Embracing Growth and Grace: Kaylee Bargar’s Journey of Faith and Self-Discovery

Embracing Growth and Grace: Kaylee Bargar’s Journey of Faith and Self-Discovery

**Introduction**

In the latest episode of the "Can You Feel So Now?" podcast, host Justin Barton sits down with Kaylee Bargar, a spirited young woman with a compelling story of faith, growth, and self-discovery. Introduced to Justin by a previous guest, Kaylee shares her experiences from her mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil, revealing insights on family, perseverance, and the significance of grace.

**A Brief Introduction**

Kaylee Bargar recently returned from serving in the São Paulo Interlagos Mission in Brazil. As the oldest of four siblings, family means everything to her. Her time abroad taught her the invaluable lesson of being present, both with herself and with others, and her journey is filled with tales of connecting and growing beyond her comfort zone.

**The Love for Reading and Learning**

When asked about her reading interests, Kaylee enthusiastically shared her love for Harry Potter, along with romance and historical novels. Her passion for stories reflects her desire to learn about the past, especially when intertwined with fiction, feeding her curiosity and creativity.

**Lessons From the Mission**

Kaylee's mission in Brazil was a turning point in her life. Starting in July 2023, she dedicated a year and a half to sharing her faith. She discusses the challenges of being away from her family and the growth it inspired, not only within herself but also in her siblings, as they navigated life without her immediate support.

She explains the difference between sending messages versus being physically present, highlighting the importance of showing up for others and the profound impact of personal interaction.

**Grasping Grace and Humility**

Kaylee shares her journey of balancing confidence with humility, a lesson learned through what she describes as “scraping her knees.” Her mission taught her to embrace both her wins and failures, guiding her towards the acceptance of imperfection in herself and others. This mindset shift was supported by the idea of grace, both in receiving it and extending it to those around her.

**The Power of Being an Oldest Sibling**

As the eldest sibling, Kaylee feels the pressure to be a role model but sees it more as a driving force than a burden. Perfectionism once weighed heavily on her, especially when mission results didn’t meet expectations, but she learned to lean into the grace that God offers.

**Changing Perspectives on Faith**

Kaylee's understanding of Christ's atonement evolved significantly over her mission. Once merely a routine practice, repentance and atonement became deeply personal. She describes a vision of Christ walking beside her, not just waiting at the finish line, which brought her profound peace.

**Connecting with Others**

The podcast dives deep into Kaylee's relationships with those she served on her mission, emphasizing the importance of honoring others' agency and understanding that while she could guide, she couldn't control anyone's journey. Her connection and love for older individuals, influenced by her familial environment, became a notable aspect of her mission experience.

**Future Aspirations**

Having discovered her passion for service, Kaylee is now pursuing a career as a speech and language pathologist, a path she believes was revealed to her at the perfect moment. Her mission taught her the value of serving others, a principle that continues to guide her professional and personal aspirations.

**Mission Themes and Takeaways**

Throughout her mission, themes such as obedience and honoring Christ in thought and action resonated deeply with Kaylee. Her commitment to these principles propels her forward as she integrates them into daily life without the visible reminder of a mission name tag.

**The Might of Spiritual Courage**

The contrast between spontaneity and spiritual courage became clear to Kaylee. She recognized the need for direction and purpose, moving beyond spontaneous actions to ones rooted in faith and confidence in God’s guidance.

**Conclusion: A Testimony of Love and Grace**

In Portuguese, Kaylee bore her testimony, affirming her belief in God's love and the essential role of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. Her story is one of reflection, change, and steadfast faith, reminding us that although growth may be gradual, the outcome is worth every challenge faced along the way.

Through her conversation with Justin Barton, Kaylee Bargar not only shares her story but also inspires listeners to embrace their own journeys of self-discovery and faith, in all their beautiful imperfections.