This blog was born out of hope. It was molded from experiences. Greater Still…These two words have pushed me along when I was spiritually depleted. These words have drawm me out of darkness with the faintest of sparks. These words patted me on the shoulders when my head hung low in shame. They spoke to me saying, “It is not over. Do not lose hope. Beautiful daughter, you are a child of the all knowing, always present God. And even still….in the midst of your tears, your darkness, your fears, your depression, your loneliness, your hopelessness, your discomfort…yes, even still, your Heavenly Father has greater plans for you.”

What an incredibly powerful message from two small words. They tell me that in my sin, in my shame, in my abandonment, in my filth, in my prideful life – that God finds me there. He doesn’t stand over me as I cower in fear on the ground. He doesn’t raise his voice or tell me what a disgrace I am. He doesn’t shake his fist in the air and tell me how disappointed he is in me. No. He sits down beside me, on the ground. takes my face in his hands, and meets me where I am. The Lord of all creation, the blameless one – gets down in my sin with me and whispers – my daughter. You are worth more than all of the gold, all of the treasures, all of the finery you could ever possibly imagine. You are not worthless…and you do not have to live as if you are. You are my child and I rejoice in you. Angels sing over you. Satan has no hold on you – for he cowers at the mention of my name. Stop living your life like a slave to this world. I have overcome the world. And as he cradles me in his arms and lifts me up out of my filthy sin and shame, he says,”Even now – even still – I have greater plans for you, Lauren. Come with me and never look back.”