A Change

I want to share a bit about something close to my heart — the CORE Discipleship Intensive at my church. For those who don’t know, it’s a 16-week journey that dives deep into what life with Christ looks like. It’s a time where we intentionally cut out media, fast, pray, and seek God in a way that can transform every part of our lives.

CORE was the program that brought me to Pennsylvania, and it has been such a pivotal part of my faith journey. I’ve seen firsthand how it can change lives, and that’s why I’m so passionate about it.

As the admin for this program, I’ve had the privilege of sending weekly encouragement emails to the students. These emails are designed to keep them grounded and motivated as they go through this powerful process. I wanted to share one of those emails with you, because I believe it can encourage anyone, whether you’re going through something similar or just looking for inspiration in your own walk with God.

One day, I plan to include this in a book I’m working on — but until that day comes, I want to pass this along to you. I hope it speaks to you, and I encourage you to share it with others who might need a bit of encouragement as well.

So here this week's motivation:

Bear with me, this one’s a little long, but I felt led to share something deep and God promised to move. I thought I had this next encouragement all planned out. I was going to talk about how plants take weeks to emerge, how we can't rush them to retail stores before they're ready. I was ready to share a lot of stories. But then God stepped in and said, “Keep it real. Keep it simple. Be vulnerable.”

I wasn’t sure what He meant at first, but I believe He wanted me to share a part of my testimony to encourage you all. So here it is.

For those who do not know: When I was four years old, I endured a burn injury that left me with third-degree burns over more than half of my body. What followed was the hardest battle of my life. I was given less than a 5% chance of survival, and even if I did survive, I was told I wouldn’t amount to much. If you want to hear more on my journey, go ahead and ask! I love sharing. Fast forward through 90+ surgeries, and though I’m still not fully recovered after almost 22 years, I’m alive. I’m here, and I’m doing more than I ever could have imagined—praise God. But for so long, I carried deep hurt and unnecessary blame that no child should have to carry.

Three years ago, though, I reached a point of forgiveness in my journey that only God could have orchestrated. It happened right there at Lifeway. I remember sitting down with a friend and forgiving the dress I was burned in. I held the fabric in my hands, crying as I prayed, “God, I forgive the dress, myself, the company, my family, and everyone I’ve been holding onto for 19 years.”

Here is a picture of the dress after. It's hard to see but it's the dress

19 years of hurt—gone in that moment. And when I let go, my life changed. Friends who hadn’t seen me since 2019 barely recognized me when they saw me in 2023. Not because I looked different, but because I had finally moved past the injury. I had accepted who I was because of my burns, but on March 9, 2022, I accepted who I was in spite of them. I discovered the true Kelsay, and I allowed her to step forward, be seen, and be used by God.

As I prayed through this and felt God prompting me to share this story with you, I asked, “Why should I share this? What do these students need to hear?" His response took me by surprise and left me with my laptop set aside for a moment. Here’s what I felt God was saying, hear the word of the Lord:

Some of you are holding onto the hem of My garment, begging for healing when a single touch would have been enough. Some of you are holding onto your hurt because it feels like you can control it, but in reality, it’s just digging in deeper. Some of you have heard My voice in your quiet time telling you exactly what you needed to hear, but you turned away hoping I’d say what you wanted to hear. Some of you are questioning if any of this is worth it because you don’t see a change. But what if your complete transformation is just o

n the horizon?

But My child, I am working in that space. I am healing the wounds that have festered inside you for so long. I am lifting the burden, but you have to be willing to let go. There is a freedom you’ve already tasted that you are not living into because you’re holding so tightly to what no longer serves you. Let it go, and trust Me. Let Me do the work; you just keep pressing in. I am pleased by you. I am joyfully waiting to share more with you, if you will simply allow Me to do what I need to do. I am speaking to you, you are hearing my voice.

So, what do you say? Will today be the day you become who I truly made you to be, or will you continue to hold on to what I never designed you to carry?

I don’t know who needed to hear that, but I do know this: God is healing those hurts, no matter how long they’ve been there. Just as I had to let go of that dress, you need to let go of your hurt. It might seem impossible, but I promise you—God is bigger than it all. I may not know your specific struggles, but I know my God. And He’s greater than anything you’re facing. If you need someone to talk to, we’re here for you—your mentors, your leaders, our whole team. Whatever it takes to get it out. Write it down, share it on the website, talk to someone—because God is moving, even when you don’t see it.

The atmosphere shifted on Saturday, and I saw it. I felt it. There was a visible shift in the room, and I saw the light in each of you grow brighter. So, live into it this week! Let this week be the one that marks the rest of your life.