Episode Transcript
[00:00:01] Speaker A: Welcome to the Arkansas Baptist of Women podcast. On this season we will talk about the beauty of belonging to a gospel centered like minded community that shapes and encourages us to love God and to be present in our calling.
[00:00:12] Speaker B: We are excited to sit down with different women from all stages of life and hear what God is doing in their life in an area of ministry that God has called them to join us as we find encouragement in the work and presence of God as he is reflected through casual conversation around coffee and authenticity.
[00:00:29] Speaker A: Hey Arkansas Baptist women, we are so excited to be back with you again on this season. We are just sitting down and talking to different women and hearing their story, where they are in life and ministry and really how our lives are meant to create space to walk and to seek the presence of Jesus. And so today we have got our friend Katie Cheek on with us and we are excited that you're here.
[00:00:53] Speaker B: This is gonna be so fun. We're so excited. Thank you for having me to kind of start off, help us get to know you a little bit. Tell us about your life, church, all the things help our listeners get to know Katie.
[00:01:04] Speaker C: Okay, so I grew up in church my whole life.
I currently go, I'm very involved at New Life Baptist off Samples Road and my son and I, I have a son, his name is Boston, he's seven in the first grade and we've been there for probably about a year and a half now.
But I grew up in a very involved, with a very involved family that has always gone to church.
And I currently work at Berkshire Communities.
I do billing and utilization there and to kind of give a background about that. The Berkshire Communities is a mental health facility for severely mentally ill adults.
So I've worked with that population for about 10 years now.
So very difficult population to work with. But it also has a lot of fulfilling aspects of it too for me and the members as well.
And yeah, so right now I'm just in a season of life right now of just trying to find the best way to serve. Whether that's my close friends, close family, people in the church, people I don't know, people, you know.
So that's kind of where I'm at right now. And I try to be, I try to find anywhere where I can be involved that can make a difference. I've always wanted to. I love people's problems. I love to sit and just listen to people talk about their emotions and their problems and, and so I just, I love to just sit and hear about people's lives.
[00:03:12] Speaker A: So yes, I would say, Katie you are a very engaged, intentional person.
The reason I know Katie is because probably, what, two months ago in our neighborhood, we had hosted a Gather25 like, meeting that, you know, Jenny Allen and her team put on. And we were in the living room on a Friday night and a neighbor actually is a mutual friend. And she invited Katie over and immediately Katie jumps in and is so engaged and intentional in the way that she just casually starts conversation and just asking questions to where they go deeper and deeper. And that is what I thought when I was thinking about whose life and ministry do we need to get to know? And it's yours. And I think as we move through just some of the questions that we're going to ask, as you share more about what that looks like day to day, they'll get to hear just the heart behind you. Okay, so tell us about a mentor in your life that has made an immense impact on you.
[00:04:21] Speaker C: So I would say my youth pastor's wife, which he is actually now the pastor of the church that I grew up in.
But she was always someone that was not brutal. Well, brutally honest, but in like, the best loving way. Like, it was never that feeling of, like, is she trying to hurt my feelings? Is she trying. No, it was just like, this is what she was speaking truth and she was speaking it from God's word. And as a teenager, I mean, like, there's only certain so many things that, you know, you can tell a teenager that they'll listen to. But she just was always talk about intentional, very intentional with asking you those hard questions and getting you to think and getting you to honestly pray for conviction about what you're doing or what you're not doing.
So that was when I met them in middle school. And so that's kind of when it started. And so actually I. I interned there for a year or two.
Got closer with her then. That was in high school. But even now, I met with her for coffee probably about a month ago. So she still just like, reaches out or I'll reach out. And now it's not like a. Like, yes, I look up to her and her talking with her is important and what she's saying. But also she feels like she's a friend now. Like, you know, then it was.
I feel so much younger and I'm a kid, you know, but now it's like we sit down and she talks about her problems and, like, we just talk. And so it's nice to just have that.
