2018 has been the roughest year to date in my 20 years of life. From trying to figure out what I want to do with my life, to trying to find out who I am without my parents around, handling school work in my major and a major hurricane coming through and ripping away everything I have ever known. Since coming to college, I have had a hard time knowing my place and relationship with God. I started exploring churches that were different from the one I grew up in and started exploring who I really am. I will admit some of my views have changed since coming to college. I have felt lost, overwhelmed, defeated, and not good enough. But a few weeks back before everything came to a head in my life I came across a bible verse that spoke to me at first but later it had a bigger meaning to me.

Matthew 19: 25-26: "When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, 'Who then can be saved?' Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible."

My hometown of Lynn Haven, FL (a suburb of Panama City) was devastated by Hurricane Michael. My family stayed and are thankfully are still with us and there wasn't any bad damages to our houses. After going through this and not being able to be with my family during the storm I thought back to this bible verse. With God, all things are possible.

Everything I have ever known may be gone, but He was there with my family and friends. He knows that my town can recover from this horrible storm. County officials told Bay County citizens that it would take a minimum of two months for the power to turn back on. Most everyone has power now! My family was only without power for 11 days. God is amazing! He accomplishes great things for everyone! He will love you through the good and the bad times! God tests you because he knows you can handle it. Through this, I have learned that I just need to trust God through everything. When I'm feeling weary and not good enough, God is there. When I feel deflated and beaten down, God's got me. God taught my family, friends and I so many lessons through Hurricane Michael. Be kind to others, have patience, don't judge a book by its cover because you never know what they're going through, and know that God will guide you through the horrible times. He will bring you the light at the end of the rainbow. Nobody knows when that will come but he will be there through everything.

Highway 77 towards the end/ after the stormLaura Hartzog

A gas station on Highway 77 towards the end/after the stormLaura Hartzog

Jesse Carleton Photography

This experience has opened my eyes to all the great things God can do. I may not know just truly who I am yet and what I want to do with my life. The school work will be there until I graduate but God is always with me and will help guide me to where I'm supposed to be. If you are struggling just know with God all things are possible! He will love and guide you through anything.