You might be wondering “who’s arms”… “Katie has a boy?” HA… those are all valid thoughts, but i’ll explain what the title means.
About three months ago, my good friend Harley spoke those words over me. Saying that this summer I was entering into “a returning back to His arms, a re-prioritization of my heart and He was calling me into a deeper trust” season. I obviously questioned her and God on what all of that meant/how do I go about doing these things?
Have you ever had one of those really good hugs? A hug from a bigger person that felt like hugging a bear? That feeling where you somewhat can’t breathe but also don’t want it to stop? Yea well here I am three months later, deep into a bear hug with Jesus! Discovering that He’s been waiting with His arms wide open for me.
So I’ve had the honor and blessing to spend this summer at my favorite place ever, Camp Ozark. Coming into this summer I was feeling all types of different ways: nervous, excited, ready to serve, on fire (not literally), BUT there was one feeling standing in the way, anxiety. I was dealing with some personal things that I didn’t know how to fully trust or honestly want to give to Jesus and it was drowning me. For the first two weeks I wanted to leave (and contemplated it) the place that I love the most. I was overwhelmed and begging for healing and I ..(key word).. I thought nothing was happening. (God is a funny one) cause while I was too busy begging, HE was too busy SAVING.
Isaiah 43:1-4ish
“Fear not. For I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God. The Holy one of Israel, your Savior … because you are precious in my eyes, and honored and I LOVE YOU… Fear not for I am with you.” (the rest is powerful, so read it too)
BUT THIS VERSE. I read it line by line, every day for two weeks. It was this promise I held on to. It was this promise that in the midst of one of the hardest things’ I have yet to go through, He held my hand all the way through it. He stood me on a rock and whispered to ME “Katie I know you, you are precious to me and I LOVE YOU, trust me.”
It was at this moment I finally laid everything at His feet and followed Him into what I can say was the best summer of my life. My eyes were opened to the countless amount of kids and staff that were craving Him. Needing someone to walk with, pray over them and tell them that saying YES to Jesus is life changing, earth shattering and worth it! This summer I witnessed healing, salvation, joy, true understanding of His love, serving, AWE, fun (I mean everything that is fruitful)!!
This summer Jesus gave me purpose. He gave me friendships that I don’t deserve (but I receive with a grateful heart). He gave me peace. He gave me trust that can’t be explained. He restored my heart.
My heart is so full. Thank you Jesus, I love you!
-Katie B
This also might be a good time to ask for prayer for preparing my heart for the trip! So if you’re reading this will you pray for me!? That I will be intentional, productive and diligent with fundraising. My heart will be prepared and ready for what the Lord has in-store for me, and at the same time, that I am still serving where my feet are in BR and Pineville! THANK YOU!!
