A Financial Ask Led to So Much More

After learning about Live Salted’s heart and mission for the first time, Bailee became a donor. 

She met our Director of Operations and Events, Rochelle Hagenlocher, years before when they were working in other roles. “We kept in touch over the years and when I moved back to Seattle, she and I were able to connect and grow our friendship. What I’ve always loved about Rochelle is her genuine kindness and authenticity. I’ve always been one who loves to learn and grow and get better and she always matched that energy.”

So when Rochelle told Bailee about a move from working full-time at Amazon to full-time in ministry, she and her husband Jared didn’t hesitate. “Rochelle walked us through her calling. It was so perfect for her. I love to support my friends in their journey and Jared and I love to give to mission-based organizations—ones we feel can really have an impact. Jared and I both agree that the work Live Salted is doing is something we want to be a part of.”

Little did Bailee know, her desire to be part of what Live Salted was doing would soon turn around and bless her just as much as their financial support of the ministry.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

A God Orchestrated Hug

In 2024, Rochelle invited Bailee to our Reimagine conference and she was looking forward to attending. In all her years of corporate work, she had seen women tear each other down more than build each other ups so she was hungry to be in a room with women who wanted to see everyone thrive.

However, shortly before the conference, she found herself in the hospital, overwhelmed by the series of tests before her. The lingering fear in the back of her mind—that the cancer she’d been battling for the past few years was back—had come true. “When I learned my cancer had returned, it hit me hard. To say I was devastated may sound dramatic but it was a huge blow. That weekend, you all were having your big conference, and Rochelle—without even knowing my news but understanding something had been going on—encouraged me to drop by. Saturday was an incredibly tough day; I’d spent the entire morning in tears. But then I thought, ‘You know what? I’m going … even if just for a bit.’”

“I swung by the conference that afternoon and there was a moment where people were up on stage speaking and Emily Jamieson came up to me, gave me a heartfelt look, and simply asked, ‘can I give you a hug?’ and she gave me the warmest hug. It was just so … ! I broke down in tears. I felt like I was just needing that embrace. It almost felt like a hug from God—that she was put there to comfort me in that moment. It was something I was needing and somehow she could recognize that. I’ll never forget it. I had never met her before that moment, and I will never forget her.” 

Bailee’s story is a beautiful example of the kinds of things we see happen time, and time again, at our conferences. Women respond to a nudge, an inkling, a desire (because something in their soul tells them they need to be there), and God meets them right where they are. Bailee needed to know she was comforted and seen in the midst of hearing the news that her cancer was back and the Lord used Emily to give her a divine embrace.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

Healing In Community

While Bailee physically slowed down for a few months to focus on her health, she refused to be mentally idle. She joined some of our summer online Bible studies and became familiar with more of our online resources. “I really appreciate Live Salted because they’ve always been so welcoming without being pushy or judgmental. They truly are a community that encourages women to come together and I can’t stress enough what a safe and welcoming space it is, especially when you’re seeking to learn. All the support, stories, and resources they’ve shared with me to strengthen my commitment to God along my journey have been nothing short of amazing.”

The good news? Bailee completed her radiation, moved on to her next set of treatments, and has returned to work and travel. “I’m back at it and life is hectic once again, but just having this support system to keep me grounded has been more than I could ever ask for.” Bailee has shown us the power of not letting circumstances get the best of us, fixing our eyes on what is to come, and trusting in the Lord’s power.

If you’re looking ahead to a busy season and want some resources at your fingertips, you can find our online resources here and see how you can get involved at an upcoming event here.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4