Our next featured woman of true Godly excellence is Lindsay Hood, wife of Tommy Hood (Pastor of Missions) for nearly 10 years. Lindsay is a stay-at-home mom to their four children, ages 8, 7, 4, and 2.
It is fitting that Lindsay married a pastor, and it came as no surprise to her that she would end up a "pastor's wife." She has always had a heart for ministry, herself, and has been involved in ministry, on some level, most of her life. She has the spiritual gifts of Teaching, Mercy, and Shepherding, and she uses her gifts on a day-to-day basis with her children. "I'm always trying to understand the Lord's heart for my kids and teach them in the way of truth and shepherd their little hearts."
She is passionate about seeing others being set free to walk in their true indentities, and she has recently had the opportunity to begin serving in Beltway's Freedom Ministries, which has been a wonderful opportunity for God to blend her gifts with her passion. "I love when I get to see the moment when truth comes on like a light bulb, and it changes everything."
In addition to serving in the home and serving in Freedom Ministries, Lindsay also has a passion for partnering with her husband to take Jesus to the nations, through international missions. Mission work is only a small part of the adventurous life the couple has shared! They began their marriage in Kansas City, Missouri, where they were a part of a ministry called International House of Prayer. As Lindsay explained, "We loved our life there, and I was perfectly content to stay there. We had just purchased our first home and loved it. And, then a job opportunity came open at a church in Lubbock, TX, where I am from. We felt like this was the next step for us, but I did not want to leave Kansas City. And certainly was not excited to go back home." She proceeded to explain that making the decision to move to Lubbock was one of her biggest steps of faith, due to the fact that she would be forced to abandon an ideal living situation, to enter one in which she would potentially come face-to-face with brokenness from her past. "I remember crying as we pulled away from our home in Kansas City with our 7-week-old baby girl, Hope, and having to trust that the Lord had the best for us." They only lived in Lubbock for a year-and-a-half, but Lindsay states that the Lord did amazing things in her heart during that time. "He brought freedom, forgiveness, and healing to me that I so desperately needed. I wouldn't be able to walk where I am today had He not taken us there for a short season. His plans are good, and He always sees the end from the beginning!"
Their move to Lubbock was only the beginning of the adventures for Lindsay and Tommy! If you've ever heard of the book, "Oh the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss, you may think Lindsay and Tommy took its title quite literally! They moved 6 times in the first 5 years of marriage, which stretched Lindsay outside of her comfort zone. "My personality is one that doesn't naturally choose change! But since I met Tommy, my life has not stopped changing and being adventurous, but it really has set my heart free! Because I have learned to trust in the One who never changes."
Lindsay began her journey of freedom when she returned to Lubbock, and she continues to walk out freedom, with intentionality, every single day. "I desire to see the supernatural and truth of God be walked out in an everyday, practical, middle of our mess, real way, in every area of our lives. Walking out freedom is an everyday process that is embedded in an intimate relationship with Jesus. Learning to lean on Him and cling to him for everything."
We asked Lindsay how the Lord has taught her to deal with offense, and she, once again, imparted such eloquent insight. "If I am not seeking to see other people and my husband through the eyes of Jesus, I am, then, already more prone to offense. If I can see God's heart for them, then it is much easier to release the offense. I have had to learn to be intentional in bringing even the small things to the Lord in our marriage. Truth be told, I've been offended over arguing about laundry with my husband. I've had to choose, even in the seemingly small things, to deal with them before it becomes a mountain."
In her spare time, Lindsay loves running, working-out, and cooking healthy meals for her family. If you want to engage her in conversation, you will probably find success if you bring up the topic of food, as she gets excited in talking about food and going to health food stores...when she can go it alone, that is! (I'm sure a little Mommy-time-out is sometimes in order!)
Speaking of time-out, we asked her to share her most embarrassing moment, and I'm sure there was a time-out involved in this one!! "Honestly, I've tried pretty hard to keep myself out of embarrassing situations most of my life, and have somewhat succeeded until...I had kids!! One year, I decide to Paint Your Own Pottery with my kids for Christmas presents. So, there I was with a 3-year-old, 2-year-old, and 8-months pregnant, trying to finish up our pottery (What was I thinking?!). My kids were playing in the kids' play area, and I look up to see my son marking with crayon all over the walls and white furniture. I was horrified! I quickly finished up and tried to get the crayon off with wet wipes. I could tell that the owner was less than impressed with my son's expression of creativity and could not wait for us to leave. Needless to say, I never went back...until my mother-in-law said for Christmas she needed another plate with handprints from our 2 youngest girls. So, four years later, I got up the nerve to go back, hoping they wouldn't remember my face. One of my girls asked the lady if she could color. Inside, I'm thinking, 'Oh no!' And, the kind lady responds, 'We don't have colors anymore because some kids were confused on where they should be coloring.' I sweetly smiled and said, 'I understand,' knowing full-well it was because of us that that rule was even put into place. Yikes!"
We are so thankful for the wonderful words of wisdom and insight that Lindsay has shared. We can't wait to hear more of her heart, and hope you will join us to get to know her better at "Let's Get Together" on September 22 at 6:30pm at Beltway Park!!
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