"God started to become personal to me when I was in junior high. I had a friend who was struggling with depression and would often call me in tears, feeling as if taking her life was the only way out. I felt so powerless to help her. The only thing I knew to do was to ask God to be near her and rescue her.
In January of 2012, my dad passed away unexpectedly and my whole world changed. Deep grief began to characterize my life and everything felt heavy. However, the bitterness of loss also brought a sweet time of feeling Jesus with me, speaking to me and giving me hope. It is safe to say God had never felt more personal as he brought me to a deeper place in my relationship with Him. I needed Him to get through each day.
As life began to feel easier, we found ourselves diving into foster care. It is both the most meaningful and most difficult thing we have ever done. And yet, it allows me to know God in a way I never did before. In all of these things, I am so comforted to know He is there when my heart is hurting. It is the place I find a personal God, who sees my burdens and does the heavy lifting for me."
