This is Greater Joy

My freshman year came to an abrupt end. In the height of happiness terror struck the world and left society reeling. As devastated as I am to be leaving the home I’ve found at Baylor university - I cannot help but rejoice in the Lord’s faithfulness. The Lord blessed me so well. He took me from daily anxiety attacks and tears in the weeks leading up to leaving for Baylor, through loneliness, doubt, and confusion of who He is and where He was in my times of despair, to blissful joy, an incredible community, a faith that believes that through Him I can move mountains, to friendships I’ve only ever dreamt of, to a sense of security like no other, and to a reckless desire to know Him, and make Him known. He didn’t have to bless me like this. He doesn’t owe me anything. But he lavished these blessings & so many more. He is so faithful. So as hard as the goodbyes are, I’m so thankful for just that. The goodbyes are so hard because this life is so sweet. I never knew what it meant to have a true, authentic Christian community where brothers and sisters pursue you, and pursue Christ with me. I never understood a relationship with professors that fosters academic and spiritual growth. I never knew what true discipleship looked like. I never knew the power of the Holy Spirit and His intense desire to set us free from anything holding us back from experiencing the abundant life He has layer before us. The Lord has blessed me BIG - and He has also blessed me simply. The simple moments of this year taught me the true goodness of the Lord. I’m heartbroken to see it all end so quickly, but so thankful that I have something so good to hold on to. These are forever friends. This is eternal joy. This is happiness beyond circumstances. This is trust. This is gratitude. This is community. This is the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. This is for His glory. This is opening my hands and offering it all back to the one who gives, and takes away. This is heartbreak. This is greater joy. This is trust. Thank you Jesus.