Some of the best advice I received before going to training camp wasn’t what to pack, what to wear, or even that I should bring snacks. No, the greatest nugget of TC wisdom shared with me was that I should be open… to everything. If everyone is jumping around singing loudly for joy – do it. If you feel like balling your eyes out because you are experiencing a powerful moment with God – do it. New people that are absolutely nothing like your typical friends? Embrace it to the fullest. Cry, jump, and embrace is exactly what I did; and let me tell you, my life is forever changed because of it.
It’s difficult to put down into words what exactly happened at training camp because so much of it was a radical, internal change of my soul. So instead of trying to write a blog about the external events and surrounding factors that made training camp so incredible, I will share with you all a conversation I had with God towards the end of the week.
“Broken. Loved. Broken again. Anger. Fear. Understanding. Joy. Light. Hope. Renew. Motivation. Hunger for more of you. Forever. And ever. And ever.
That is the timeline of emotions I have gone through all in the span of 6 days. You have broken down every wall around my guarded, mislead heart. You have shown me a group of compassionate, loving, intelligent, inspiring people. You have given a whole new meaning to the term fellowship. Before this week I had never heard you speak directly to me. I was not listening. You have been holding you’re arms out, wide open, calling my name for all my life. Now you aren’t only speaking to me, but also through my fellow sisters in Christ; giving them the right thing to say at the exact moment I need to hear it. You are truly amazing Lord. I am forever in debt to you for the pain I caused you over the years. My faith was tested – and I chose myself; it is no one’s fault but my own. I allowed the enemy to instill a seed in me of self-doubt for too long. You broke every chain; every voice telling me that I could never be a reflection of you has been silenced. You love me so much! You want all of me, forever! You will empower me to do amazing things for you; it is you who strengthens me. Because with you, ALL things are possible! You have equipped me with the armor to protect against the forces against us, and given me a strong voice that will forever speak of your glory. Now it is time for me to go out and be a fearless, bright light to the darkest places of your world. I am ready! Send me!”
So what exactly happened at training camp? What happened is that God showed up, in a big way. He broke me down, to rebuild me back up in His perfect vision. And now he has prepared his army for the biggest battle of our lives, but we will not be alone. He will be there with us, holding our hand every step of the way.
He has given me the opportunity to lead 5 extraordinary, loving, incredible girls on our journey and I am so excited to see what he has planned for us in the next year. We are team A.R.O.M.A. which stands for Awesomely Redeemed for Our Master’s Army. If you have time, check out thier blogs too. They are pretty rad girls 😉
