As a nursing major, I see a lot of wounds. Big ones, deep ones, small ones, and lesions that have covered the whole body.  It is amazing to me that an individual (me) with so much knowledge about wounds, could be so inadequate at dealing with my own. Fortunately for me I have a Savior that is in the business of restoration.

My story is not about me. I hope that as you read you can look past the affliction and see not human suffrage or strength or endurance but rather see Christ who, in his infinite restorative power, has made a wretched sinner like me whole again. 

I am type A control freak, perfectionist to the max, kind of gal. So when I was asked to write this article in which I am supposed to explain what God is teaching me currently/my testimony I was overwhelmed. I have so much to say!  College is all about an ever increasing awareness of finding purpose. Through God's grace I have received the Holy Spirit and have been able to find my purpose in Acts 26: 16-18.

My life from the outside looks perfect.  I am so blessed because of  the many opportunities that God has given me to be a light in the darkness. However, my story is a lot different on the inside. When I was 14 I attended a very popular Christian youth camp the summer after my 8th grade year. While I was there, I learned much about Jesus and his love for me. As well as, his death on the cross and why it matters.  On the last night of camp, we had just concluded a small group session and were getting prepared for worship. I went to use the restroom in a building right across from the worship service. There, I was taken by a stranger and sexually assaulted.  

I now currently live with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. One thing I can say with authority, is that God is so much bigger than any affliction and His plan is always perfect for us even though it might not be perfect to us. God is sovereign and I don't believe that he causes bad things to happen to us but rather doesn't prevent them from happening in order that we might rely on him fully. God has set me free from spending an eternity without him and that brings me enough joy to get through any anxiety or fear that I have here on earth.

We all have our scars. However, through God's unceasing mercy, our eyes are opened to a place where our life is about God. When we realize that God is the prize and not heaven, we understand the gospel. When we view this life as being completely about God and not about us, we can reach a place where unspeakable things can be dealt with in strength, power, and humility and used by the Father. 

(Kendall Rowell, from Pensacola, is in her Junior year as a nursing student at FSU. Kendall is the Vice President of her nursing class and a member of the Chi Omega sorority.  She loves serving in City Church Kids on Sunday mornings with 2 year olds, as well as leading a greek Bible study for Chi Omega.  One day, she plans to use her nursing degree to help those in need overseas.)