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What an Honor
This week, I had the honor of attending International Burn Camp, hosted by the International Association of Fire Fighters. This is a burn survivor leadership camp that sends one camper and one mentor to Washington DC for a week of touring, adventures, leadership building, and community building. Every time I’m surrounded by this community, I am reminded of its power—but this week felt different. This was the icing on the cake, the dream fulfilled that my younger self never st
Kelsay Parrott
Oct 2, 20252 min read
Three Years Ago
Three years ago today, My parents and myself passed the sign that said, "Welcome to Pennsylvania". Loaded with two cars with my parents, everything I could squeezed inside. My heart was just as full—fear, anxiety, anticipation, and a hope that somehow this move to Pennsylvania would be worth it. It was a huge step, and deep down I knew there was no turning back. This was not like when I moved to College or went to a trip. This was serious adulting behavior. The VA was waiting
Kelsay Parrott
Aug 30, 20254 min read
Stitches of Belonging
Have you ever received a gift that, in the moment, seemed ordinary — but later revealed itself as sacred? A gift that holds more than its surface, that holds memory, love, and presence? I remember the quilt on the left — playful, colorful, stitched with care. I received it during my first week at Miracle Burn Camp of Iowa, when I was just seven. At the time, I didn’t understand why it mattered. It was just a blanket. But now, I feel it differently. I feel the warmth it carrie
Kelsay Parrott
Aug 19, 20253 min read
The Pool
Pools have always been a place of vulnerability for me. Not just because of the water, but because of what it means—being seen. Being exposed. Letting others glimpse the parts of me I usually keep hidden. It’s not just about scars on my skin… it’s about the history they carry. As a teen, the scars were from my own hands, the cuts on my skin were not by accident and I didnt want others to see. When I went to the pool I would cover up completely and sometimes get turned away be
Kelsay Parrott
Aug 10, 20252 min read
Honored and Overjoyed
Absolutely overflowing. That’s the only way I can describe my heart after reading the email I’ve spent most of my life praying would one day arrive. Fourteen years — ever since I was a 12-year-old kid still learning how to love my healing skin in the mirror — I’ve dreamt of this moment. Dreamed of the experience. Of finally being able to overcome and be something better. As a little girl still clinging to life in the burn unit and beyond the unit, I used to daydream about som
Kelsay Parrott
Aug 6, 20254 min read
Still Learning
I’ve been walking this burn survivor journey for 22 years now. More than two decades. You’d think by now I’d have it all figured out—how to pace myself, how to stay safe, how to read the signs before they hit hard. But the truth is, I don’t. And honestly? That surprises me sometimes. Yesterday was a good example. I went out disc golfing with friends. The sun was out in full force, the heat index high—about 90°F with over 70% humidity. I did what I thought was the “right” thin
Kelsay Parrott
Jul 28, 20254 min read
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
Beauty in the Pain
Sunday night, I was out with my parents when I found myself talking with a gentleman who had endured something truly traumatic. As he spoke, I listened with everything in me—while my own body quietly cried out. Every time I shifted my weight, an open nerve in my leg flared. The slightest bump sent shockwaves—eight out of ten on the pain scale—shooting down through my leg, sharp enough to make my eyes water. My body was still worn out from camp, my soul tired, my energy hangin
Kelsay Parrott
Jul 14, 20254 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
22 Years
It took me twenty-two years to get here. Twenty-two long years. Of crying out to God in the dark. Of trying to find pieces of myself in a world that never looked the same again. Twenty-two years of fighting for this exact moment. A moment of victory! On May 13, 2003, everything changed. That’s the day of the fire. The day my body was burned and my childhood ended. Nothing would be the same again. The day my family’s world was flipped upside down. The day my parents almost los
Kelsay Parrott
May 24, 20254 min read
Taking Back what the Enemy Stole
In just one week, I’m taking back something the enemy tried to steal from me—my joy, my peace, my healing. Let me share why this means everything. May 13, 2003. A day forever etched in my life. It was the day my dress caught fire, and I suffered burns that scarred over half my body. It marked the beginning of the most painful, exhausting, and life-altering journey I’ve ever walked through. Recovery wasn’t just physical—it was emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal. Learnin
Kelsay Parrott
May 4, 20253 min read
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
Together, We Rise Campaign
Have you ever gone through a challenging time that left you wondering, “Where do I go from here?”—a moment when you felt alone, maybe even abandoned? Where people said to reach out when you need them but they don't seem to get it? At the beginning of my burn recovery, that’s exactly how I felt. Yes, my family supported me—just like family does. But to me, it didn’t feel any different than how it should be when a parent loves you. I didn’t yet understand what it meant to have.
Kelsay Parrott
Apr 10, 20252 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
What's to Come?
Many people have been asking me what the next steps are in my life—what’s on the radar, what I’m excited for, and what’s coming next. So, I wanted to share the exciting adventures ahead for 2025, and I’d love for you to partner in prayer with me as I step into these new chapters! I’m writing a book! I must admit, I’ve been working on this book for years, but it never really went anywhere. Honestly i never thought my story was worth publishing. For a long time, I was just pret
Kelsay Parrott
Apr 6, 20253 min read
Recovery
Burn Awareness Week Part 2 Recovery is such a roller-coaster ride. At first, I thought it meant reaching a point where I was completely healed, like I could just move on and leave everything behind. While healing is definitely part of the story, I’ve come to realize there’s so much more to it than simply being “over” what happened. Recovery isn’t a straight path—it’s messy, unpredictable, and often feels like you’re taking two steps forward and one step back. There are moment
Kelsay Parrott
Feb 8, 202510 min read
The Flames
This photo brings tears to my eyes every time. It captures me at a moment in time when everything was simple, carefree, and innocent. I was four years old, smiling into the camera, unaware of the storm that was about to hit my life. This was one of the last professional photos of me before everything changed. February means Burn Awareness Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness about burn injuries and fire safety. You might be wondering, What exactly is Burn Awareness Wee
Kelsay Parrott
Feb 3, 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
25 years down
As I sit here reflecting on my 25th year of life and praying over what God has in store for my 26th, I can’t help but feel deeply grateful. (And seriously, if you hear anything from God for me, let me know!) Year 25 brought some unforgettable memories and milestones. One of the most special was graduating from seminary! That moment was so meaningful, especially when I saw my professors’ pride—knowing I wasn’t supposed to make it that far. Another highlight was leading both a
Kelsay Parrott
Jan 21, 20252 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
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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