So I would say her is now. And of course, we don't see each other as much as we'd like. But it's still somebody that. If I had some really hard question, which I did not too long ago, just about how to handle it with someone that was a non believer, and I just called her and asked her, what do I do? What do I say? And so it's things like that, that, that make a difference for sure.
[00:06:24] Speaker B: And that's cool. Like having longevity of a relationship like that, like from middle school to now, like you've gotten to walk through stages with her. And so that is like, so sweet to have people like that in your life.
[00:06:34] Speaker C: Yes, for sure.
[00:06:35] Speaker A: Yeah. So what would you say? Talk about that seasons of life change and ministry in those seasons of life change. And so what would you say the Lord is teaching you right now in this current season?
[00:06:50] Speaker C: So I would say right now. And this is. I've kind of been in this season.
I would say the past year has been really heavy for me and not in a bad way, but just the, not even just the season of quote unquote singleness, but like using that for devotion, like learning what true devotion means to the Lord. Because I have honestly never put myself in that situation to let God use me in ways that, whether I'm in a relationship, not a relationship, just, you know, But I do, I have learned ways that he is showing me in this season of singleness.
And I would say a big thing that comes to mind is that is being obedient and learning how to devote my time and energy where he wants me to. Because it's easy as, I mean, I can say I'm single so I don't have to cook for someone else. I mean, I have my son, but he likes chicken nuggets and that's about it. But like, I don't. Yeah. So, like, I don't have those. Some of those obligations that a married person would have.
And so it's not even just small things like that. It's just like I can sit and be quiet and truly listen to what God is telling me to go do or say. And a lot of times lately has been just texting a friend that comes to mind that I feel like God is putting on my heart to say, hey, I miss you. Or, you know, because the big thing is I am. I do not have social media. I do not. And I know it.
[00:08:39] Speaker A: You don't.
[00:08:39] Speaker C: Yeah. So. And I'm not one of those, like, creeps that like, is off because I'm like, hiding from. No, I just, I don't have it. I haven't had it for probably three or four years. And there's. There's pros and cons to that, but my point of saying that is like, I.
I'm not the best at communication with my phone or, you know, things like that. So it's. It is hard. It's a struggle for me to be intentional with taking the time to call somebody or, you know, and so I think that right now is just praying through that and figuring out, like, what to lay down and surrender to be able to help somebody that, you know, that isn't a season of, well, not singleness. That is. A lot of my friends are married and have kids, and I have the opportunity to serve them in ways that you couldn't if you had a big, you know, a family and Mary and things like that.
[00:09:39] Speaker A: That is awesome. I think it goes back to that one word that you said in the beginning, this word of devotion to God. And then as we are devoted to him, sit with Him. He does align our steps and just our. The next place of service or ministry for us. And I think at the very beginning, when you were talking, talking about your life, you said, right now I find myself just serving my friends and different people. And so you can see how this is just a thread that he's woven and is teaching you. That's awesome.
[00:10:06] Speaker B: Especially in this season, staying in that vein, what are your daily and weekly rhythms like with the Lord? Like, what does that look like for you right now? That because some women being a single mom or if they are in other seasons, they may be like, well, I don't have time to sit and be devoted to the Lord. Like, what does that look like for you right now?
[00:10:25] Speaker C: So, you know, even though, you know, everyone's busy and has a schedule, and whether you have a kid or not, or you're, you know, any season that you're in can just be crazy. But I.
Right now, well, we have a lot of baseball going on, so we're very. Talk about devotion. It's a lot of baseball, but just I take walks a lot. I try to walk as much as I can, and even on days where I, I. It's a lot of excuses, I know, but, like, if I get to the end of the day and I'm just exhausted, and I try to find some time during that day to even just go walk and listen to a podcast or don't listen to anything and just pray and.
But also, our time at our house is right before bed.
Boston and I both do our quiet time. And then after he goes to bed.
I have a spot on my floor where I just sit and I read and I pray and you know, and I think, I know I said the word excuses earlier, but I will say even if it's. You're just so exhausted that you can't even read and comprehend things just to like, I find myself making myself just sit there and just sit. And in those moments, honestly I even some days I will sit there and I'm thinking, God, I don't even know what to say.
