Being Christ in Our Lives: Laura Williams Fritz

High school was a tough time for me. A lot was going on at home. I had no faith life, and didn’t seem to be able to find my place anywhere. Laura Williams (now Fritz) was one of those people who seemed to do it all effortlessly, choir, drill laurafritzteam, synchronized swimming. Girls like her and girls like me didn’t interact much in our very large (600-plus) graduating class and so a few years ago, I was shocked when she asked me to be her Facebook friend. I said yes less than graciously, commenting I was surprised she remembered me.

Laura generously ignored that snark. And so, we’ve finally gotten to know each other a bit, virtually, and she inspires me greatly. The nature photos she takes are publication-worthy. But more importantly, her posts and photos show humility and gratitude for her beautiful family and friends. She’s not one to brag about her service, but every once in a while, we all see glimpses of the joy she takes in her involvement at her church and the food pantry in Mapleton, Minnesota, and the folks she’s served as a dental assistant and in the local school system. Laura reminds me that popularity doesn’t preclude gentleness and kindness–indeed, perhaps those gifts birth popularity–and has made me rethink my tendency to make snap judgments.

Who reflects Christ in your life?

By Melanie

Melanie Rigney is the author of Radical Saints: 21 Women for the 21st Century and other Catholic books. She is a contributor to Living Faith and other Catholic blogs. She lives in Arlington, Virginia. Melanie also owns Editor for You, a publishing consultancy that since 2003 has helped hundreds of writers, publishers, and agents.

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