I grew up in church and loved it, but home was different. My mom is a Christian and my dad is not. I had what I’d call an experiential relationship with God. I would feel and know His love at events, services, conferences, and a like. But outside of that I was trying to live the Christian life without God. I did and said what I thought I was supposed to as a Christian, but I didn’t have an actual relationship with Jesus. I just moved from encounter to encounter, never realizing that I needed to or could have a deep personal relationship with Him.
So, in high school when my parents separated, I unintentionally started a journey of trying to feel loved and accepted by romantic relationships and friendships; and I let those relationships define me. I found my value in others and eventually I chose to walk away from God and my church family. For six years I continued down this path until I hit my rock bottom. And that was what drew me back to the church I grew up in.
I was terrified of judgment, but I knew I wanted to go back to church. The friends I had grown up with greeted me with open arms (no judgement, no questions) the sermon was exactly what I needed to hear. This was my Turnaround point. I ended the six-year relationship that I was in and started attending Sunday services and a weekly Small Group. The friends that I had so carelessly tossed aside surrounded and supported me and taught me how to have a deep, personal intimate relationship with God. Six months in, God called into ministry. I quit my job, started working as a receptionist at the church, became an intern for the youth group and began pursuing my ministry credentials.
God has completely changed me. He is the one who defines me now, He provides all the love, value, and acceptance I will ever need and more then I could ever imagine. It’s been 14+ years and He has blessed me with an amazing husband, two dogs, two cats and we are believing for Him to bless us with children too.
The heart He has given me is for everyone to find their identity in Jesus; because He sees us as priceless, valued and loved and its on that, that we build our personal relationship with Him!