Hello all! I know you’ve heard this a lot from me but THANK YOU!!! Your prayers and support are making this journey possible for me. to preface, everything I write is always very personal and vulnerable. I pray that in these posts you are able to relate and find joy, peace, and encouragement. Now, let me introduce you to someone I once knew…
This girl was very outgoing, she grew up in a Christian home and has always had a Christian influence around her. Her parents were youth pastors and her grandpa a lead pastor. and before you ask, she admits that being a PK was pretty fun. This girl looked like the perfect little Christian girl everyone knew her to be, but on the inside, her heart was cold, dark, and empty. She had thought, well if I keep this good act up for as long as I can, people won’t know what I’m actually going through, and Jesus will love me more. At school she surrounded herself with bad influences and music and gossip and everything you can think of to “fit in”. She became obsessed with boys, to the point where when she didn’t have a crush/boyfriend or someone who had a crush on her, she felt useless. This led to anxiety and an unstable mental health. This went on for about 3 years until…. She heard a message about living a double life.
Up to that point in her life she had been preforming so much for God, her parents and friends that God took a hold of her heart and he said, “Let go….” She immediately gave her life completely to Christ and hasn’t turned back since.
That was my story.
Notice how I said was. I now have a new story being written as we speak. HALLELUJAH!! My testimony is not super crazy or tragic even. I had great childhood, but I chose to go on a path that led to anxiety and overthinking and chaos. And that’s what’s so crazy about God is that even though we are so so unfaithful to Him, He still welcomes us home with OPEN ARMS. So crazy to think about the concept of grace that way The Father sees it. And let me tell you, when you start asking God to give you his lens on the world, your life WILL change. I’m speaking from experience. But anyways….
WHY THE WORLD RACE??
Why not!!!! I tell people this all the time when they ask me why. What better time to bring glory to God than when I’m young and able! I’ve been so graciously given a Godly lens on how I view people that I can’t help but want to share truth. This is because I asked God to give, me his view on his people and he showed me that no matter where they are or where they come from, they need the truth. No one is exempt or too cool for Jesus, just sayin’!!
Let me tell you about some events that led up to this life changing decision I needed to make…
In august of 2022 I committed to going to Liberty University for my freshman year of college and on. I thought well, my parents met there, then it must be good! I can find a husband!! haha, that was not the case. When i was on campus i felt trapped and lonely. I totally convinced myself that Liberty would be the best thing ever. I was very shocked and taken back by how i felt when i was there. This was supposed to be my independence era!! or so i thought. Later in the first semester i felt a push saying that there is something bigger meant for me somewhere else. And so, i made the decision to leave Liberty after one semester. It was the best decision EVER. Now that im not there anymore i realize how close God was to me the WHOLE time. Its crazy to see now how God was working in those moments because now I’m like “how did I miss that!??”
After this period of time, I began searching, what’s my purpose, where should I be? I felt like if I’m going to be home, I have to be doing something ALL THE TIME. This was a lie from the devil. Yes, it’s good to be productive, but what fuels that is good rest. And I mean good SOUL rest. I began finding rest when I found where my identity was placed. Having a firm identity in Christ not only affects how you live, but it also affects how others live too. When The Spirit is filling you up constantly, you are so full that you can’t help but pour out. This affects those around you because it’s wired on their hearts.
In closing I just want to highlight something I have been learning this past month. It’s based out of John 14:9-23, which in summary is about how when we accept the perfect fulfillment of Christ’s death for us, He makes His home in us. Yea, it sounds crazy, but it is so true. The question that has picked my brain is…. does Christ live through me or is he just at my side? I’ve found that most Christians nowadays live with Christ JUST on their side and they are most likely with never experience the abundant life that Jesus promised because of one thing. FEAR. it’s so prominent in our society, that its normal. This is why the concept of religion has crept in and made people think that they have to earn God’s grace. I heard a cool illustration about the price that was paid…… If someone wins the lottery and they cash in, it’s over. If you tried to go up and cash it in, the cashier would look at you crazy. But that’s what we do ALL THE TIME. We try to cash in different accomplishments, prizes, treasures, etc. to earn what had been given to us FOR FREE!!!! Religion has always taught us we need to strive, earn and seek good things, when that why Christ came. He not only fulfilled the Law of Moses, but he tore the veil from top to bottom, giving us FULL access to the Father and all of his goodness. Thank you, JESUS!! So, as I continue to walk in the light this passage, I want to encourage you to ask the same question. Does Christ live in and through me?, or is He just at my side.
Let me know how I can be praying for you throughout the week by texting this number!!
(513) 426-0698
Again. Thank YOU for wanting to be apart of this journey!! I pray that Jesus would change your life as much as he did and is still doing now!!
Remember to buy a tshirt/crewneck to support this awesome journey (they are pretty cool too ;))
GOOD NEWS! His grace abounds! | Bonfire
^^^^^ here’s the link!!!
