Everyone meet Caitie. Since swinging on those monkey bars together in 5th grade, we have been inseparable. I've tried to come up with the perfect collection of words to describe what friendship we have, and honestly, I'm stuck. I'm overwhelmed with the joy you bring to me. After high school, Caitie went to Belmont University and I went to Liberty University. Then with lots of prayer, this past fall she transferred to Liberty to pursue her career in worship music. We are roommates along with 5 other best friends in the same apartment. We always tell ourselves we could have never dreamt of this story. And I'm so excited to share it with you today.
As my first interviewee, I took Cait on a little adventure around the mountain. We trekked down into the deep woods and hung a hammock over the creek. We both climbed in and bundled up in blankets and then began to unpack many memories and lots of Truth.
So, who are you Caitie Hurst?
I am creation of God, following Jesus. I want to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth using music. I have a passion for becoming a worship missionary. I want to take His love to the ends of the Earth.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in suburb outside of Nashville, Tennessee called Hendersonville.
In 30 seconds, 5 random facts about you:
1. I love sour candy
2. I am a musician
3. I love coffee
4. If I could start my life over, I’d be a pro surfer
5. I like adventures
What were your dreams when you were little?
I wanted to be a pop singer. I wanted to be in the army. I wanted to be a professional football player and skate boarder. I think I thought I was a boy.
Food that best describes you?
Hot Sauce, because I like my life to be spicy.
What are some of your quirks?
I love lord of the rings.
I'm trying to work on not being late.
I forget to shower a lot. I promise I’m clean.
When did you find Jesus?
Jesus found me when I was eight years old. I remember being in my third grade class (a private Christian school) and my teacher was just teaching away. Something in me wanted to know who Jesus was and why I needed Him. So I raised my hand and my teacher stopped the class. She took me out in the hallway and laid the Gospel out for me. I believed right then and there. I understood completely even though I was 8. I went home that night and my parents prayed with me. The depth of my walk really took place when I was in 7th grade. I was at a church fall crusade. I don't remember the speaker, but I do remember him being so passionate about God. I knew that I was already a follower of Jesus but I needed to give him my whole life. I was just a good church girl, my parents were on staff. So, I kneeled at my chair and I started praying. I prayed, "Lord would use me what whatever you want me to do, I will follow you. Lead me, my entire self. I want to live my WHOLE life for you." My journey has been a daily trek and I continue to learn of His overflowing sacrificial love everyday.
What's a favorite passage of scripture?
The entire bible. Haha. Romans 8 to me is such a stronghold in my heart. It talks about living fully by the spirit not by flesh. Yet, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. I can never be separated from Him. This passage depicts how I want to truly live my life.
A favorite story from our elementary days:
The first time I ever went to your house we rode the bus home. I remember you rushed to the front of the line to hide from a boy in our class. I remember you pulling me and hurrying me up…. Nothings changed.
A favorite story from our middle school days:
In 7th grade, we spent a few hours Post-it noting our youth pastor's office. Everything was covered in little square papers. Even as the years have passed, he still tells us that he finds those Post-it notes in his books.
A favorite story from high school:
The first time I ever sang on stage in front of our youth group you were there for me. You came to practice and wrote me a letter. And tried very hard to help calm my nerves.
A funny memory about us in high school:
The summer before senior year we had never had boyfriends and we were hanging out at the local frozen yogurt place with a bunch of our friends. Eventually the night was ticking down and somehow we both left with different boys. I got home first and you were still driving back to your house and called me. I ran outside to the barn and jumping up and down we both screamed endlessly. Not just because we left with boys, but because we had both been asked,on the same night, to go on dates the next weekend. (On our dates the next weekend, we ran into each other at the park. Not even planned.)
We got to talking about some other fun memories too.
- We took a trip to Washington DC and spent all our money the very first day at Forever 21. Whoops.
- Our idea of fun on a Friday night in middle school, (and into high school) was dancing in front of a laptop and recording ourselves on Photobooth. And sometimes to bring back the old days... we still do so in our college dorm.
- When we went to Europe Caitie forgot to pack underwear, so we had to split the pairs I (Mikaela) had for the 3 days while we toured Paris.
- On that same trip, I (Cait) got lost in the airport six minutes before our plane took off and almost missed our flight across the ocean.
What's one thing you wish you could change about me?
Nothing. Your perfect. Okay your driving. I’m not going to elaborate because our parents are reading this.
Our biggest fight:
We've never had a huge screaming fight. One time we disagreed about a boy you were dating. Good times.
When we met Did you ever think we would be at the same college?
No. First, I wasn’t thining about college in 5th grade. And throughout high school, we just knew going to the same college was never a thought just because I was dead set on Belmont.
What does being radiant mean to you?
Being radiant means having the love and joy whenever you go is pouring out from your inner depths. It’s the thing that people cant help but notice.
My name is Caitie Hurst and this is my R A D I A N T story.
Cait, you are are my best friend, the one who makes me laugh when I think I can't go on. You sing like an angel and play those keys and strings like no other. Your smile and blue eyes light up a room when you walk in. Everyone looks to you for patience and wisdom. Every time you dance, you dance as if you are headlining at the Bridgestone Arena. You can't tell blue from purple or orange from red, and it kills me. I love that we can read each other in any awkward situation with just our eyes. You encourage me to strive in perseverance towards Christ. Your love for the Lord is contagious, radical, and R A D I A N T.
[mikaela]
[mikaela]