This is a super condensed story about how I was called to the mission field.
The concept of God first became real to me at a Christian Revival when I was in 7th grade. That day, in a room packed with hundreds of other students, a plump man with thinning, gray hair shared his testimony with us in a fairly aggressive manner. Despite my discomfort, I found God that day.
And then I lost him…
For ten whole years.
As a 22-year-old who had just ended a 5-year relationship and was approaching her senior year at Florida State, I spiraled out of control. Drugs, drinking, and guys became my focus. I partied as much as I could, looking to find happiness and self-worth in any and everything. As my priorities shifted, my grades slipped. And I was kicked out of FSU twice.
Then one day, in August of 2009, I went to church with my best friend.
I can’t say that I found God that day, but I did begin to search for him.
And slowly, but surely, after 6 months of seeking and volunteering and reading bible stories to children when I wasn’t even sure I believed in them, I became a Christian again. I felt the Holy Spirit within me, and I was baptized in the spring of 2010.
There are gaps in this condensed story, but the lack of details does not diminish the richness of God’s redemption. The prodigal daughter – embraced after years of sprinting in the opposite direction; forgiven before ever forgiving herself; showered with love and blessings for simply being her – that’s my story.
He’s pretty amazing, that big guy. In the last three years, I’ve learned how to walk with God, how to fall flat on my face, and how to pick myself up (read: how to let God pick me up) and keep on walking. I’ve learned that I love students and want them to love themselves the way I never knew how. I’ve learned that worship extends beyond music and lyrics and instead should be woven into every aspect of living on this earth.
I’ve learned many things about walking with God, but above all else, I’ve learned that God created me as an apostle. He instilled in me the desire to travel the world and to serve his people. He gave me the courage it takes to leave my job and see what else is out there. And, even though I don’t believe it sometimes, he’s prepared me to take this radical step in my spiritual journey that is the World Race.
After ten years of atheism, I have been called to become a nomad missionary. I am, without a doubt, the very worst person imaginable for this gig, but I shall try my best to not get in the way of what God wants to do through me.