I don't know what to say. I don't know if you're here, I don't know. But I'm just gonna sit here and just like listen for you.
And so I would say just like on a weekly basis of doing that. And then we're very involved with our church and so we go Sundays and Wednesdays and then trying to do different like activities and stuff during the week. But I would say even it, it doesn't have to be some, like, you know, I sit here for an hour and read my Bible and do this devotion and. Which is great. I mean, yes, because I've. I do those when I can, but just sometimes I'm just sitting and just listening to what God is telling me. And so I try to do that on a daily basis. Yeah, good.
[00:12:44] Speaker B: And sometimes that's harder to do just to sit in like silence. Like that can sometimes be like one of the harder things. What you kind of alluded to this. You listen to podcasts like what are you listening to or reading right now that are been impactful in this season.
[00:12:56] Speaker C: So right now I am. When I walk, when I go do my walk, I do listen. I am Love Lisa Terker. Listen to her. I read her books. Like she's definitely one of my favorites.
So if I'm podcast wise, I'm listening to her. She has one that's called therapy and theology. And so she does it with her therapist and then a doctor that they have on there.
But they do.
It's great.
And they usually try to do some every week.
And so I'm listening to that. And then I also feel like I've bought most of her like devotions or whatever, you know.
And so right now I'm reading one that is seeing beautiful again.
And so that's the one I'm currently on her one. She has one that's called you'd're going to make it. And I think I bought that like 10 times just for random people because I was in a different the time in my life up until about probably six or so months ago, just really struggling, just really was going through heartbreak. It was just a hard time in life. And I don't like to say, like, that book saved my life, but like, the way that she used the Lord in that book, like, I recommend everyone to get it. It's just the best. And I think my favorite part of it was, though, is at the end of each devotion, you wrote out what you were surrendering for that day. So, like, looking back at things and what I wrote, it's like, it's amazing to see what the Lord has done and how he has used that pain to like, you know, help me now. Yeah.
So. But also, I'm also reading the friend we were talking about earlier, Nikki. She gave me Kate Bowler. She's got a book and then she's also got a podcast. I haven't listened to that, but it's. It's a devotion. It's like a 40ish. Actually. It says it on there. It's like 40ish devotions, but it's. It's written out to where, I mean, you could read it on one day. It's not like a, like a for each day thing, but they use.
It's really good. She and a friend of hers kind of do it in a.
It's funny. It's like they. I mean, it's. It's devotions, but they're. They're kind of looking at it as like, life is messy and let's do this together being messy. And.
And so, yeah, I'm currently reading that too.
So.
[00:15:32] Speaker A: Yeah, that's awesome.
And it seems like just these books that you're listening to and just the season of life that you were in, God's moved you into now and that he's forming. What does community right now look like for you?
[00:15:49] Speaker C: So, yeah, right now I feel like I've. I feel like I've been this way since I was a kid because. But I. My community is kind of different places, different.
You know, I'm just with church. I mean, of course I have several good ladies that I speak with daily or weekly. And.
But then also, like, my, you know, best friends that I have are kind of everywhere, kind of in different areas. And so that's why I talked about earlier, like, it is important for me to learn to use my phone and to contact them and to be intentional and ask what they're struggling with. And so I feel like that's kind of, you know, where I've always thought that it's not having 50 different people that you are friends or whatever. You know, it's like I have four or five that pray for me, that pray with me, that listen to me, and I listen. You know, it's so. It's small numbers make a big difference.
[00:16:58] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:16:58] Speaker C: And so I feel like, you know, sometimes I get hard on myself for thinking I need to get out more or meet more people and probably. Yes. But at the same time, like, I need to stop and be like, the people that I have in my corner are. I couldn't get better. I couldn't have better, you know.
[00:17:17] Speaker A: That's awesome. And would you say community is a journey?
[00:17:21] Speaker C: Oh, absolutely.
[00:17:22] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:17:22] Speaker C: Yes. Because mine last year even was completely different. But that's just from decisions that I've made with getting involved with church and separating myself from people that were not in good community.
