Who am I?
As I sit and ponder this question, the first thought that crosses my mind is… “I AM a CHILD OF GOD.”
This truth has truly been soaked into my brain, or have I given full control to my heart to train my brain?
So, maybe the better question to ask is what journey has God taken me on thus far…
My journey of life began on May 16, 1982.
I was blessed with two older brothers and a sister (to be born two years later).
The first five years of my life is when I learned how to lean on others, yet be able to defend myself when the time was right.
Not talking until I was five, I was given lots of time to think and plot my next maneuver.
During this time, I broke my leg, my arm, and fell into a cactus, but I was not letting this get me down.
You might think a child might not remember all of this, but I believe this to be the beginning of my desire to do whatever it takes to live a life full of adventure.
Growing up in a Christian home helped me to develop many disciplines Christ calls us to.
As I followed the motions of going to church, reading my
Bible, and fellowshipping with believers, I learned the true value of building a solid foundation on Christ.
Giving my life to Christ was a gradual and daily practice, but it was at a youth conference in seventh grade that I decided to “rededicate” my life to Christ, since I had never proclaimed anything public in a group setting.
I have since grown to know this is not necessary, but I feel this is when I knew there was NO turning back.
It was full force from here…
In high school, I worked towards living a life Jesus would be pleased with.
I graduated and went to college knowing that I needed to get involved in at least two groups: I knew I needed a group of believers, ones I could learn more Christ with and fellowship with, and I needed a group of people that let me see the world as it is – thus allowing me to reach out and bring the joy of Christ to them.
I pray that I was successful in living the college life Christ desired me to at such a large university.
Looking back at my graduation, I feel like I was the person standing where the two roads in Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” met, and “I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference.”
Prior to graduation, I was given the opportunity to teach young children with disabilities or travel to Swaziland, Africa to go through AIM’s First Year Missionary program.
I chose Swaziland.
During the spring of 2005, God told me, “I wouldn’t have been upset with you had you chosen to stay in America, but I am a selfish God and desire to grow close to you.
Taking you out of your normal environment, I knew I could grow closer to you in a shorter amount of time.”
It was exactly what I needed to hear.
After nine months in Africa, a place where I learned more about “Who God Is,” “Who I am,” and so much more, I journeyed back to America to take care of my family.
Now I try my hardest everyday to live a life like Christ and listen to Him for my next step in this adventure we call LIFE!!
What life means to me?
Life to me means “letting go and letting God.”
I guess you could sum this up in completely finding Freedom in Christ – a continuous desire in my life.
What is the outlook on my future?
Jesus says in Matthew 19:14 to
“
let
the
children
come
to
[Him], and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
This verse is an unending theme in my life.
As God has led me around the world, I have seen the need anywhere and everywhere.
Every place I have been has very unique needs:
Russia is healing from the days of communism, Swaziland is learning how to deal with AIDS epidemic, and some of America chooses to be blind to the needs around them.
I know this puts a stereotype over these countries, because behind these statements are faces struggling to live life everyday.
However, it is truly amazing how God has designed specific people to accomplish His work; all we have to do is say “YES!”
My desire is for God to put me in a place where He can use my passions, gifts, and talents to meet the need of His children while truly worshipping and glorifying Him.
