There are quite a few people that actually read my blog, but there are a small number that read every single post. I always find this such a blessing because it greatly encourages me to keep writing. It also shows me how God can use even the smallest things to greatly impact such a wide audience. Honestly, I expected this to be more of a personal project of self exploration, but it’s been such a blessing to have people come along for the journey. I haven’t really asked for her permission, but I wanted to write about one of those people today. You guys need to meet Caitlin.
Several months ago, I ran into Caitlin at a World Race training camp and I tend to gravitate towards people that don’t fit in a mold, so I found myself talking to Caitlin a few times. It was obvious to see that she didn’t have the typical story of a Christian, but had been fighting the majority of her life. She’s pretty open with the pain and destruction that she has gone through in her life and I can see the victories that she is experiencing in the face of it. Even if she can’t at times.
Despite meeting her at training camp and trading some messages while she was overseas, our friendship didn’t really grow until a couple of months ago when she was back home. We traded messages a little more frequently and she began to follow every single blog I posted. I know this because she left a comment or sent a message after each time she read. Last week, I posted a story and less than five minutes later, Caitlin popped up in my chat window to talk about what she had just read. It’s moments like this that I can sit back and realize God is doing so much in the lives of people around me.
Earlier today I got a message from Caitlin with some very exciting news, and I just knew I had to write about her today. I think to call her life “difficult” would be an understatement. To even call her last couple of months “challenging” would be an insult. A couple of months ago, Caitlin returned home broken and clueless in some areas. As much as I wanted to worry for my friend, I had to trust that God was pursuing her and would take care of her. During these last two months, I have gotten messages that have encouraged and worried me at times. Despite the hard times and difficult choices, Caitlin can now say she has been two months sober!
Satan has attacked this girl hard, but God has never left her side. In each moment of sure defeat, Caitlin has stood strong. She may have slipped at times, but this girl is strong. Caitlin, I know you will read this and I’m sorry I didn’t ask your permission first, but this is something we need to celebrate. There are people that need to hear your story because it will not only bring them freedom but it will also continue to walk you further into freedom. I’m proud of you Caitlin, keep moving forward.
Maybe with permission, I can share this full story later on. Either way, this girl is an example of honesty in the face of addiction, and the process of true freedom…
