Eradicating the Cloud of Fear
Sometimes you just need to know that you’re not alone. We can make it through every path that comes our way in life when we remember that God is with us. As David wrote in Psalm 23, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me...” One of our campers last summer experienced this in a powerful way.
Kaylee was usually a cheerful camper, so, when her bright smile was replaced by distressed expression after chapel one night, her cabin director, Violet, knew something must be wrong. Violet and Kaylee waited together in the chapel room as seventy-five other campers bustled out, heading to the gym for snacks and recreation. After the room quieted down, Kaylee opened up to Violet about a situation that was weighing heavily on her mind. She shared with her that she has a genetic condition that affects her muscles. The doctors told her that it was incurable and would only get worse through her life. To Kaylee, the news was like a black cloud, following her everywhere she went. She felt hopeless.
Violet’s heart was broken for Kaylee, but, in that moment, she was able to remind Kaylee of some incredible news. She told her that the God of the entire universe loves her more than she ever imagined. She explained that this God, who created her, is able to bring healing to her body. And she shared with Kaylee that Jesus will always be there for her—that she can trust Him to get her through whatever comes her way.
As she spoke, Violet witnessed a visible transformation in Kaylee’s expression. The sadness and anxiety seemed to melt away, and her eyes were filled with hope. They prayed together, and tears of relief began to stream down Kaylee’s young face as the love of God filled her heart and mind—eradicating the cloud of fear. Afterwards, she gave Violet a tight hug, thanking her for being such a loving, caring cabin director.
When Kaylee hugged Violet, she was hugging more that just one person. Every volunteer, every staff member, and every donor is a vital piece of the network God has put together to make encounters like this one possible. Violet served as the outlet for God’s love in that moment, but it began with everyone who partners with us in this ministry.
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