Let Hope Arise!

So I had a moment this morning where God had to come rescue me from myself and the enemy's thoughts immediately. I couldn't talk out loud, but in my heart I cried out "LORD HELP!" Yall, I almost broke down and gave in to Satan and his lies, but in Christ I found myself in the middle of that moment declaring that "God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble."

It's easy to look at my photos and think all is well. I like sharing my photos of travels around the world, and the amazing opportunities and people God has blessed me to experience. But I REALLY hope people aren't looking at my photos and thinking that I have it all together. No... I enjoy life BECAUSE of my challenges. I celebrate my small wins and great blessings even in the midst of my storms.

I have been in the middle of a MAJOR storm that I rarely talk about on any social media outlet, because of how close to my heart it affects. I still can't go into details, but basically I really wouldn't wish what I've been through over the past 3 years on anyone. But I know even my struggles were created for me to make me who I'm called to be. I'm still trying to figure out how much longer I've gotta sit in the middle of this fire, but at the same time, I love who I am today because of it. I hope whatever fire you're going through is refining you, too.

My girlfriends and I ziplining in the Costa Rican rainforest over the weekend :)

So today I pray for the personal storms that many of my friends and loved ones are experiencing both here and around the world. For I know that God draws near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. I know that God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. I believe that hope will not put you or me to shame, because God's love has been poured out to us via the Holy Spirit. And God has already demonstrated the height, depth, and width of this love through his son Jesus Christ, who, while we were in the middle of our self-created mess, died for us.

So my hope is not baseless, but empowered by the Lord and will get both you and me through today! Let hope arise!

Today's Countries: Guinea-Bisseau, Guyana, Haiti, Heard and McDonald Islands (no flag), Honduras, Howland Island (no flag), Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran