“When Pain Becomes Perspective”

We’re just six weeks away from Casting Hope presented by CommerceOne Bank, our annual celebration and fundraiser to help children of abuse and neglect find healing, hope, and a brighter future.

This year’s keynote speaker is ESPN Sideline Reporter and author of "Shatterproof", Lauren Sisler. We recently shared that Lauren joined us at camp this summer and experienced firsthand the life-changing impact of On River Time. Read her own words about her experience and how "perspective is a gift".

You won't want to miss this year's Casting hope. Limited sponsorship is still available. (see bottom of email for more).

"When Pain Becomes Perspective"

Nearly a week in Irwin, Idaho and Jackson, Wyoming and I’m still catching my breath.

This trip was hosted by On River Time, a nonprofit that uses the power of fly fishing and the great outdoors to serve children who’ve faced abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Through guided adventures, mentorship, and community, they offer more than just a getaway, they offer healing and hope.

This particular week, we had the honor of sharing that river time with boys and girls from Big Oak Ranch, a Christ-centered home founded to provide love, stability, and purpose for children who need it most. And let me tell you, what unfolded was special.

We hiked. We rafted. I even tried fly fishing for the first time. Yes, eight continuous hours on the water. Y’all, I didn’t think I’d last... and neither did my husband! But somehow it became this peaceful, focused rhythm. The kind that forces you to slow your mind and be where your feet are.

But as stunning as the scenery was, the real beauty showed up in the stillness.

Like sitting in a small group with the teens from Big Oak Ranch, Bibles open, just sharing encouragement. Watching their gratitude, their honesty, their strength—it was profound. These kids have walked through more than most ever will, and yet they show up with courage, faith, and open hearts.

And then came the pinning ceremony on our final night. Each camper had a chance to recognize someone who impacted them on the trip. It was raw. It was emotional. It was unforgettable. That room was filled with so much gratitude, humility, and love.

What I keep coming back to is this:

Perspective is a gift.

When we walk through painful chapters, they leave scars. But if we’re willing to look closely, to embrace what those chapters taught us instead of tucking them away in a dark corner, we find something more.

We find depth.
We find meaning.
We find the capacity to love others through their pain, too.

That’s what this trip reminded me of:
Sometimes the strongest thing we can do is slow down long enough to see what’s been right in front of us all along.

This experience was a gift I’ll never forget.

And I hope it encourages you, wherever you are today, to pause… breathe… and pay attention to the perspective you’ve earned.

With gratitude,
Lauren 💙 

PS: I’ll be speaking at the Casting Hope fundraiser this September. Now that I’ve seen this mission firsthand, I can tell you, it’s not just changing lives. It’s changing generations.

Thank you, Lauren, for these beautiful words and for sharing our heart for the kids we serve.

You won't want to miss Lauren as our keynote at this year's Casting Hope. In addition, we will be making a major announcement about the future of On River Time. We can't wait to share with you!
 

We still have a few limited sponsorship opportunities available. Help us continue casting hope into the lives of the children we serve.
 

🎉 Casting Hope
📍 Grand Bohemian
🗓 September 25th