So. Yes, absolutely. Yes.
[00:17:39] Speaker A: Good. Okay. So talking about just you and your ministry, obviously in your church at work, but then in your home, that you were talking about just these.
The night rhythms that you have as you sit down with your son and you guys do a quiet time or pray together. So how would you say you're navigating teaching your son about the Lord in this season of parenting right now?
[00:18:10] Speaker C: Well, side note, he got baptized on Sunday on. For Easter.
Yes. So, yes, very exciting. It was very good Easter. But our church had, a couple weeks ago, had a revival, had an event for revival, and I'd served with the kids, like, one night, and they talked a lot about, you know, go talk to your parents, go ask them questions, all that. So I was like, I'm going to see. I'm going to see if he comes and talks to me. I'm not going to say anything. I'm just going to see. So anyway, he didn't that night, but then the next night, because we do the Jesus Calling for kids. We do that every night. It's so good. I love it. And there's always, like, a verse to memorize or whatever. So we try to do that. But we were reading that. We were reading it one night, I think, after. Yeah, after the last night of revival. And he just started asking questions. And, you know, he. Because he's seven. So, like, in my head, it's like, does he really understand this? But, like, that's not for me. That's not for me to know. And. And I could tell just by, you know, the way that he was asking questions and I could. He wants to be involved. He loves it. And so anyway, yeah, so he got baptized on Sunday. And it has created, though, amazing Conversations that I never thought I would have with a seven year old or even, you know, an adult. I mean, it's just the questions that he has asked have been very challenging for me. But so we talked with our pastor and I was even telling him, like, because he was talking to Boston about the Holy Spirit and that kind of thing. And I was like, well, good example of that is when Boston came and talked to me and asked me questions that was the Holy Spirit. Because I did had no idea. Not like I, like, blanked, but I mean, I mean, yes, I like, was like, oh my gosh. Like, it just words came out that were absolutely the Lord. It was not me. And so we've just been a lot of times or have been a lot of situations where we have had good conversations like that that have come up that, you know, that challenge me and challenge Boston. And so. But also I make it very important for Boston I to talk about emotions because there's a lot of them, just me and him. And so there's a lot at our house.
But it has made a huge difference just by talking about why and that you can. I brought Jesus into it many times that, like, you know, if he gets mad about something or upset, it's like the. The main person that understands what you are feeling is Jesus. Like, and so I feel like I try in every way possible because he's gonna listen to that more than he is just me saying, stop crying, you know.
[00:21:10] Speaker A: Right. But it's true. To enter into that space with him. Yes, that's good.
[00:21:13] Speaker C: And so conversations and just kind of making it open to where, you know, and even just like listening to music, I will kind of stop and ask him, like, what if he's listening to the song and then he's over there asking questions about what the worship song is about. And so it's just the little things that, like. But if I never would stop and say, hey, are you listening to this? Or do you know what this means? Then those conversations, you know, wouldn't happen. So we love to talk.
[00:21:43] Speaker B: Yeah, I think that's cool that you ask him questions, but that he's so open asking you questions too. Like, that's awesome.
[00:21:50] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:21:51] Speaker B: You kind of talked about this at the beginning, about where you work and the work that you're doing there, and just the difficulties, but also the rewarding side of it. So what got you into, like, working there? Like, what. How did the Lord open the door for that? Or did you work somewhere else before that? Just kind of what led you to that role?
[00:22:08] Speaker C: Yeah, So I adore. Was definitely open for where I'm at now. I was at a different day treatment before I graduated from college, and my plan was to go to seminary in Texas. I was going to do biblical counseling.
I've always wanted to do something in, I say the mental health field, but I wanted that aspect of it that is Lord, I mean, it's led that way and not just, you know, take some medication. Yeah. So.
So I.
I ended up working though, at a.
A day treatment here in Little Rock.
And. But I've always wanted to just be that voice for people that are struggling with mental health. And I grew up with not really talking much about mental health, talking much about that side of it.
