I think maybe I haven’t been real. I think perhaps I’ve only shown my highlights instead of the trenches where I’ve been this past year. I’ve blogged and posted about my move to North Carolina from Louisiana. I’ve talked about the Lord and all His many blessings, but I’ve failed to talk about all the in between. I’ve failed to mention the sleepless nights, the lonely days, and the mental exhaustion that comes with moving into unknown spaces.

I’ve had to learn a new culture. I’ve had to meet new people and attempt to make new friends. I’ve spent countless hours trying to find a church to call home. I’ve cried over not having a Christian community here. While this move has been one of the most exhilarating times in my life, it has also been the most trying.

I’ve prayed more over the past year than I have in my whole life up until this point. My Creator is the only constant in this season and being in communication and community with Him has been the only thing that keeps me going.

I’ve also cried more and been more aware of my mental state than I have ever been. I’ve learned that suppressing my feelings doesn’t accomplish anything and talking things through with trusted, Christian brothers and sisters can make a world of difference.



The good news in all of this is that our Creator is still on His throne. His goodness is never ending, and His promises are sure. Despite everything, He is still good.

Friends, lean into Him. When you feel like you don’t have community, He is your community. When you feel like you don’t have family, He is your father. He will always be enough. He will always supply your needs before you even know what you need.  

Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly,Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision,
where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights;
hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory.
Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up,
that to be low is to be high,
that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive,
that the valley is the place of vision.
Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells,
and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine;
let me find Thy light in my darkness,
Thy life in my death,
Thy joy in my sorrow,
Thy grace in my sin,
Thy riches in my poverty,
Thy glory in my valley.
- Arthur Bennett