I was born on April 21, 1990. My parents were married, saved, and I was in church probably the day after I came into the world. I grew up in Silverton, Oregon, which is unquestionably the greatest town on earth. Its more than just a town, its a community. I felt loved, included, and supported all the way growing up. I played basketball and threw track all 4 years of high school, and lettered every single one. I had friends, great family, and a boyfriend who I was planning on marrying. Life was good.
How quickly life changes.
During my senior trip right after graduation, that boy that I planned on marrying told me he no longer loved me. I was planning on going to school in Eugene just because he was down there, so that was now out. I had let this relationship define me. I had strayed so far from God that I didn't know who I was anymore. So I turned to alcohol. I drank. A lot. Then I would get up on Sunday mornings and sing worship songs through my hangover. I went to community college and started taking classes to become a preschool teacher even though I knew I was supposed to do ministry work. I was unhappy, angry, and lost.
I still remember to this day the moment that it changed. I woke up hungover once again. I was standing in the shower trying not to barf. My iPod was playing and all the sudden, a worship song came on. I couldn't help but cry. And cry. And cry some more. I knew what I needed and I was finally ready to stop having my pity party and trying to fix things on my own and turn to the God that had always been there for me even when I had run so far from Him.
I quit community college. I started working to save up money and go to Bible College. I met with a admissions counselor the next week and the rest is history. I am now married to an incredible man who I love unconditionally, we get to do ministry together, and although life isn't perfect, its exactly what it is supposed to be.
Let me make 2 things clear: #1) The boy that dumped me, I am not blaming him. I am the one who made the decision to focus on him rather than God. I wasn't a fabulous girlfriend. It just simply wasn't meant to be. #2) The biggest problem was that I had relied on my parent's faith and didn't have my own relationship with God. I had doubts and questions and I didn't do anything to figure out my own faith. Jesus is a personal God. He is my God. And understanding that has made all the difference.
Now I am in Bible College, on my way to a masters degree, enjoying being married more than I ever thought I could, and I get to speak into the lives of the youth of Oregon. Africa is in my future and my family is my rock. Life is greater than I could've ever imagined, simply because of Jesus.
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