I didn’t beat Madeline Swope to our meeting, like I had with the earlier scholars. I walked into Wendy’s that frigid Sunday afternoon to be greeted by light tiles, tan tables, and a smile as she paused the online ordering process to acknowledge me. Her father seemed tall enough to high-five the sun in the way that most men unassumingly tower. The only problem with the image was the mountainous snow banked up in the Wendy’s parking lot. Eager to sit and warm up to a meal, the ordering process was quick and uneventful. Madeline and I grabbed a table by the window, and the rest of her dark-haired family sat in the center of the dining room. It was quiet.

      Looking at Madeline, something in me stirred. She wore a sage green sweater, golden earrings that created a thick small loop around her earlobe, a gold chain with an ‘M’ pendant, and a colorful bracelet. She’d done her nails adorably to match the Valentine’s season. She was a creative about four to five years younger than me, so maybe a bit of myself was reflected back, but really, looking at her, I could almost see my little sister. Sitting down with Madeline felt like coming home. 

      Unlike Jayna and Miles, Madeline hadn’t been interviewed before. She smiled out a curve full of anticipation, excitement, and perhaps a few nerves. That’s okay: I was a little nervous too. I asked her what year she was in college because, as far as I knew, all the scholars were in college. Madeline, a junior in high school, defied expectations. By day, she is a student and friend who enjoyed theater, choir, and strolling the mall with friends. By, well, Sunday morning, she is a scholar learning to utilize her creativity for the Lord. Her eyes twinkle as she talks, something sanctified leaking into the conversation as she outlines her involvement. 

      The Swopes had made a move to Missouri roughly three years ago, another location marked down in a life of military motion. Her mother had found a job at First & Calvary. Diligently, Madeline took to volunteering with the nursery and eventually the church choir. After an invitation to apply, she joined the Scholars Program this semester and began to help prepare and rehearse for the upcoming contemporary service move. She’s come to love her role in the band. “It’s really fun to just be able to kind of experiment with the band and stuff,” she said. Perhaps it’s the right amount of structure, the right amount of freedom that draws her in.

      Madeline is a diligent student. She’s a member of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and Do-Gooders, where she delivers sales pitches and brightens up teachers’ birthdays in conjunction with each respective club. She attends Clever High School and has plans to attend college. Somewhere in Missouri, she explained to me, because she was ready to stay close after moving so often. It’s time to plant some roots. Music education has caught her eye as a potential major. She already has some invaluable skills between choir, and a little bit of trumpet and piano. Humble and enthused, she recognizes her path towards improvement and preparation. “Next year, I’m probably gonna take, like, the piano class they have,” she detailed, “just because I think I want to be a choir director for, like, my career. And, If I’m going to do that, it’ll be nice to be able to play piano.” Piano requires study of theory, practice, and coordination. Creativity is just as much about listening as it is about generating. And just as I know God is whispering in her ear into every step further towards her future, I know Madeline will listen.

      After all, Madeline enjoys acting in theater, consistently becoming and fusing into the wants and desires of others in order to convey a story, consistently lending her body and voice to a greater plan. Currently, she is rehearsing for a one-act play called “Barnwood and Blue Roses” that surrounds a girl with cystic fibrosis and her friends and family. Additional tension is woven through the narrative with the revelation that one of her friends is dealing with abuse. This is a story not to be taken lightly, and Madeline relishes the opportunity to be a part of it. For Madeline, acting is “a way to express myself. I get to explore different characters and different emotions that, like, I’ve maybe never felt before, or I haven’t experienced anything like that character has. But, it’s definitely a way for me to be more empathetic.”

      Madeline had various creative outlines to delight in. God has and continues to direct her towards the right path regarding her future. I wish her the best during her spring break college tours. To anyone looking to begin a creative journey, she recommends to “find what works for you.” Life is hard, but the most fulfilling path will always be God’s plan, and Madeline is wisely and intimately acquainted with this. “There’s still gonna be hurdles,” she explained, “but once you figure out what you’re supposed to do, it’s a lot easier.” Madeline has taken Psalm 62:2 to heart in this. With God supporting her, she is a young woman unbound by the paralyzing nature of fear. She will sing; she will worship; she will abide in God all the days of her life.

      The Scholars Program enthusiastically welcomes Madeline this semester. Everyone excitedly awaits to see how God grows our new friend. We aim to create a space for her to experiment and mature, free from expectations or limits. If you’re also looking for a space to bring your own potential and possibilities to life, we’d love to see your application to the program at: https://www.firstandcalvary.org/scholars-application

​

​

Written by Jocelyn Squires, 2024 Scholar