Story of Grace & Call to Live Fully

Two years ago today was a day that has since, changed my life. I was a freshman in college, living in another state completely foreign to what I was used to. My family were miles away. I woke up to my roommate's irregular breath. Still tired and in a fog, I thought she was having a bad dream. Then it clicked. Something was not right and my sweet roommate needed help.  After quickly running to grab my suit-mates and my RA, we called for help. My beautiful, kind, and talented roommate was suffering from a cardiac arrest in our very dorm room. Our dorm room that we'd spent the whole summer preparing for--the entire first week of school decorating.  It was the dorm room that the girls on our floor loved to come visit.  It was the cutest room I'd ever seen, and one I'd dreamt about my whole life.  Our room was now invaded with EMT's trying to save her life.  The girls and I joined hands and prayed our little hearts out. God, protect her. Keep her safe. May people see your hand in this circumstance.  And by the grace of God, He did. After three days in a coma, my roommate woke up with not a problem to be seen or a cause to be diagnosed.


Two years ago today, I witnessed a precious miracle. A life being spared, a life being saved and a life that still had a lot more to be lived. What a blessing and a relief it was to know she was okay....perfectly okay! If nothing else, what caught me off guard was that I was there. It was me who was in that room with her, it was me who isn't a sound sleeper and who woke up to the tiniest gasp for air.  Why? Words can't explain what a humbling, terrifying, and miraculous event this was. 
This was grace at its finest.


Two years ago today I realized that things don't go as planned.  I learned I needed to live fully. Fully live. Life is a gift and you never know when it could be taken. I realized I needed to continually be thankful each and every day I woke up healthy.  I realized I needed to be a better friend, daughter, sister, and person all together.


Two years ago today I was thrown a curve ball, a life-altering one at that.  I was reminded to hold dear what you love.  Cherish your family {and remember to thank my mama profusely for flying up to be with me}. Love with no bounds. Chase hard after your passion. And always listen to and trust where God wants you. Because the funny thing is, when I decided to come to Seattle for school I was nervous and hesitant, but knew this is where the Lord wanted me. I was homesick most of my freshman year and wanted to quit, trust me, I wanted to. But I stayed. And if for nothing else, I was here in this rainy little town to be used for this purpose.  For His purpose.


Two years ago today a fire was ignited in me to follow my heart and to inspire others to follow theirs, too. Do with your life what you know is good and lovely. Be an inspiration to others while you have the gift of breath.


Two years ago today was a day I can vaguely remember in its entirety and for that, I'm thankful. But what I do remember was a life was saved and I felt a clear calling and passion to live mine, too.

photo credit

I hope this inspires you to live fully! Do you have an experience like this that was a wake up call in your own life? Sorry it was so heavy for a Friday, but it was on my heart :)
May your weekend be filled with many blessings and smiles!
Love,