And I definitely think that that plays a part with. But with also biblical and with also, you know, having Jesus as first, as like the center of it. But, you know, my brother struggled a lot with drugs, alcohol, all that. In and out of rehab most of my high school years.
And so probably in high school is when I just like, wanted so bad to understand. Like, to understand because, like, I never struggle with those things. Mine might have been other things that were also sinful, but it was as far as, like, you know, the addiction goes, I never didn't understand it. And so that was something that I wanted to study and to understand. And while it was a different way than I thought, I still was surrounded by that population and. But. And saw that, you know, is more than just take your medication and you get better. So.
So anyway, I've. I started at a, like I said, somewhere here in Little Rock at a day treatment and then been at Birch Tree for about five years.
And so the best thing about Birch Tree is that we do the best that we can to make their life the best that it can be with what they are, how they were living. And our goal is to help them be as independent as possible.
And so even taking, you know, my brother, that he is much better now. He lives in Fayetteville, he has a daughter and he's married. Um, but that's kind of how it all started, was just wanting to help those that felt helpless.
[00:25:18] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:25:18] Speaker C: And so, yeah. Yeah.
[00:25:21] Speaker B: In that, like right now, like, how are you getting to see the Lord, like, move through you, but then also like at your workplace, like, what are ways you're seeing that happen?
[00:25:29] Speaker C: So I will say it is a difficult.
I wouldn't say place like Birch Tree specifically, but honestly, the way that the Lord, the times that he has moved have just been from.
From me stepping out and having conversations with people. And, you know, and that would be with like my co workers. So it is a lot harder with, you know, I don't do one on one therapy or anything with the members that we have. And so a lot of it is just my co workers that were in the same building and they know what I believe and they know my, you know, my views and everything. And I feel like they know that I am not. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, obviously, but I'm not scared to ask, how can I pray for you or, you know, especially for those ones that you don't want to ask them that, you know, because they know, you know, it's just like, so I feel like it's, it's helped me get out of my comfort zone with conversations that I've had. But then also I've been there for five years and so they've seen things that I've gone through and how I handle that and how I turn to the Lord in times of, you know, anything that I'm going through.
And so I would just say, you know, it is very difficult in that, in the mental health field with that, but one conversation makes a difference.
[00:27:06] Speaker A: Yeah. And I think the, the neat part of it is what could be heavy, you don't carry the burden of that. You, you find a way and you let Jesus enter into that with you and with work, with mothering, with serving, and then even because of your organization, it's not a faith based organization. Right, right. And so there, there are some really hard diagnosis, hard conversations, just some hard work that goes on that you get to be a part of daily. But then it doesn't stop there that you get to see and you get to share the hope and the peace and the joy that Christ promises to you and for those that believe in him. And then because of that being able, those colleagues that you do have, those co workers that you do have, forming relationships out of that, that can also breathe that hope and joy and peace into that workspace, I think is just incredible.
[00:28:08] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:28:09] Speaker A: Yeah, that's awesome. Okay, well, think about this. For someone who is listening today, who was walking through a season of discontent, what is something that you would encourage them with?
[00:28:23] Speaker C: I would say, and I have to remind myself of this daily, even on the most content day, is that there is nothing that the Lord cannot use you for. I mean, whether that's you're in a season of depression or you can't get out, I mean, any season that you are in, or any discontent that you do feel that there is something in your life that the Lord can use. And yes, for him, that's the main goal there. But, like, also, it also does for you, too. I mean it. When you are serving the Lord and when you are listening for his voice and what he's asking you to do, it changes your entire life. And so like I said, I have to remind myself of that all the time just to, just to be like, you know, yes, I'm dealing with this and this could be better, or I wish this was going on, or, you know, but like, what can the Lord use with something that I'm going through now to further his kingdom? And so, yeah, I would say, and my main thing is. And I feel like I talked about at your house, but I have a big thing with just like asking the Lord to be loud. Like, because I. You have so many voices that are, you know, your friends or everybody's got opinions or even, I mean, obviously your own is the worst one to work with most of the time. But just to like, ask the Lord, like, I want to hear your voice and your voice only, like, shut mine down, shut everybody else's. And of course you, like, also pray for the people in your life that bring wisdom, you know, but also just to like, listen for his and for him to. He will tell you exactly where to go and what to do. And it might not be where you want to go or what you want to do, but, you know, I think I talked about earlier just like the obedience part of that is. Makes a huge difference in your life.
