Hello,
I guess having a blog is kind of like having a diary, expect the only difference is that everyone in the world can really read it if they choose. What I choose to post on here will permanently be forever lost in the world wide web…so why not share all my secrets, its time to get real.
Recently I was baptized at my new church, well really the only church I have ever actually belonged too. It was more or less an embarrassing moment of getting dunked under water in a hot tub located on stage, wearing an oversized robe in front of hundreds of strangers. But yet, in that strange awkward moment it was one of the proudest I have had yet in my life. Even though I didn't know most of the people, I have never felt so close to a group of strangers, knowing that we all share the same passion- a love for our Creator.
This is what I read in front and on stage, and this is my testimony (at least a Coles notes version)…
In my 22 years of living, and my one year of dedicating my heart and soul to Christ, the Lord has guided me through many experiences, as a believer or not. As we all have had, I have had my fair share of hard times. Being a witness to or experiencing first hand death, divorce, depression, mental illness, adultery, suicide, substance abuse, serious health issues and heartbreak. But it is undeniable how brilliant God works all things for the greater good. Coming from an immediate family who does not follow Christ, Christ has been that light in the dark, whether I realized it or not.
I remember also another voice- during holidays and rare family events, the voice of my Nana who really brought the Word of God into my world and pushed for my salvation. I prayed- now and then to at least someone-somewhere. My individual morals and purpose of life never matched up to those of our culture. And I thank God. So as I grew older that empty spot just got bigger and bigger and that desire, that truth that there must be something more bombarded my thoughts. The Holy Spirit was working. That lead me into a relationship with a Christian man whose father was a pastor. Although we are not together today, the two years of knowing one another I will always be thankful for, for he led me to Christ.
So in this last year, I have sung praise and accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour. I read, speak and live his Word, although I may not be perfect, thank God He is. And that empty spot? It’s getting smaller and smaller. I now can do all things through Him, who strengthen me!
(Written in February 2013)
This trip almost seems impossible at times, my own insecurities combined with an intimidating amount of money to fundraise pulls me down more than a few times on a weekly basis. But every now and then I feel so overwhelmed with joy and peace and love that only God could provide, and all my fears melt away.
And that of course makes it all worth it.
