life is crazy

Hello y’all! I want to first start out by saying, I apologize for my absence. To say it’s been a crazy week would be an understatement. I finally had time to log into my Monogrammed Madison Instagram account last night, after a week hiatus, and was so surprised to see so many people left comments or direct messaged me with kind words and asking if everything was okay.

Today, I wanted to share about the crazy week I had. Last week was one of the most stressful yet rewarding weeks of my life. I really wrestled with some things but with the strength of God and encouragement of my friends, I made it through.

Last weekend while at a lock in type conference event at my church, I received heartbreaking news that Friday night a sophomore at my high school had committed suicide. Although I did not personally know him, I began to weep and thoughts filled my mind.

While talking with an adult leader and a close friend who also goes to my high school, I realized just how meaningful my faith is to me. This boy, Vance, at my school must have felt so hopeless that he saw ending his own life as the only option.

My hope comes from Jesus and Jesus alone. I realized that keeping my source of hope to myself and not sharing it with others is selfish. Often times I think sharing Jesus with others might offend someone or isn’t really necessary, but through this tragic event, it was made evident to me that sharing Jesus is not only okay but needed. We live in a broken world and everyone is searching for hope.

Throughout the week, my mind kept thinking about Vance and his family. I continually was praying for his friends and family. I cannot imagine what they are going through.

On Wednesday, my family welcomed my new baby cousin, Michael McKinley Isaac, into the world. It was so amazing to be one of the first people to see him and hold him. When looking at Michael, I couldn’t help but think about all that is to come for him. He could grow up to be a doctor, a football player, an artist, or anything he wants to be which I just think is really cool.

Like I said before, this week has been a stressful week for me. Between coping with a loss, spending lots of time with my precious cousin, and balancing school, I have been very busy. But over the past few days I have spent a lot of time talking with my friends, not about trivial things but deep, real life problems.

I’ve been reminder just how alike we all are. We are all trying really hard at this thing called life but at times just don’t feel good enough. We all want to be loved. We all face tough times. We all want to have something to believe in.

On this Monday morning, I just want to tell you that you are awesome! I know you’re trying really hard and your hard work will pay off one day. No matter how bad things seem, they probably aren’t as bad as they could be. Never forget how much your friends and family care about you and most importantly, how much God loves you- no matter what.

Life is fragile and you never know when it’s going to end. Life is also an opportunity to do great things. Today I encourage to try that thing you’ve always wanted to try, tell the people you care about that you love them, and focus on what’s really important. Happy Monday!

Please keep the Sanders family and the students at my high school in your prayers during this difficult time.