Be Strong and Courageous.

As the summer comes to a close, I find my self nervous at my un-seen adventures to come. This afternoon I leave for Appalachian State University. I leave my home, the beach, to travel to my new endeavor, the mountain. Although I am thrilled about the scenic atmosphere and excited about classes, the last few days have been an emotional roller coaster. I am not afraid of my classes or the people I will meet. What I am afraid most of, is missing the lives of the people I am closest too.
When I was making my decision to go 5 hours away from home for school, I considered several aspects. However, it seemed like all of the reasons for me to stay came down to one common theme: I was comfortable. AS much as I wanted to stay in my comfort zone, where my friends and church supported me, I could not help but feel as though there was this urge from the Lord for me to break away. So I made my decision... I was to become a member of the graduate class of 2014 at ASU.

Through out the summer, I knew that I would have to say goodbye; that I would have to leave; that i would ultimately have to "Grow Up." I just didn't think it would be this hard. As I have spent time over this past week packing my room up, there was a sadness that encompassed me. A little voice of doubt that seemed to fill my head echoing phrases such as, "You made a mistake." "Your going to miss out." "They are going to move on." Hearing this doubt over and over contributed to my already overwhelmed emotions and mindset. Knowing that these voices were from the enemy, I took out my Bible. For some reason I felt the Lord urging me to read Joshua. Now, I have read the book a few times and was certain that nothing new would stand out at me or would be taken from it, but nonetheless I obeyed and opened to chapter one.

Reading the introduction about Joshua, I was captivated by the Lord's certainty of his leadership ability. Being Moses's right hand man, Joshua entered many uncertain scenarios with huge faith and little questioning of God's Purpose. As I indulged into chapter one, I suddenly became very aware of why the Lord wanted me to read Joshua. In verse 7 of chapter one, the Lord spoke to Joshua saying, "Be strong and Courageous." The chapter continues this pattern of encouragement through 1:9 where the Lord tells Joshua," Have I not commanded you? be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

BAM! It was as if the Lord said to me, "WAKE UP KATHRYN! Dont you understand, I am with you whereever you go. There is no room for fear nor no need for it. I have a plan and purpose for you, even though you may not see it yet. So be STRONG and COURAGEOUS and Trust me!!!!"
What a wake up call right? So although I am sad to leave and afraid to miss out on certain aspects of my life in Wilmington, I am called upon to be strong and courageous just as Joshua was through out his whole life.