Not every adult gets to live their childhood dream—but this 22-year-old does.

The life of a Salvation Army officer’s (pastor’s) kid often involves moving around, and Holden’s childhood was no different. His family’s destinations included Oregon, England, California, Guam and Hawaii. Holden boarded planes more often than most kids his age, and the more he boarded, the more the dream of becoming a pilot resonated in his heart.

Raised in The Salvation Army, a culture of Christianity surrounded Holden, but when he was about 10, he made a conscious choice to follow Jesus for himself. Sunday school answers no longer satisfied him, and faith questions drove him to study deeper answers. His faith in God proved to be his unfailing anchor when he faced what no 14-year-old should have to face—losing his mother. 

“God is the constant
under all of the variables.”

It was devastating. “God has big shoulders” were words that Holden clung to. Yes, God could handle his questions, his anger, his grief—God embraced it all, and He understood. 

Six months after his mother passed away, Holden and his father were moved from Hawaii to California, where he found himself in a dark place. His friends felt a world away, and it took longer than a year to build a new community of friends. It was difficult. 

Despite his heartache, Holden clung to his childhood dream—the one his parents had supported by giving him his first flight lesson at age 12. In 2013, Holden enrolled in university. Disconnected again from his new community, Holden began to build new relationships, while clinging to the One who got him through thus far.

Hard work and determination led to his graduation in December 2016, and Holden became a pilot. Despite early morning shifts and a hectic schedule, Holden believes this is where God wants him to be: “I love what I do. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Life has unexpected twists and turns, but rather than derail, Holden shares, “Just ask yourself if you can hang on just one second longer.”

Holden did. 

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This article was originally published in the February 2019 issue of Peer.