THE CROSSING WEEKLY

Over the past two years, the Youthstorm Internship has had a deep impact in the Crossing Life Church community and in the lives of those participating in the process. Through incredible challenge, participants have reaped much fruit, revealing growth in character toward Christ-likeness.

I recently sat down with second year intern, Haley Michelson, to learn more about how God has truly transformed her life.

One of the most prominent things people hear is that the internship will stretch you. Haley said, “One of the biggest takeaways I had from last year was that I had a lot more capacity than I realized, and it was because I learned how to truly rely on the Holy Spirit versus myself… You cannot rely on your own strength. Learning that brought me to a deeper level with the Lord, and I saw Him in a totally new light.”

With this new perspective, Haley was able to walk with open eyes into the second year, facing the challenges that are often experienced in the process of learning greater levels of leadership. “I was getting out of the growing pains of stepping out of my comfort zone… I joined second year because I knew I needed the push. I know I’ve been called to be a leader… and I see it more now, but I needed to learn with the help of leaders around me in this kind of format.”

With that has come a beautiful lesson in identity for Haley and what that looks like for her in the context of leadership. “The Lord’s really speaking to me about identifying my own way of leadership… I’m going to be different… not trying to walk in someone else’s shoes.” This revelation has brought such a shine of confidence to Haley in the way she walks, the way she prays, and the way she interacts with and leads those around her.

When asked about what some of her favorite memories from the last couple years have been, she noted the sense of community and belonging it has brought to her. “I love the closeness of doing everything together and going through it all with other people… God created us to be in community, and running so hard after Him really brings you closer together, and that’s the vision we’re trying to cast.”

Running after God is a lifestyle, and the internship will help you harness the skills necessary to live and run the race He’s set before you.

Haley encourages, “If you’re interested, do it. Be willing to submit yourself; go into it with that mindset. Don’t be afraid. Running after God should not be boxed in separate places, and the internship will challenge that and teach you how to be with God and in your normal life (i.e. job, family, etc)… You will see a change and difference. There will be hardships. Rubber will meet the road, but it’s worth it because God is worth it, and what you take from it will be valuable for the rest of your life.”