You Were Meant to Soar
By April Foster, T.R.A.C.life Director Covington/Hammond, LA
Some moments in life don’t go as planned, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t exactly what we need.
For my 50th birthday last year, I had the incredible opportunity to ride a hot air balloon. I didn’t know then that this experience would lead me to meet two amazing people, John and Lynn Good. More than just a hot air balloon team, John and Lynn have a deep heart for those in the foster care system. Because of their passion, they opened their home to host a group of teenagers from T.R.A.C.life.
Two weeks ago, the plan was simple: give our mentees an unforgettable day, complete with tethered balloon rides. But as life often reminds us, plans don’t always unfold the way we expect.
When the Winds Shift
The wind conditions that day were less than ideal. At first, we hoped things would calm down, but instead, the winds picked up. No balloon rides. No floating above the trees, taking in breathtaking views. Everyone was disappointed.
But we had a choice.
We could focus on what didn’t happen, or we could embrace what was happening.
And so, we did just that. We played volleyball, grilled hamburgers, roasted s’mores over an open fire, and found joy in the simple moments. Each teen had an opportunity to sit inside the balloon basket, pull the burner, and feel the heat from the flame. They got to experience a piece of the magic—even if it wasn’t the way we originally planned.
And in that moment, I saw a greater lesson unfolding right in front of us.
Life is Like a Hot Air Balloon
Lynn, our host, shared her husband's personal story—how he was raised by his grandparents, how life’s challenges shaped him, and how God used his journey in ways he never expected. Then, he shared the physics behind hot air balloons—how they need the right conditions, the right balance of wind and heat, and the right timing to rise.
And isn’t that just like life?
Sometimes, we feel stuck. Sometimes, the winds are too strong against us. Sometimes, we watch others soar while we feel grounded. But the truth is, our ability to rise isn’t about perfect conditions; it’s about trusting the One who holds the wind in His hands.
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us:
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Even when life doesn’t go as planned. Even when you feel like you’ve been knocked down. Even when it seems like you’ll never take flight.
You were made to soar.
Speaking Life Over Your Future
That day, I shared a powerful message with the teens about declarations—about the importance of speaking truth over our lives. Too often, we believe wrong things about ourselves because of past experiences, hurtful words, or circumstances that make us feel unworthy. But Scripture tells us in Romans 12:2 to renew our minds—to replace lies with truth.
So, I asked them to do something simple yet profound:
Write down the lies they believe about themselves.
Look at them one last time.
Crumple them up and throw them away because that is NOT who they are.
Then, we replaced those lies with I AM statements, truths about who God says we are.
I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
I am chosen and loved. (Ephesians 1:4-5)
I am more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37)
As I handed each of them a copy of my children's book, The Unexpected Guest, I reminded them: Even when what we hoped for takes longer than we expected, don't give up hope! Hope Arise!
You Were Made for More
That day wasn’t about a balloon ride. It was about something much greater.
Maybe you’re in a season where the winds feel too strong. Maybe you’ve been waiting for the right conditions to finally rise. But here’s the truth: God is working, even in the waiting.
Your story isn’t over. Your circumstances don’t define you.
And you were made to soar—maybe not in a hot air balloon, but in life, in purpose, and in the plans God has for you.
So, take heart. The winds may not always be what you expect, but trust that the One who created the sky knows exactly when it’s your time to rise.
Keep believing. Keep declaring truth. And when the time comes. . . soar.