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Bridging the Divide
I needed the divide bridged—and for the first time, I finally feel like it has been, at least in some ways. You see, as a trauma survivor, compartmentalizing comes far too easily. Compartmentalizing is the mental process of separating painful or conflicting experiences into different “boxes” in your mind as a way to cope and avoid certain feelings or triggers. It can protect you for a while, but after years of doing it, those boxes start to feel less like safety—and more lik
Kelsay Parrott
Jul 23, 20256 min read
Sacred Camp Moments
Sitting at the campfire, hand in hand with a fellow counselor, I felt the tears fall freely—hot, quiet (or not so quiet) and unashamed. I wasn’t just crying because the week was ending. I was crying because this place, these people, this love—it all means so much more than I can ever put into words. Camp isn’t just a place. It’s a heartbeat. It’s the one week where the world fades, and what’s real takes center stage. It’s where laughter is loud, hugs are tight, and you’re see
Kelsay Parrott
Jul 12, 20252 min read
Greenhouse Walks
There’s something sacred about walking through the greenhouse. I’m drawn to the flowers—the way they burst with color, the way their fragrance hangs in the air like a hymn. Each bloom seems to whisper a story, and together they live in perfect harmony. To me, it feels like a glimpse of the Garden… a reflection of Heaven itself. In 2003, after I suffered a severe burn injury, doctors made a bold and risky decision to change my ventilator in an effort to save my life. The proce
Kelsay Parrott
May 24, 20252 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
Dear Future Husband
Dear Future Husband, I have been praying for you for years now. I’ve prayed for your strength, your wisdom, and for your connection with God to be stronger than any other relationship in your life. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."— Proverbs 3:5-6 I've prayed for your protection. Times when I didn’t know why you needed prayer, but I prayed because God placed it
Kelsay Parrott
Mar 25, 20252 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
Immersed
It seems simple, doesn't it? But too often, we make it a challenge. We chase after the next best thing, always longing to get the most out of every situation. But what if your "thing," your calling, or your season is exactly where you are right now? I get it. There’s a deep longing for more. After all, we were made for more. But what if we need to be okay with the slower pace? What if we could simply focus on being present in the moment? In my own life right now, that looks l
Kelsay Parrott
Jan 16, 20253 min read
Beauty Scars
We all know what a beauty mark is, right? It’s that little birthmark, mole, or dark spot that sets you apart and is often considered beautiful in the world. I have my own beauty mark. But have you ever heard of beauty scars? I like to believe my scars are part of God’s tapestry—delicately woven into my body to bring Him glory. Each scar was knitted with care, just as He formed the universe, each with its own unique characteristic. Honestly, I hated my scars for a long time. I
Kelsay Parrott
Jan 14, 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
The Unlikely Connection
In 2024, I had the honor of attending three concerts. If you'd told me a few years ago that I'd be excited about live music, I would've probably laughed. See, I’m not exactly a concert enthusiast. The first real concert I attended was, well… an experience. Don’t judge, but it was a Rob Zombie, Volbeat, and Megadeth concert. I was just a teenager, tagging along with my parents. It was loud, chaotic, and honestly, a lot to process. The noise, the crowds, the sheer intensity—it
Kelsay Parrott
Jan 10, 20255 min read
Not a Check List Year
I am a checklist person. Who else is with me? There's something magical about having a list of tasks written down, and the sweet satisfaction that comes when I get to draw that big, bold mark through something—DONE. It’s a small act, but it fills me with so much joy. Maybe that makes me sound a little insane, but let’s be honest: I sometimes break my tasks into multiple layers, just to give myself more opportunities to check things off. I will be honest, it makes my cleanin
Kelsay Parrott
Jan 8, 20254 min read
The Journey Into Health
"I’m okay." "I feel fine." "I’m happy with where I’m at." These were the words I said out loud, but deep down, I just wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin again. I wanted to feel truly happy and healthy. I thought I was doing well, but in reality, I was far from it. Physically, I was struggling more than I realized. Mentally, I was in a slump. It was time to change. In June, I decided it was time to take my health seriously. The negative effects of my lifestyle were beco
Kelsay Parrott
Jan 8, 20255 min read
21 Days of Prayer
My church has started a 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting for 2025. Each night, we come together in prayer, worship, and a deep desire to seek Christ. We are fasting as a community, each in our own way. For me, my fast includes skipping snacks and committing to a 7 PM to 7 AM fast, which challenges me. Additionally, twice a week, I do an Apple Day, where I only eat apples and drink water. This practice denies my flesh and feeds my spirit. "But he answered, 'It is written, Man sha
Kelsay Parrott
Jan 7, 20254 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
Perspective Shifting
I always believed I was on a path leading to a better life, one far superior to previous versions of myself. Physically, I had broken free from medications that once felt like a lifeline. I navigated my days without them, which felt miraculous compared to just a few years prior. My weight, while still a work in progress, was lower than it had been before—a true victory. Emotionally, happiness became my default state. I rarely felt overwhelmed; instead, I found myself in a men
Kelsay Parrott
Oct 11, 20245 min read
Perfectly Refined
Poetry serves as a powerful outlet for me to express profound emotions, convey stories that resonate with my soul, and connect with life on a deeper level. While my poetry may not always adhere to traditional rules or "poetry etiquette," I believe that authenticity is paramount in the moment of creation. I often write freely and later revisit my work, refining it through the lens of established forms and techniques. This process often results in two or three revisions for eac
Kelsay Parrott
Oct 1, 20242 min read
Don't Waste You Exodus
This image was on my screen with the caption “Don’t Waste Your Exodus”. As I look at the photo, my heart began to pound out of my chest and my mind started to whirl. I was imagining the fear and anxiety that it took to face this scene. I was imagining the trust it took in God to take the leap to try to escape to something better. I pictured asking the question, how do we know for sure it's better? I imagined what it meant to have the belief that better days were coming even w
Kelsay Parrott
Sep 25, 20248 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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