Finding Faith and Beauty Despite Life's Challenges

This shot was taken in the summer 2 years ago by my good friend @walkspix . A few weeks after this trip of a lifetime I tore the cartilage in both of my knees at work and it completely halted my ability to do what I loved most: hiking, running, and exploring this beautiful island. While I was going through various unsuccessful therapies and treatments for my knees I was diagnosed with a sports hernia and needed surgery pretty quickly. Post surgery was nothing close to normal and I found myself in the ER 3 times and unable to walk or get off my couch for 6 days. Not long after I was diagnosed with the scariest of it all, atrial fibrillation— an irregular and extremely rapid heart rate. I wasn’t diagnosed with a terminal illness, completely lose my mobility, or even lose my life— even amidst it all I was and am still very blessed. For me, it was still a massive blow to what had previously been a very healthy life. It rocked my world and it kept getting worse. Leaving me depressed and very uncertain of what my physical restrictions would/could be for the long term. You’d never have known any of this if you don’t know me personally; a blatant reminder that Instagram is a highlight reel of people’s bests. Through this time I clung to two things tighter than ever, my faith and photography. What I could do to get through the days was share photos and videos of God’s beautiful creation here in Hawai’i. The reason I’ve held out so long to share this story is because I’m not looking for attention or a pat on the back for perseverance. What I do want to boldly proclaim is that even at my deepest and darkest, regardless of these challenges, GOD IS STILL FAITHFUL! He always has been and He always will be! The world will fail us and people will betray us. We see the brokenness of this world every day. But please don’t take my word for it, seek it for yourself. What I’ve lost in physical ability I’ve gained ten times over in perspective and appreciation for this beautiful life. I still can’t run and I’m far from the end of this road to recovery, BUT I’m so stoked to do what I CAN do in the meantime and remind anybody that needs to hear it along the way that