where I am now.

In a moment of self-reflection last Saturday night, I looked back on who I was during certain difficult times in my life. I remembered what I did, what I said, and how I felt--about the world, other people, and myself. I looked at who I was at the very deepest level. I tried to put myself back into those situations as the person I was during that time.

I couldn't do it.

While writing about this experience in my journal, I couldn't even use the first person when describing the person that I was during a specific trial. I talked about the girl who reacted a certain way and the girl who said certain things. This felt strange to me. It was MY journal and I was reflecting on MY experiences. It wasn't until a certain truth dawned on me that I understood why I couldn't place myself back in that time period. It wasn't because it was too painful or because I didn't remember the details (Obsessive journaler, remember? I write EVERYTHING down.). It was because I didn't know who that girl was anymore; I couldn't even recognize her. She wasn't me and I wasn't her.

And I couldn't be happier about it.

This was the first time in my life that I have truly and completely acknowledged how much I have changed. I was blessed with a momentary clarity of mind that allowed me to see how much I've overcome, how much progress I've made, and how much stronger I've grown. I was also blessed with the knowledge that none of it would have been possible if it weren't for my Savior. I knew in that moment--and I know now--that everything I am is because of Him.

So this is my simple testimony that nobody ever walks alone. Every step you take is matched by a step of a loving Savior who loves you and cares for you. If you fall, He will pick you up. If you are broken, He will put you back together. Every single time. He knows who you can become and He will help you become that person. I know these things because I have felt them in my life. I have been lifted up by His love. Parts of me that I thought I'd lost have been recovered and lovingly pieced back together by His gentle hands.

Because of my Lord and Savior, I am filled with hope for the future. I have seen glimpses of who I can become with His help. And I know that constantly relying on Him will lead and guide my life and will help me  become the person I want to be.

I feel my Savior's love in all the world around me. 
His Spirit warms my soul through everything I see.