On that beautiful summer morning, I had hiked several miles with my 32 lb backpack strapped securely on my back and I was ready for a break. As I was about to walk down into a mountain valley, I paused. I was captured by the breathtaking beauty of a vast bouquet of wild flowers in bloom everywhere.

Two summers ago, my counselor looked right at me and said, “Cary, even if so and so happens, you will be okay, BECAUSE God will never leave you, nor forsake you. Do you trust your Father God? You love Him, but do you trust Him?”

When I think of Christian community, I am reminded of the immense love and care I felt from a group of adults in my church on the night my dad died.

I am a reformed shy kid. Most people who know me would be surprised by that, I think. I am a middle child, a third born. My two older sisters have the same initials, and my younger sister is 5 years younger than me – and always adorable and memorable.