Hey, y’all! I’m Melissa. And yes, that is a large plate of nachos in front of me.

As much as I’d like to tell you I finished the whole thing by myself, I didn’t. My grandmother eyed me as I downed one chip after another. I don’t know if she was repulsed or intrigued, but I feel like we bonded over that moment.

The past few months have been a whirlwind of moving across the country (again), supporting my kids as they leave friends behind, and encouraging my husband in his new career.

God welcomed me back into His arms a couple of years ago after I dealt with years of questioning Him, burnout from throwing myself into EMS, anxiety that just about drove me from my family, and allowing the whims of my heart to have the wheel.

I would love to tell you that it was a beautiful moment where the sun was shining, birds flew freely in the sky, and the smell of lavender wafted through the air.

While the scent wasn’t bad because of whatever cheap body soap I could find at the time, God reached me while I was crying out on my knees in the shower, yet again. It was clear as day when I heard Him whisper, “It’s time.”

I’m thankful that He came for me like the one lamb that strayed from the 99. He leaped for joy like the father did when his prodigal son returned. Instead of shame, I found conviction, peace, healing, and freedom.

During my time of healing, God called me into a season of surrender. As I let go, the season slowly shifted into that of testimony and of calling. I sit before you today as a new creation in Christ who seeks to submerge herself in the Word and step out in obedience, even if it’s in a direction I fought against for so long.

So where are you? Are you still following the desires of your flesh, healing from fresh wounds, or maybe are healed and are looking for encouragement?

Wherever you are, let me extend my hand to you. This space is for you.

I’ve struggled through nightmares and night terrors — not just my own, but my kids’, too.
I’ve battled burnout and anxiety.
I’ve hidden from God when I messed up, instead of running to Him.
I’ve asked hard questions — like where was God when my family couldn’t put food on the table?
I thought I had to do better. Be stronger. Figure it out myself.

But I’ve learned that I’m not alone in those places.
And neither are you.

The deep you’re in? The dark thoughts that plague you? The things you wish you could help your children with and feel like you can’t?

I’m not afraid of your storm. I will meet you there with a lantern in hand, and we will make our way through together.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” -Galations 6:2

If you're in a season of healing, holding on, or wondering if God still wants to use your story—
you’re in good company here.
This space was built for the in-between. And you’re not alone in it.

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