The House that Built me

The four walls that translate all over the world

For the first 18 years of my life I was labeled as a small town girl, that came from corn fields, a school that participated in drive your tractor to school day, and had a graduating class of 130 people. Our nearest mall was an hour away and had less than 30 stores. Everyone dressed the same, kinda thought the same, and we had little to no cultural diversity. I grew up in what most would call the “American Dream.” My parents are still married, we lived in a two story house. Both of my parents work full time and have worked very hard to get where they are now.

I imagined getting the two plots next to my parents house, building, becoming a nurse, having 4 little babies running around.

I remember when we moved to 555 W Dasher Lane. It was a beautiful brick home. I shared a huge bright pink room with my big sis Lex. My younger siblings Rylie and Camden had their own rooms. We had a huge bonus room where I had hundreds of sleep overs. We welcomed two exchange students in that house. I got ready for my first date in that house. I cried myself to sleep after my first break up in that house. It was the house that built me. It was that house that helped me find out who Sierra was.

My freshman year my parents decided to build a new house. It was a dream. Everything we could have ever thought of. 388 W Melchoir Dr N was the house I parked my first car in. It was the home we welcome 3 foster children into. The home we shared many Christmas’ and Birthdays in. The house that always spelt like dad's cooking. It was the house that built me. The house where I discovered I couldn't do this thing on my own. Those years were filled with growing pains, heart break, let downs, revelations, success, hope. Some of the best and worst days of my life. That's when I met Jesus again and ressurrended. He had been calling. I just wasn't quick to pick up.

I was then placed in this house called church. Four walls that welcomed me in. 4 walls that loved unconditionally, forgave quickly, and filled with absolute Joy.

"The cool thing about this house is that it translates all over the world. No matter where I locate myself it remains the same."

It is the house that is forever doing construction.

Continuing to build, continuing to stand for such a time as this. It is consistent. Filled with Welcome Home signs. It is his Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. I will forever be in awe of this house. It is a safe space where I can learn, be surrounded by incredible community, and be exactly who he created me to be.

From my Sophomore to Senior year I loved being in this house. One summer I think I went everyday to find something to do just so I could be there. I even attempted to take drum lessons. I didn’t know Bible stories, I didn't know what these big words like “sanctification” meant. But I did know I loved Jesus and his people. Through those formative years I was known as the church girl, the one who didn’t drink, or have sex. I had a lot of friends but I stopped getting invited to parties because people just knew. I craved friendships that understood my desire and love for building his church. I often felt isolated even though I was surrounded by people. I thought I was the weird one. Boys said I was “too much.''People close to me called me hypocritical if I fell short even an inch. I was told that it was just a phase and I would be the first Schipp girl to end up pregnant. I was told I was the worst public speaker they had ever seen after a class president speech freshman year. It was hard and I wanted to give in. But I had strong convictions and I held onto the word God gave me on the bathroom floor. “I will carry you, stand up and walk. Not by your strength but mine. I love you so much and your story isn’t over.”

"I quickly learned that I could lose an argument but not my convictions. I could lose the argument but not the principals."

After a series of events I find myself at Bible College. In Pheonix, AZ.

Freedom. Joy. A fresh wind.

For the first time in a long time I can say I am overflowing with Joy. I am honored Jesus picked me to live this life. I will unapologetically dance in parking lots, be ridiculously loud for no reason, sing in the shower at the top of my lungs to Megan the Stallion. I will be “too much” for some people because they don’t want to be challenged past the comfortable. I now embrace the uncomfortable because I refuse the stay the same two days in a row.

You have to get off of the ledge of the comfortable. Step out and if you fall Gods got the parashute ready and in place.

I have stepping back into my body. For awhile I felt like I was looking down on my life from an Ariel view. I could see my family in Indiana. I could see my friends and coworkers here in Phoenix and I was just roaming around aimlessly. Trying to find my place. I stoped. I looked around. I realized, no I don’t need to see the whole map of where I am going but just the very next turn or stoplight. I might get rerouted a few times because we all mess it up here and there. But the destination remains the same. I just needed to hop back into my skin and own the Sierra that God created me to be. I speak life, I dream a lot, I encourage well.

All of that came from getting out of my small town for just a bit. Getting out of the house that built me on 388 W Melchoir Dr N. Taking a gap semester. Moving 25 hours away. Leaving the comfortable to find out who I really am beyond Santa Claus, IN. Beyond who my parents or friends imagined me being. Beyond the county lines. Beyond the athlete. Beyond the lost girl.

God will do exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ask, think, or imagine. This is so much greater. Take the leap. Make the move. Stay single and find yourself. Really find yourself.

10 year old Sierra would be so proud. I love where I come from. But I can’t wait to see where I am headed.