Dancin in the Rain

So as you woke up this morning you have all probably noticed the storm front that has come about. And if you have been listening or watching the news you probably have learned that this storm is set to be a big one.


Last week I went to visit one of my Young Life girls after she came home from knee surgery. Two of her best friends, who were also my Young Life girls, were also over visiting. As we were sitting and catching up on life, we noticed that the rain was starting up again. Earlier in the evening, I was hesitant to leave my house and go visit, just because I didn't want to get caught in the storm. However, it had cleared up enough for me to go and be there for her. As I was driving over there, this got me thinking of all of the times we stay reserved in stepping out in our faith, in fear of the hard ships we might face and the trials or mess the storm might bring. Fear holds us back.

10 "Listen, my son, accept what I say and the years of your life will be many. 11 Instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble." Proverbs 4:10-12

21 "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set His seal of ownership on us, and put His spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.....24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because its by faith you stand firm." 2 Corinthians 1:21, 22, 24

As the storm started up again while we were continuing to visit, one of the girls got really scared and wanted to go home; however none of us wanted her to leave until it cleared up enough for her to drive (the rain was coming down so hard we couldn't see across the street).
Again, I thought of all the fears storms bring and it’s when the storms come that we want to run home, where we feel the most secure. Instead of embracing the storm, we tend to fear it.

18 "You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety." Job 11:18 (If you know little or none about the book of Job....he faced MANY storms and the Lord gave him security to overcome)

31 "As for God, His way is perfect. The Lord's word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him. 32 For who is God besides the lord? And who is the Rock except our God? 33 It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure." 2 Samuel 22: 31-33


The next day, I woke up to get ready for work, and noticed through my blinds the sun was out and all that was left were scattered leaves and a few puddles. I immediately grabbed my phone to text the one girl who I had been scared the night before. She had been up late talking with me after she got home, to help ease her fears of being "alone". I am glad she was able to turn to me as a friend, and all of this may seem cliché, but isn't that what God is for? To talk with when our fears seem to be too much, and to know we are never alone. Isn't that why he gives us storms, ensuring that we may turn to him for help? As we learn to embrace the storms we face, we start to see the sun that breaks through after the rain is gone, and that we were never alone.

29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. 31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind." Psalm 107 29:31


When I texted her, I simply told her that that a new day laid ahead of here, there is always calm after the storm, and God always sends the Sun. Even though we find it hard to think about that in the moment, when we are getting hit from every direction with wind, rain (and sometimes even hale), we have to remember that God always sends SUN to shine and shed light on what just happened. Just as he sent his SON to shed light on what lies ahead and clean up our mess caused by the storm of sin. This allows us to see the mess of which we were in and the strength He has given us to continue forward, On Wings Like Eagles.

31 "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

As a new storm seems to be creeping its way into Arizona , don't forget to think about:

DON'T Be Hesitant to go forward in fear of the storm.
You can ALWAYS Run Home to a safe place and you are NEVER alone.
EMBRACE the Storm, don't fear it.
There will ALWAYS be Sun after the storm, for the greatest SON has already come and continues to shine.


"Life isn't about how to survive the storm (since that's already been taken care of), but learning how to dance in the rain." - Unknown

Broken Hearts, Open Eyes.

Every time I am up at camp I learn something new, it never fails....just like Jesus' love. Two weekends ago I was up at winter camp 2010 and it was the weirdest trip I have been a part of. All of the other leaders and of coarse my girls were absolutely amazing, but I was facing a spiritual battle (including the week leading up to camp).

To speed you up to the present, I had to let someone close to me go, because they weren't the person I once knew. It did not mean I did not love them any less, however I knew for my own sanity and heart it was something that had to be done; and it was one of the hardest conversations I ever had to do. Brokenness is never easy to overcome, especially in the situation I was in, but I knew God was holding me and my heart.

The week before camp I was exhausted...physically, mentally, and spiritually. The night before we left, I came home from work, fell asleep on my bed that had laundry sprawled out needing to be packed, and woke up the next day still in my work clothes. I kept praying for the strength and courage to face the weekend, knowing I was going to have to face the person that broke my heart. Once at camp I felt relief and a sense of calming, however I was always nervous of what was in store with every conversation and every situation. Eventually everything caught up to me, the exhaustion, the stress, the fear and I had to break down and ask for help. With tears streaming down my face, I asked my friend to pray for me and help me when I could no longer help myself. At that moment I could literally feel the weight of the brokenness and hurt be lifted off my heart and shoulders and I had a new found strength...God took upon my yoke.

About an hour later came my favorite part of camp, even as a leader. It was the 15 minute quiet time...time to spend with God. Can you imagine a camp of 500+ people go from absolute chaos during the day to absolute silence for 15 minutes! It is always an incredible experience, and this is what I came to realize...

During my 15 minutes, I was expecting to cry (since that is what I was doing just an hour before). I took the time to lay and look up at the stars (and of coarse shiver). I was, for the first time in weeks, able to pray with a clear head and not have a million and one things running though my mind all at once. I was able to see God's purpose, not my own.

As I was laying there praying for my heart and my broken relationship with what was now an old friend, I was finally able to let a little more go. For the last couple of weeks I had been fooling myself thinking "letting go" is as easy as actually doing it. However, I finally learned that it is a process...and I am still taking it step by step.

I've learned that it is good to see the bad in people, it helps to allow that change and that growth to take place without holding on. Not to brag, but I have a gift for always seeing the good and the potential in people. I am not complaining by any means, but sometime my judgement can be clouded when all I want is for the person to let that good shine through.

It is amazing to know that God has not once left my side and is holding my tighter than ever as I continue to take baby steps towards the edge for a better view. I have learned to let go of false hope in thinking some people can change and become the people I am suppose to have in my life forever. I always envisioned that that was the real reason to hold on and make things work was because we were meant to be together forever. However, I have now seen that I cannot always be the post to lean on, sometimes I need someone to lean on too and I cannot continue to push forward when someone is holding me back. Eventually MY light would burn out if I am always trying to ignite someone elses.

Maybe eventually we can become friends again, but only time will tell. The theory is good, but the relationship my not be. I realized that people were brought into my life to allow me to witness to someone, share in their walk and hard times, as well as to show me that love does exist. They were also brought into my life to bring me closer to the one man that will never break my heart.

My relationship with Christ has grown in such a short time, its amazing. Although it has been tear filled and full of crazy moments, I know that not once He has left my side. I know that He is collecting my tears and crying with me. I know He is in the process of making me stronger; as a person, as a leader, and as His.

It is amazing to see what in just 15 minutes alone with God can bring into focus and allow me to see with a clear mind and an open heart. I am so excited to see what God has in store for me, I just need to learn patience to allow it to take place in His
time, not mine. For that, I am truly grateful for every break in my heart, every person lifting me up in prayer and encouragement, and every conversation Christ has had with me.

I know this situation has happened to me for a reason, and God has already allowed me to use it in many ways, and I know He isn't finished yet.

Thank you so much to listening to the story for my first broken heart and if it has touched you in anyway I would love to hear! Either comment down below, message me on Facebook, or send me an email kaleighb@yahoo.com

God Bless and Love Always,

Kaleigh