I grew up in the church. I don’t really know when I got saved, so I just tell people I was 14. When I was 14, I was confirmed in the Methodist Church and can distinctly remember how different I was after I was confirmed. I began to be convicted about how I treated my parents and others things and tried to be better.
I went to public schools in Southern California. I learned many things…not always related to academics. I do feel however, that I received a great education from the public schools; especially my high school education. I was apart of the IB program, an advanced placement, of sorts, program, in high school. I loved it! It was challenging, but that’s what I love about it. My favorite class was Theory of Knowledge, a philosophy class. It made me think critically about what I believed. (I’ve always loved thinking!) I was afraid to take it at first, because I heard many people lost their faith as a result; but I think it only strengthened mine.
I only wish my faith were even stronger. My junior year of high school I suffered from depression. My best friend had moved away and I felt alone. As a result I begin to pay more attention to others and could see just how sad most people were. I felt helpless, like all the rest. I began to get better over the summer but…
My senior year of high school was the worst. I had one health problem after the other; and one health problem in particular that persisted the entire time. I lived in pain for ten months. (Praise the Lord it was only ten!) During that time I turned from God and well, let’s just say I made bad choices.
My first year in college was wonderful! I came full of shame and insecurities and left with friendships that have lasted even to this day. I spent that year really trying to get into the right relationship with God and was so blessed to be at a school the encouraged it. The shame stayed with me until, someone prayed for me that summer. God answers prayer.
I’ve spent these last few years since, seeking God, sorta. I haven’t been perfect in seeking him, and I have put other things or people before him at times. Still, God has changed me nevertheless. He is changing me. It has only taken faith the size of a mustard seed for the Lord of Heaven and Earth to make me a new creation.