New Beginnings–Madeline’s Story
By: Madeline Keane, guest blogger
This is my story about life, the mistakes I’ve made, the things I’ve learned, and the changes that are about to happen.
Things started to really change in my life when my family and I felt God calling us to homeschool. I had been going to a charter school for four years. It was a pretty good experience, nothing bad really happened, but God was calling us to try something different and to homeschool. My mom and dad were such a great example to me, by showing me how to be bold in my faith, listen to God, and do what He was asking our family to do.
At this time, I had been dancing for three or four years and I was starting to get serious and wanting take things a step further. Homeschooling gave me the perfect opportunity to do this, because our schedule would be less chaotic and I would have more time to dance, and to focus on things other than school.
Things were about to change, and not in such a good way. I had now been homeschooled for one year and was in fifth grade. I had just auditioned to be on the competitive team at my studio, and I made it! But before I even did one competition, I fell from a jump, heard a pop in my ankle, and felt some pain. As a dancer I was used to little injuries and pain every now and then from falling. We waited a few days before going to the doctor to see if the swelling and pain would go away like it usually did, but this time it didn’t. We headed to the doctor and they gave me X-rays, which showed I fractured a small bone in my ankle, and had to get a cast. I was told I would need four to six months of physical therapy after I got my cast off. I was devastated. That was almost a whole year of no dance. My life had revolved around dance at the time. I couldn’t imagine life without it. I was angry. Why did God let this happen now? Why did it have to happen to me?
I wasn’t very close with God at the time. I knew he was there. I went to church, but I never had a relationship with him. This was my wake up call. This was God saying, “Hello? I’m still here. I am in control of your life.” I felt SO guilty after this. During that time off of dance, I started a relationship with God. He was now my friend. I talked to him all the time. I read his stories a lot too. I grew so much spiritually! I even got involved in the Stage Team Ministry at church, so I could dance and worship for the kids at our church!
Now it was time to get my cast off and get my foot X-rayed again. I was nervous. Did it heal? Would I need surgery? Would I need physical therapy? How soon could I get back to dance? While I was nervous, I also felt very at peace. I knew God was with me, he had a plan, and he was in control.
The X-rays revealed I wouldn’t need any physical therapy, and no surgery!! I could even start dancing again in a few weeks. Isn’t it amazing how God works? The blessings that he gives us even through hard times like these? Looking back, I am thankful I went through that. I would not be who I am today if I hadn’t.
Today I am facing different challenges. I have Freshman friends moving up to high school this year. This means I will not see them at Youth Group until next year! This is hard for me, but there is a reason these girls are in my life, and I am so very blessed to have them in my life. The cool thing is, just as they are beginning a new chapter of life, so am I. I am going to a new high school (the 8th grade program) and a new dance academy! Isn’t it cool how that worked? We are all beginning a new chapter of life together. Here is a verse that I LOVE that has showed me it’s not a bad thing be the younger one:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, in your faith, and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
Friends, life is full of ups and downs, but don’t forget that there is Someone who has a plan for your life, who died for you, who loves you unconditionally, and who never leaves your side. I have learned that there is always something to be thankful for and that in every hard time, there is always something good. I hope my story encourages and inspires you. Never give up and find Joy, even in the not so joyful times.
“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for JOY and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14
Maddie, What a lovely testimony about how God is working in your life. You have been growing so much in your walk with the Lord and thank you for sharing the stages of your life in Him with us. We are so blessed to have you as our Granddaughter. Love you sweetie, Grandma
Madeline, how proud I am of your journey so far as a Christ follower! May you continue to grow in stature, wisdom and in favor with God and people. I pray Luke 2:52 over all my grandchildren almost every day. May you always walk humby with The Lord your God. Love you, Papa
I am not only impressed with your writing skills but with your walk with Jesus that He will be sure to use for His glory. Keep up the writing- and your growing faith. Your mom and dad are surely proud of you….and with good reason !
Well written and I loved it! You pulled me in, built the suspense and then showed the victory! Finally you guided me to a truth in God which challenged me heart. Thank you for sharing!
What a special young lady you are! You display such maturity and grace and it is easy to see God has a very special plan just for you!