Holy cow, this past week has been insane. We had the opportunity to run a youth camp and begin to form solid relationships with the youth, I also had the chance to go help with children’s ministry at another church which was truly so wholesome and such a sweet time, we also hiked up the mountain at sunrise which was so incredible, but Between classes and nonstop schedules, I’ve been go-go-go without taking a moment to breathe. And  what happens when I don’t slow down: I forget what actually matters. I drift away from what anchors me, my relationship with Christ. Here’s something real: when I don’t spend time with God, when I skip the quiet, when I rush, the lies sneak in. And for me, they usually come as fears. Fears that people will judge me if I come off as weak. Fears that if I admit I’m anxious or scared, others will think less of me. Fears that if I don’t have it all together, people won’t respect me. Those fears feel so real in the moment, and they can make me shut down and try to bottle everything up. But God’s truth is louder than those fears. His Word says: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” (Isaiah 41:10) “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3). The fears still show up, but God’s truth is bigger. He doesn’t promise I’ll never feel anxious, but He does promise to be with me in it and to hold me steady when my thoughts start to spiral. One night I finally slowed down. We laid down and stared at the stars. I looked up and felt small. Tiny. But in the best way. Because the same God who set every star in place knows my name. He sees me. He made the universe so vast, so grand and still cares about the little things in my heart. That gave me peace. Not a perfect peace. I’m still struggling in many moments. Still anxious. Still afraid sometimes that I’ll let people down. But under those stars, I felt: He holds all of it. Even when I can’t. When I surrender my fear, my control, my shame God’s love rushes in. And when I’m filled, I can pour out. A little bit of God’s love given away helps others believe it for themselves. I’m not going to pretend this week I was perfect. I was anxious. I overthought. I let fear slip in. I bottled things up. But God’s promises are bigger. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  In the middle of all this, I’m still working toward something huge. For the spring semester of this trip I still need to raise  $6,900 more to cover everything travel, lodging, materials, and more. If God is leading you or. your church or your small group to partner, I’d be so grateful. Every dollar, every prayer, every share

matters. Because this isn’t just about logistics it’s about lives, about young people seeing God’s love tangibly, overflowing in ways we may not always see immediately.

I want to remember this breathe, even when it feels like there’s no time. God’s love doesn’t run out; it never fails. Surrender isn’t a one time thing. It’s daily.

I’m not perfect. I’m still fighting anxiety. I mess up. I worry. I overthink. But here’s what I’m holding onto: when Jesus fills me with His love, the overflow starts. It doesn’t mean I’ll never be afraid. It just means His love is more powerful than the fear.