Trusting God’s Timing
Proverbs 17:22 reads, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Undoubtedly, 2020 has been an avalanche of difficulties. As a college student, it provided a different set of challenges. Due to the pandemic lockdown, I was sent home from my study abroad experience in Australia to face the cancellation of both my internships for the summer. I found myself returning to Proverbs 17:22, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” I sought through prayer that this new opportunity would fill my heart with good medicine rather than dwell on my losses. It was in God’s perfect timing that the Social Media Intern position opened at Children’s HopeChest, offering an experience that both aligned with my future goals and allowed me a chance for personal growth.
Embracing the Opportunity
The opportunity to serve as the Social Media Intern at Children’s HopeChest not only met, but exceeded my expectations. It is evident that HopeChest values community and mentorship through their leadership model. I was blessed to witness these values through the Branding and Communications Manager at Children’s HopeChest, whose continued support and encouragement provided a space for me to acquire new skills and explore my interests. Although I worked remotely, I felt very much a part of the HopeChest community, which speaks volumes to the level of intentionality and effort HopeChest places on community development and interpersonal relationships. It was inspirational to learn about the work behind the scenes of a nonprofit organization. There is tremendous dedication and passion poured into the mission of improving the lives of vulnerable children. The constant drive to nurture the whole development of each child and empower others is reflected in the people and their work at HopeChest.
The Beauty of Storytelling
My passion for storytelling and listening to others continues to grow and develop in different aspects of my life. As a Psychology student at Hope College, I have learned the importance of listening to others with an open heart and mind as it pertains to the counseling field. As an avid traveler, I have encountered stories that expand my worldview and push me out of my comfort zone. But, most importantly, as an Intern at HopeChest, I have witnessed the beauty in storytelling as a powerful tool in sharing God’s love.
The world has never been more technologically advanced and accessible as it is now, and with all these advancements, we have the choice to use media to build up or tear down. It is a beautiful opportunity to spread positivity and share stories of what God is doing in people’s lives across the world. Children’s HopeChest utilizes social media to connect people, churches, communities, and children around the world to hear how God is working amidst hardships. Stories are powerful. They allow others to experience another’s walk of life through their eyes as best they can. It encourages people to give monetarily, pray intentionally, and live compassionately. It was not only a blessing to read stories from HopeChest CarePoints but was also an educational experience to see how they were developed for social media usage. I was able to help develop stories and brainstorm creative ways to share updates on the work HopeChest is doing around the world. The art and beauty of storytelling is one of the greatest takeaways from my experience as an intern because it brought me joy, gratitude, and happiness to my day. In a time of uncertainty and doubt, HopeChest brings light to others by sharing the power of God’s love in the lives of these children.
I am deeply grateful for this experience and the HopeChest community. It gave me an opportunity to grow professionally, personally, and spiritually. I look forward to using the lessons and knowledge I gained in a multitude of ways.
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If Audrey’s experience sparked your interest, you can check out our current internship and volunteer opportunities, here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Audrey Theye is a student at Hope College, studying Psychology and pursuing a Masters in Social Work or Clinical Counseling. She is passionate about working with vulnerable children and listening to other’s stories. Her happy place is at the beach or on a lake, enjoying time in the water and soaking up the sunshine!