[00:30:38] Speaker A: That's awesome. That is so good because you would say, you talked about earlier that the last six to eight months have looked very different in your life and it's come through an open heart surrender to God.
[00:30:52] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:30:53] Speaker A: And because of that, maybe you've. You've been able to be content in this current season.
[00:30:59] Speaker C: Yes. And then if you know, things, other things happen that are not my plan, that it's still. It's easier for me to stop and think. Well, it's not about my plan. It's not about. And most of the time it does look different than what the Lord has for you.
But I can't think of a time in my life where mine had. Mine was better. Like my plan was better or what I thought my plan should have been. Would have been better.
[00:31:30] Speaker A: Yeah. So that's good. Okay. Well, before we close, what is a way or some ways, a few ways that we could pray for you?
[00:31:41] Speaker C: I would say I'm looking for a house. And I know that's So I just sold mine. It's under contract, and I don't have one to go live in, so it's like, you need it. You've gotta find something.
The thing, though, is this is how the Lord works, though. I have been. I put my house up on the market on Thursday, and it's under contract as of Friday, so. But the people that bought it are Nikki and them. So they. She calls me, and this is like one of my best friends, and she calls me and she's like, katie, you want to buy your house? And I told her I cried like, 10 times, but just because, like, I was so worried about my house not selling or, you know, all those things. And so anyway, and then they're gonna let me stay there until I find something. And so the Lord is good, but I still need a house. So just to, like, not even just, you know, it just for the patience for me to just find, you know, kind of think about what I was talking about, like, finding in the middle of all this. Just like, you know, find a reason to look for the good.
[00:33:03] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:33:03] Speaker C: And so that. But then I would also say just the way.
The way that I am unintentional.
You know, I can sit here all day and say that I want to be, but I struggle with that a lot, even with, you know, I serve every other Sunday with the kids at church, but even with that, I want to be more intentional with the kids, with the parents and that kind of thing. And so just finding that way to do that, because it's not always the easiest.
[00:33:43] Speaker A: That's good.
[00:33:43] Speaker C: Especially with children.
[00:33:44] Speaker A: But that's awesome. Yeah, that's good. Well, Katie, it has been so fun having you on our podcast today and talking through just what life looks like with you and your day to day with Boston at home and at work and at church and all the things that are in the middle and that come with that. And so it's been a huge blessing to us and a real encouragement.
[00:34:06] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:34:07] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:34:07] Speaker C: This is great. Thank you so much.
[00:34:09] Speaker A: Yes. Okay. Well, let us pray for you and then we will finish. God, we are so grateful that you call us into a work that is not ours, it's of yours. And whether that is mothering, whether that is just coming alongside our friends as a friend, whether that is serving in our church, whether that is working in a workplace, God, that you give us just what we need to be able to move all of those different plates and to do those well. God, we thank you just for the way that you have gifted Katie and just the work that you've been doing in her life, the way that you have called her to a specific work for a specific time. God, we pray that you would continue to equip her and that you would help her to enter into those tough conversations on those heavy days that do truly provide an answer. And it's you, Father, we thank you just for her home and the home that you've given to her, but also the home that is to come. God, we thank you that the details are being worked out and God, that you would go before her and that she would find a place of just trust with you as you bring about her next home for her and for her family. God, we thank you just for the way that you have really gifted her to be intentional, but just this desire to grow in that intentionality as she serves and looks for other ways to bless people. God, that you would gift her just the wisdom and strength in that. God, thank you just for your word that roots us in just the way that you have called us to trust you and to be obedient. And like she said, the very first word is just this life of devotion. God, we love you and we give you praise in Jesus name, Amen.
