Unfortunately, the fire burned low, I succumbed to the peer pressure around me. The temptation seemed too much. I kept searching for intimacy in moments of satisfaction with girls. I didn’t want to release those sins that I was still holding on to. I couldn’t stop. I said yes to Jesus, but I wouldn’t give up that area of my life.
So, now I’m 17 and progressively advancing in my bmx career. I picked up a sponsorship from a bike shop in my hometown. I didn’t have to pay for a single bike part or contest entrance fee. Summer of 2006, I went to the most advanced extreme sports camp called Woodward Camp. I trained with the pros you see on television in the X Games. I learned flips and other big tricks hoping to turn professional. I ended up turning pro when I got home. I was convinced that I was going to make it big time.
Jump to December 2006, I suffered a career ending injury. I was devastated and I couldn’t walk for two months. (Here’s another turning point in my life). Justin Carter and a few other guys from my hometown started to come by and spend time with me. God was pursuing me still and using group a Christian guys that were there for me when I was down.
It was my senior year of high school. I started learning what true friendship was. Justin would always share Christ with me through his words and actions. He knew I was riding the fence. I had conviction of sin ever since I my first encounter with Jesus, but I never wanted to give up the sin that entangled me. I didn’t think Jesus could fully satisfy all my desires and needs.
Since I couldn’t ride bmx anymore… I decided I’ll pick up the golf clubs again and get a college golf scholarship. It was a long shot but I did it. I set my mind to that goal and worked my tail off that year.
I played golf at Faulkner State CC, a junior college outside of Mobile, AL. In the years 2008-2009 that I was there.. The Lord started revealing himself to me in unique ways. Showing His constant pursuit of me and remaining faithful while I was faithless. The more I have shared my story, I come to realize that my story is so much more of a story about God and His infinite grace than it is about me.
After junior college was over it was time to transfer to a university. It came down to me either enrolling at University of Alabama and joining a fraternity or going to UAB in Birmingham and live in a house with four of the most solid Christian guys I’ve ever met – Justin Carter, Taylor Huff, Alex Varden, and Scotty Lett. So I chose to move in with those guys and attend UAB. Those guys loved me like true brothers and made a disciple out of me. I began to learn what it truly means to follow Jesus. But it doesn’t stop there…
In my next post, I’m going to share about the “Tug of War” throughout my twenties and how far God’s grace can go. I believe God has given me authority in broken places that so many us have been (men and women) and because of the work of Jesus Christ, I can speak truth and release freedom. After all, that’s why we share our testimonies.
