It's hard to be in another state away from your family and friends when tragedy strikes back home. You feel as though your hands are tied behind your back with no way possible to help your loved ones when they need you the most.

I screamed at God this past week. I took a day to be alone, by myself, my music, and my car. We drove the Blue Ridge Parkway up and down, pulling off at the most pristine panoramic mountain views. I had a picnic by myself. I sang Taylor Swift a little too loud. And after fighting it, I finally silenced the music and cried out. Countless things have been swirling around my head lately. I'm overwhelmed with it all. So I cried out to my Creator. I was honest about how angry I am, about my fears, my hopes, and with windblown hair and tear-stained eyes, I felt closer to Him than I have in a very long time. Through the silence He whispers, "I'm holding you. Cling to me."

A week has past and honestly no problem or trial in my life has improved; if anything I've gained a couple more or the ones I had have gotten progressively worse. Still He whispers, "I'm holding you. Cling to me."  Knowing Christ doesn't make my problems nonexistent, but He holds me through it all, and that makes all the difference.

 Unexpected work.
I went into this summer job not knowing too much about it. I knew I was going to be outside most of the day and that's honestly all that mattered. This job has turned out to be one of the, of not the best job I have ever had. I enjoy the team I work with and we all get along well. I never knew ziplining, rock wall climbing, and ropes course instructing could be this much fun.
 Unexpected lessons.
I've learned so many lessons about life just over these past one and a half weeks. I've learned how to be a better leader, a better listener, a better encourager, and I've learned more about totally embracing who I am as a person.


The Lord has been reminding me that my worth isn't found in my GPA, college degree, or any accomplishment, my worth is found in Him alone. In Christ alone, my hope and worth are found.

  

I was 13 when my parents got the call that a baby boy needed a temporary home. Always wanting a third younger sibling, I jumped at the chance of being able to take this baby boy in. I remember the day we picked him up like it was yesterday, my mom and I went and left my dad and two younger siblings waiting at home. I followed my mother into a white-washed room with a rocking chair and a couple scattered toys on the floor.  I saw him wrapped in a receiving blanket, held by his biological mother. In that split-second that it took to lay my blue eyes on his big, beautiful, brown, ones my heart grew. I learned a lot about love that day. I learned that true love is selfless. Willing to give up everything, not in fear of rejection or separation.