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About ten years ago, while working at a Christian youth summer camp, I met a troubled young girl. I had no idea how important our meeting would become. At the time, I was struggling with Christianity and really didn't understand much of what the Bible had to say. I wondered how I could be used in this situation. If I only knew. . .

It was the norm for the staff to do their laundry at night and also to grab late-night snacks in the dining hall. So, like other nights, I headed to the dining hall. To my surprise the lights were all off and the other staff members weren't hanging out as usual. It was there in the dark that I met her. She was sitting on the washing machine. At first I didn't recognize her, but then I remembered her helping to serve up lunch earlier in the day. She was a junior staffer (those who were earning their way to camp for the following week). I sparked up a conversation and as minutes turned to hours, her words turned to tears. All of her young life had been spent striving to be accepted. Though on the outside she was smart, quiet, well churched and appeared to have it all together, inside she was lost and alone, broken and crying out. Most of all, she just wanted to experience true love.

Over the years, we have both grown. Her journey has continued and I have been given the privilege to walk alongside and speak into her life -- through the dark times of depression, self-hatred, searching for love, believing lies, to the days of overcoming and small victories.

I had no intention of writing a song to this young lady, but one day -- as I reflected on a letter from her -- these lyrics came to mind. It serves as a reminder to all of us that the Lord is always there as our refuge and shelter in times that are less than ideal. We just have to come under His protection. His perfect sacrifice was given so that peace would be ours through Him.

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SHELTER