Valley

I've taken a little break from social media over the past few weeks. It has been a nice time free of distractions to just think and process through some things. This month has brought a whirlwind of emotions ranging from overwhelming joy to crushing sadness.
I know that God is good in all circumstances. That is not even a question in my mind. I will say though, that experiencing such a wide range of emotions in such a short time has left me exhausted and drained. I did not get much studying done last week, nor have I had the energy to write and process through the emotional rollercoaster I have experienced this month. I will say though, that even when words fail me, the peace that comes only from Jesus truly is overwhelming. I have experienced His love so fully and completely through this hard time; it has been clear that He does care about each detail and He meets us in our brokenness.
Last Friday morning, as I was driving to meet a friend for breakfast, Valley Song by Jars of Clay came on my Pandora station. I had never heard it before, but it so perfectly expressed how I was feeling. I just sat in my car and cried and remembered that when I am weak, He is so strong.
Here are a few of the lyrics that really connected with me:

When death like a Gypsy
Comes to steal what I love
I will still look to the heavens
I will still seek your face
But I fear you aren't listening
Because there are no words
Just the stillness and the hunger
For a faith that assures
I will sing of Your mercy
That leads me through valleys of sorrow
To rivers of joy
And though the pain is an ocean
Tossing us around, around, around
You have calmed greater waters
Higher mountains have come down
I will sing of Your mercy
That leads me through valleys of sorrow
To rivers of joy
Oh, Lord sing of Your mercy,
Mercy
Your mercy

Today is a new day. One of my lovely friends from my small group sent me a sermon by Bill Johnson at Bethel church. He said that when God says no, it's because there is a better yes. I have so much hope in Jesus, and feel so much freedom in the fact that I am not in control. He has a beautiful plan, and even though there is sometimes pain, He is the master of redeeming brokenness. Hallelujah.

Chelsea's Run

Early this morning, as the sun was just beginning to rise over the mountains, I was driving towards Balboa Park and "Beautiful Things" by Gungor came on my Pandora station.  Tears filled my eyes as I heard these words: "You make beautiful things, you make beautiful things out of the dust."

I have heard the song a thousand times, but listening to it while thinking about Cheslea made the words feel more true and real.  In the context of this morning, I was reminded that God can take the absolute worst imaginable situation- a tragic and horrific nightmare- to make a beautiful change affecting countless lives.

Today was the third annual "Finish Chelsea's Run", a 5k in honor and memory of Chelsea King and benefiting the Chelsea's Light Foundation.  Each year, I am completely in awe of the beauty of this event.  I'm amazed by Mr. and Mrs. King, and the dignity and grace with which they have handled a situation nothing short of any parent's nightmare.  I admire how they have refused to succumb to bitterness and have instead embraced change and hope for the youth of our country.  They honor their daughter so beautifully, which is both empowering and heartbreaking because I can't imagine the pain they continue to endure.  They are truly an inspiration.

It has been three years.  She would be 20 now.  I never met her and I never would have known she existed if she would have made it safely home from her training run that February day three years ago.   But for some reason, I feel like I know her well.  And I think that is what is most wrenching about her story and why I continue to think about her and look forward to this run every year.  In her, I see each of my high school smallgroup girls at church- 17, full of life and ambition, looking forward to graduation and the vastness of life just ahead of them.  I see myself at 17, a lover of music, learning, and creativity.  I see each of my dear friends, brimming with potential and full of laughter and adventure.  It could have happened to any one of us.

So today, thousands of people came to honor Chelsea.  Vibrant sunflowers were everywhere, and the love and hope in the air was tangible.  Even though her life was cut short, she is changing the world.  God is truly making beautiful things.





To read more about the event, click here

Visit the Chelsea's Light foundation website here. Proceeds go towards college scholarships for teens who, like Chelsea, are ready to change the world.