I have known that I have been called into the ministry since 10th grade. I had no clue if I was called to be a pastor, youth pastor, speaker, missionary, etc. So after graduating high school, I did what was expected of me. I went to college. My first year of college was awesome! I was active in school activities such as Choir, Chamber Choir, Centerstage, and a few other things. I had made new friends and had great grades. Like I said my first year was awesome. After the first year, I started to feel as if I didn’t belong there anymore. I would pray and I all I heard was go. So what do I do?? (Keep in mind I can be impulsive) I move to New Orleans to attend the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I learned about God and myself while I was there, but I still had the feeling that I was not where I needed to be. I prayed and prayed. I still heard GO. I was very confused. I told God “I did go, I came to New Orleans.” I wasn’t getting an answer. That’s when I realized I needed to be focused on what God wanted me to do now to prepare for the future. That’s when I asked Him, what it was he wanted me to do now. At that point things began to happen, and I came back to my hometown. When I got back, I knew I was where I needed to be for that season. God was teaching me a lot be it through serving in my youth group, the church, or through other people. But I soon started to hear “GO!” I had already looked into many different mission trips but none of them were the ones God wanted me to go on. Then one day I ran across the World race. When I saw the website and started reading about it and watching videos, I started to cry. I knew I was being lead to the World Race! I thought about dropping everything and going right then, but people were constantly telling me I needed to get a degree first before I go and do ministry that way I will have something to fall back on. (I knew these people had good intentions and my best interest in mind.) Unfortunately, I listened to these people. I told God I would go on the race as soon as I was out of school. I continued to pray about the race and still believe God was calling me to go on it soon. But instead of preparing for the trip, I went to school for three more semesters, dropping out each time. I didn’t understand why I wasn’t doing well in school. I have always been an honor student. School just wasn’t working out at all. During all this I was growing closer to God, and along the way getting rid of the selfishness I had. That’s when He woke me up and changed my life. I had a revelation that I was following the world’s plan for my life and not Gods! I was doing what I was “suppose” to do. I was always seeking approval because I did not want to disappoint anyone. I thank God he opened my eyes and made me realize I did not need a degree right now. I did not need approval from anyone except him! My passion for things started to change. Overwhelmed with what God had taught me, the urge to spread his love had overtaken me! God told me to GO!! I knew he was talking about the race. So I told God I am done following the world! I am following you! I applied for the race and now here I am! I refuse to live for the world. I do not need approval. I now realize that when God first told me to go he was trying to tell me I needed to prepare myself by having an open and teachable heart. Even though I did not follow the easy path, God still taught me what he wanted me to learn. So to those who ask why I am going on the race, I have a simple answer. I have been called. I have no clue why. But I know I am in God’s hands and that’s good enough for me. And If there is anyone that is struggling with following what God has called you to do because it is a different path from what people expect you to take, I dare you to take the path God has laid before you. I promise when you do you will be filled with joy, excitement, peace, and much more!
