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The Battle Isn't Yours
Trigger warning: Self Harm Mentioned! Self harm used to be how I coped with everything. If I could just make the pain on the outside match that on the inside. I'd justify why I deserved it and cover it up to ensure no one saw. If I was having a break down, fighting with someone, spiritual warfare, whatever it was I'd turn to harming myself. This would mean either falling on eating disorders that made me intentionally making myself sick. It would lead to scratching my skin, pu
Kelsay Parrott
Apr 29, 20252 min read
The Tomb
HE IS NOT HERE FOR HE HAS RISEN! Today, I celebrate that the tomb is not empty—it's full. Not full of a body, but full of everything that once held Me Captive. It's full of my shame. Full of my guilt. Full of my sin, my sorrow, my fear, and my failures. Full of the parts of me that were never meant to survive resurrection. Because when Jesus rose, He didn’t just leave behind grave clothes— He left behind everything that ever tried to bury *me*. My darkness had no place
Kelsay Parrott
Apr 20, 20251 min read
Be Creative without Fear
I’ll be honest with you—there’s something I’ve struggled with for a long time: the fear of man. Basically, it’s that deep insecurity about what people might think of me, and it tends to sneak in during three specific situations: 1. Working out in front of others (we’ll talk about that another day) 2. Speaking or teaching in front of people (also a story for later) 3. And the one I want to share today—being creative. Creativity always felt like a closed door to me. Growing u
Kelsay Parrott
Apr 14, 20253 min read
Self-Compassion
The Power of Self-Compassion: Learning to Care for Yourself I’m sure many of you cringed just reading that title. The idea of self-compassion can feel uncomfortable, almost like a luxury we can’t afford. But self-compassion is more than simply recognizing your struggles and taking a day off to relax. It’s about turning the same empathy, kindness, and care you show to others back onto yourself. I’ll be honest with you—I struggle with self-compassion. I don’t give myself enough
Kelsay Parrott
Apr 8, 20255 min read
Dear Person
Dear Person feeling Disappointed, I understand the disappointment and the desire for more. I know that it can feel like life is standing in the way of everything you want—whether it’s a disability, family challenges, or other obstacles. It can all feel overwhelming, can't it? I truly understand. Let me be vulnerable with you for a moment. Here is a post I made in high school on Facebook: "Honestly, as I reflect on my life in high school, this is not how I expected it! I found
Kelsay Parrott
Apr 6, 20253 min read
Grateful Heart, Bigger Miracles
I want to ask you a thought-provoking question today: What if you woke up tomorrow with only what you thanked God for today? It’s a simple but powerful question, and it’s one I’ve kept front and center in my home. I have a sign that asks this very question, and just below it is a prayer and praise board. Anyone who visits can see the prayers in my heart, and they’re invited to add their own requests or praises. It’s a tangible reminder of how often we come to God with our lau
Kelsay Parrott
Mar 24, 20253 min read
Use it or...
"You can either use it or let it use you. What do you decide?" I was speaking with a friend at our Young Adults hangout tonight, and we began talking about my story and my journey to where I am now. She asked me how to move from an “agreement trauma” mindset to a “transformed trauma” mindset (my words, not hers). To me, an agreement trauma mindset is when you accept trauma as something that happened to you, and you allow it to define you and dictate your future. A transforme
Kelsay Parrott
Mar 19, 20254 min read
No Sense Trust
What does "trust" really mean? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, trust is "assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something." This simple yet profound definition speaks to the very core of how we live our daily lives. We put our trust in many things, often without a second thought. We trust that the sun will rise every morning, that our employer will fulfill their promise to pay us, that our coffee will give us the energy we ne
Kelsay Parrott
Feb 14, 20254 min read
I choose.
Three years ago, in 2022, I participated in a program at my church called CORE. CORE is intense and brings you deep into your relationship with the Lord. We’ve just begun a new semester, and it’s brought back so many memories from my own time in the program. One of the most powerful lessons CORE teaches is about forgiveness and the roots of bitterness. That was the most transformative lesson for me. I was visiting Michigan for Seminary shortly before going to Pennsylvania for
Kelsay Parrott
Jan 29, 20253 min read
The Fullness
We all long for fullness in our lives, don’t we? I know I do. I want to be full of love, full of life, full of joy, full of peace. It always brings me such joy when someone tells me just how much they see all this in me. Life just doesn’t feel right when I’m only half full—or worse, empty—when it comes to these areas. But here’s the question: we all desire to be full, but how often do we actually allow ourselves to experience complete fullness in Jesus? Are we so deeply roo
Kelsay Parrott
Jan 19, 20252 min read
An Honor
Last year, I had the incredible honor of seeing MercyMe in concert, and it was a night I’ll never forget. As I was driving today, I found myself blasting their song “Say I Won’t,” and I couldn’t help but get emotional. Every time I hear it, it stirs something deep inside me, not only because it resonates with my journey of overcoming challenges and proving others wrong, but also because of the profound reminder it gives me about the power of perseverance. This song came out d
Kelsay Parrott
Jan 14, 20252 min read
Embracing the New Year with Faith
This time of year can be tough. There’s all that uncertainty, the unknown of a new year, and the weight of a new adventure looming ahead. Maybe you’re stepping into parenthood for the first time, embarking on a new marriage, moving to a new place, or starting a fresh job. Or maybe you’re still unsure of what’s next, but you can feel that something is coming. Perhaps you’re just hoping for a break from the challenges of the past few years. Honestly, I’m right there with you. I
Kelsay Parrott
Jan 12, 20253 min read
In the Manger
"You will find Him lying in a manger..." (Luke 2:12, personal translation) This simple yet profound statement encapsulates a moment that is both extraordinary and perplexing. A baby in a manger, the very thought of it challenges our conventional understanding of childbirth and the expectations we associate with welcoming a new life into the world, especially in today's modern context. When we think about the experiences shared by my friends and family who have gone through th
Kelsay Parrott
Dec 7, 20248 min read
Thanksgiving: A Journey Toward Healing
Thanksgiving had always been a holiday I loved—but also feared. Why did I fear it? As someone with an eating disorder and weight struggles, it stirred up so many negative thoughts. I would stuff myself until I felt sick, only to go back for more. I justified it with excuses like, “It’s only Thanksgiving once a year,” or, “Grandma made this, so I have to have some.” It was a toxic cycle—my relationship with food was unhealthy, and it controlled me. Everything was my enemy be
Kelsay Parrott
Dec 3, 20243 min read
Sensitive Content:
As a trauma pastor and survivor, I find it essential to alert readers to sensitive topics, ensuring they feel safe and aren’t caught off guard. A simple warning can prevent harm, so please approach this content mindfully. If it may be sensitive for you, consider reading at a safer time or skipping it altogether. If something causes distress, please seek help from a licensed counselor, pastor, or trusted friend. Note that it’s impossible to warn for all triggers, so please advocate for yourself and assess the content before engaging. Thank you for understanding and for helping create a safer environment for all!
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