30/07/2025
The end of a legacy of service to East End. Even if you disagree with some of their political points, Julie and Andy and thier family are amazing. They have dedicated years of thier lives serving our community. Thank you so much
Mayberry Not Running for Re-Election
A good friend told me to imagine a headline that said, “Mayberry Running for Re-election” and a headline saying, “Mayberry Not Running for Re-election,” and compare my feelings about both statements. This advice was shared with me after a few months of a lot of prayer and reflection with family and friends and weighing this decision’s pros and cons.
I have said during and shortly after every legislative session not to ask me then if I wanted to return because it’s like asking a woman during childbirth, do you want to have another baby? Most would say no initially, but after recovery and reflection, would forget the discomfort and would see the beauty. A legislative session takes a toll on your mind, body and spirit. After a bit of separation, recovery can and does happen.
Upon my friend’s advice, I used my imagination several times in comparing those headlines. Mid-July, I felt refreshed and encouraged by the joy I felt serving constituents and ultimately decided to seek re-election.
When the decision was printed in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette newspaper on July 18, something didn’t sit right. The peace I expected never came. I am reversing course and will not seek a sixth term.
In Ecclesiastes, we learn that there is a season and time for every purpose under heaven.
God has blessed me with an amazing opportunity to serve five terms in the House of Representatives, but moving forward, I know He has new plans which will be revealed to me in His timing.
My goal is first and foremost to serve Him. The opportunities that have been provided to me to help constituents and be a voice for many of the voiceless, has been an amazing experience. God has used this to continue to mold me into the human being and servant He wants me to be.
I still have 17 months to complete in my current term and plan to work hard for my district and the state.
There are 1440 minutes in a day. It’s time now for me to use those minutes in a different way.
I intend to spend more time reading my Bible and focusing on God’s truth, rather than the constant noise of the news cycle or social media.
I will leave the direction completely in His hands. The path I’ve been on for the past 25 years since coming to know Christ as my Saviour, is not one I had planned but rather a path laid before me. My husband, Andy, and I have followed paths that seem unconventional at times but the Lord has always provided and His plan has always brought more joy than we’ve ever expected. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
I am deeply thankful to my family, friends and constituents who have allowed me to represent them for five terms and the three served by Andy. That’s 16 years of trust. Thank you. Your trust, prayers and encouragement have meant far more than words can express. I look forward to whatever God has in store for our family.
