Navigating Life’s Rodeo: A Faith Conversation with Emilee Pauley

 
 I had the distinct pleasure of chatting with Emilee Pauley, a rodeo competitor whose life exemplifies the transformative power of faith. Emilee, just 25 years old, has been immersed in the world of rodeo from a young age, thanks to a family deeply rooted in the culture. From her father’s bronc riding to her mother’s all-around cowgirl status, Emilee was nurtured in an environment where love for horses and the lifestyle that comes with them flourished.

 A Love for Horses and the Lessons They Teach
As we delved into her experiences, Emilee spoke about the profound bond she shares with horses. For her, they represent more than mere animals; they embody a sense of peace and confidence. Through countless hours spent training and riding, Emilee has learned that horses can be incredible teachers, offering wisdom and understanding that often surpass what we impart to them. This sentiment resonates strongly with faith—much like our relationship with God, the lessons tend to reveal themselves in unexpected ways.

Emilee noted a fascinating point: how our perceptions of scripture can shift dramatically over time. A verse that once felt familiar can take on an entirely new meaning as we grow and evolve in our spiritual journeys. This fluidity in understanding reflects the dynamic relationship we forge with God—one that is always nurturing, always teaching.

The Connection Between Rodeo and Faith
Throughout our conversation, Emilee shared her favorite Christian song, “God Must Be a Cowboy,” which carries a poignant metaphor about how God leads us. Just as a skilled rider uses gentle nudges or firm spurs to guide a horse, God often leads us through life with a mixture of gentle guidance and tougher lessons. Sometimes, God’s interventions feel like a nudge, and at other times, they may feel more like a sharp turn in the right direction.
As we explored her faith journey, Emilee recounted how she grew up surrounded by a supportive community, filled with loving mentors and family who emphasized the importance of faith. Yet, life took turns, and like many of us, she faced challenges that sometimes pulled her away from her solid foundation. 

Rock Bottom and the Path to Renewal
Emilee’s life is a testament to the ebb and flow that characterizes our faith. She has experienced both low and high moments, which shaped her relationship with God. One of her most powerful revelations came after experiencing personal struggles, including the loss of family members and deep emotional turmoil.
In an analogy she crafted, Emilee likened her faith journey to standing at the edge of an ocean — sometimes being swept away by its waves, other times finding solid ground on the shore. Just like that ocean, her faith journey has been nonlinear, marked by moments of doubt and times of clarity. It was in her most vulnerable state that she prayed for God’s presence and guidance to heal her brokenness.
Among her many beautiful stories, she shared a particularly inspiring one—how a tiny lost stone from a ring represented God’s grace and faithfulness. Despite the odds, her prayer for the lost stone was answered in a miraculous way. This moment crystallized for her how God hears our prayers and cares deeply about our concerns—no matter how small they may seem.

A New Perspective on Self-Worth
One remarkable takeaway from our conversation was Emilee’s newfound understanding of self-worth. She had spent years seeking validation from others, often feeling less-than and unworthy. However, through her struggles and through prayer, she discovered the profound truth that she was worth it—worth the love, worth the sacrifice of Jesus, even on her worst days.
This concept of loving oneself as a reflection of the love we share with others is a simple yet profound shift in perspective. As she put it, our ability to love others is contingent upon how we love ourselves. This understanding dramatically alters interpersonal relationships and brings a nurturing element to her interactions with those around her. 

Carrying Burdens Together
Emilee eloquently articulated a lesson learned from the significance of helping others carry their burdens. She reflected on how, during Jesus’ journey to the cross, even He needed help from Simon of Cyrene. This reminder that we should never dismiss another person’s struggles—no matter how trivial they may seem—resonated deeply. Empathy is key; we never fully know what someone else carries. 
In her journey, she has acknowledged that asking for help and being there for others are both vital parts of navigating life’s rodeo. We each walk our paths and bear our crosses, and it’s in our willingness to support one another that we discover true community.

 A Journey of Faith
As our conversation wound to a close, Emilee inspired me deeply. Her journey reflects many of our struggles: the oscillating faith, the challenges of self-doubt, and the powerful emergence of grace. In embracing vulnerability, she found renewal—an important message for all of us.

Just as Emilee is on this ongoing path of faith, so are we all. Life will continue to present its challenges, but with God by our side, we can navigate the rodeo ahead—and perhaps, like Emilee, find ways to share that love and support with others.
Thank you, Emilee, for your courage, honesty, and the joy you bring to your ride. May your testimony inspire many to embrace their individual journeys and find strength in faith.

If you're curious about Emilee's journey or would like to connect further, feel free to comment below or share this blog with friends who might benefit from her story. Let's continue the conversation of faith, love, and community together.