feel). A friend of mine was going through some hard times with her mother who had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. As this is difficult for anyone, I always struggle with “the right thing to say for someone”. I started off just by telling her I would pray, for her, her family, and her mother during this time. The first time I met her mother, she said, “This is Lindsey, the one I’ve been telling is praying for you.” What a feeling, but all credit to Him. 

Questions written by Todd Stevison 

Questions answered by Lindsey McChesney