Hey friends!

I hope you had a great weekend! We are preparing to start meeting in person again through Movement Meetups! We are excited to take this week to plan for you all and dream about what Movement Students can be. We are really thankful for the opportunity we have to write to you each week. I hope that our blog has helped you in any way as you continue your journey as a Jesus follower.

Just like in any journey, we have felt excitement, fear, anxiousness, and even doubt at times. Were we really made for this? Are we making a difference? It's easy to be hard on yourself when presenting part of you and your heart. It can be easy to be hard on yourself when you have to be vulnerable. I'm sure you can relate that even when something is so good, you might still feel some doubt about what you're place is. You might feel some doubt in not only yourself but in God when you're going through something hard. We understand and are here to say, THAT'S OK! It's ok to doubt and ask questions. I've learned that often the best way to stand firm in your faith is by asking all the questions. That will help you figure out what you believe and process what it means to you.

This year as we went through our hardship, I asked God, "what do you want me to learn from this? Why is it not my time?". I know Jesse had his own set of questions. Even as I cried those questions, I felt terrible for my asking why, but Pastor Dre reminded us, "God is not offended by our doubt.". It's such a great space to grow when you ask questions and seek clarity. Pastor Shawn made a great point when she said, "Our questions bring about an intimacy between God and me.". That is so true! When we get to know our best friends, boyfriend/girlfriend, we ask tons of questions. That's the way we become closer to them and get to know them so well. God welcomes your questions and conversations. He desires a relationship with you, and this is part of it!

This week as you go about your days, I encourage you to ask those questions. I encourage you to dig and not settle for what the world is telling you is correct. Find your own answers. Dig deep into who you are, dig deep into His word, dig deep into the message that God has provided via our Pastors! Don't be ashamed to doubt and ask; embrace this opportunity to get to know the God who loves you so hard even more!

We love you and are praying for you!

Jesse and Marissa