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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
Come Touch My Hands
I came home from a prayer meeting with my heart so full. Tonight, my friend Lindsey—without even knowing it—gave me a word from God. It was exactly what I needed to hear, a perfect answer to what I had been praying about earlier. There were two things weighing heavily on my heart, and that was one of them. And then, the worship team sang into the other. But when I got home, got ready for bed, and sat down in my bedroom, I felt God whisper, “Come touch my hands.” It seemed str
Kelsay Parrott
Jan 21, 20252 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
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
Pray for your Enemies
You hurt me. You broke me. You made me feel like nothing. You made me want to end my life. You were the one I trusted, but that is gone. I've been there, have you? A close friend you shared everything with suddenly ends your friendship. A family member betrays you. Your husband or wife leaves. Your kid turns away. Or whatever the situation, you are hurt and struggling to understand why. We live in a word of big emotions and it's easy to experience this. In our 21 Days of Pray
Kelsay Parrott
Jan 12, 20253 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
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
A Legacy
One year ago today you took your final breath on this year and your first in eternity. Can't wait to see you there one day. Legacy isn't just about the things we leave behind; it's about the lasting impact we have on the people and traditions that follow. My late Grandpa Donald Parrott, a man who radiated love, wisdom, and joy, left behind a legacy that continues to thrive in the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. It has been one year since He took His la
Kelsay Parrott
Jan 9, 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
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
What if...
What If You Woke Up Tomorrow With Only What You Thanked God for Today? I have a sign on my wall in my living room that states this, displayed above a prayer board. It often reminds me to thank God for everything, because you never know when something will be taken away. It helps me recognize how precious each thing is, even the little moments. On days when I feel like I can’t go on or don’t feel particularly blessed, it serves as a reminder that even those days have things wo
Kelsay Parrott
Dec 3, 20242 min read
Beauty in the Story
This is one of my favorite pendants. Why? Because it embodies my scars in its texture. Each little spot is part of my tapestry, a testament to God’s story that He has adorned me with. I created this piece at a workshop during the year of my 20th burn anniversary. Though I initially envisioned using a different scar for the jewelry, mobility limitations from a broken arm led me to work with my arm scar instead. At first, I was skeptical. I wasn’t sure how the piece would turn
Kelsay Parrott
Oct 21, 20243 min read
Not Prepared or Overly Qualified
The video from this speech is at the end. Please feel free to look at that :) On October 5, 2024, I had the incredible honor of speaking to a group of women at my church in Pennsylvania. The topic I chose for my speech was "Living into Resiliency." I wanted to share insights from my own journey to help others recognize the resilience they already possess within themselves. Now, let me tell you, I had been planning this speech for over three months, and honestly, it felt like
Kelsay Parrott
Oct 11, 20242 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
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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