I was born and raised in a Christian family with my parents being the children’s pastors at our church (Grace Covenant Church). I felt the constant pressure of growing up the daughter of ‘church staff’. I was surrounded with people that I admired that mentored me and made sure I stayed on the path God had for me. I followed the rules that I was taught: read my Bible, went to church, attended mission trips and student conferences, LOVED God and… stayed out of trouble.
High school graduation rolled around and my older brother and I went off to college 12 hours away in Birmingham, AL. He played on the basketball team and the job of ‘head manager’ of the men’s basketball team fell into my lap. I loved this job so much. Those guys were my family. We ate together, went to class together, and traveled together.
Next thing I knew, it was the end of freshman year – finals week, and I was more empty on the inside than I had ever been. I began to think back on the past 9 months… my thoughts, actions, and decisions. How had I gotten to this point? So empty on the inside, yet too scared to admit it. After all, I was the good girl that was used to people setting me back on track when mistakes were made. However, when no one was there to help me steer, I found myself far off of His path for me.
Right before that semester ended, I attended a student-led Bible study called ‘RANSOM’ at Samford University (Christian University right down the road from UAB). Long story short, I left in tears. God touched my heart that night and awakened my soul. He told me that He has a plan and purpose for my life. He told me that He loves me. He told me that He forgives me no matter the choices I had made. I had a new hope and knew there were better days to come.
Returning to campus my sophomore year, I attended RANSOM every Monday night. The end of that year, the leader approached me and asked if I was interested in starting RANSOM at UAB. Immediately, I said, “N-O!” Knowing in the back of my mind that that was what God was calling me to do. After praying a lot and being extremely stubborn, a couple months later I contacted the leader again and said, “Yes”. Though I was so terrified of failure and my name being on that campus ministry, I realized one thing. God doesn’t necessarily want the capable, He wants the willing. And if you are willing, He will equip you.
I started RANSOM at UAB the beginning of my junior year and needless to say I grew so much in my faith, trust, and overall walk with Jesus. I now had friends who held me accountable. Friends who pushed me in my faith. Friends who were experiencing the same struggles as I was. Friends that I knew were going to last a lifetime.
It’s been truly amazing to see an entirely new side of God. I know that He has a perfect plan for me and that He loves me more than I can comprehend. I’ve learned that surrendering to God’s will is extremely terrifying. However, it is extremely beautiful to see Him at work.
As I transitioned from college student to working adult, I continued to trust God with His perfect timing. I was offered a 4th grade teaching job in Bham and gladly accepted! Though I love my coworkers and kiddos, by Christmas break I couldn’t help but ask myself, “Is there more than this?” As I made the 12 hour trek home for the holidays, this question continued to pop into my head and my thoughts began to wander. I asked God to help me dream… to place visions in my head of plans that He had for me. For the first time, I began to dream. Traveling continued to pop into my head, though I didn’t make much sense out of it.
I shared this with my parents and I had told them about The World Race before, but hadn’t thought much of it. I was encouraged to apply. Though I was hesitant because I didn’t want to leave my job after teaching for just one year, my mom said, “If there is a time in your life when you can do something like this, it’s now. If you feel called to this – Go!” So with my hesitation thrown out the window, I applied. About a week later, I was accepted.
I can’t explain how cool it has been to allow my heart to dream the dreams God has for me. I have given Him the steering wheel. It’s extremely comforting to know that it’s impossible to crash with Him driving!
