What was life like before you met Jesus?
Before I met Jesus, I was so lost in sin and searching for happiness in things of this world. I changed who I was and shied away from my beliefs, searching for belonging in this world. I went to parties and got involved with the wrong group of people who didn't know Jesus, and my actions were a very clear representation of that. I was constantly broken and lost because I tried to find my identity in things that would never stay and never would fulfill me. I wanted so badly to belong, have friends, and have a relationship. I often settled for the bare minimum and truly believed that I wasn't important or valuable and that I was broken.
How did you meet Jesus?
I first encountered Jesus at a concert I was working at the state fair. The band Casting Crowns was playing, and I just remember my heart being so moved and the Holy Spirit calling inside of me. Once I returned to my hometown, I began searching for churches. I talked with some of my close friends and found City Point and their youth ministry, Collide. The Collide community was so inviting and so transforming to my life. Being in a connection group with girls my own age, hearing their stories, and being able to see that I was not alone was the best feeling for me. Eventually, this community started to become like family to me, I laughed with them, cried with them, and everything in between. They are the reason my faith is so strong. These people showed me how to be God-fearing, dedicate my life to God, and live accordingly. I started working on my faith and my heart and transformed it from a heart that so badly wanted to belong to a heart that so badly wanted to be with Jesus, and none of that would have happened if it weren't for the collide ministry group. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." this is the community I had, a community that's heart was so on fire for Jesus it pulled you in, and I never wanted to let go. I started to trust in all his doings, believe in his plan, and work to become a better follower of him because he changed my heart and changed my life.
After being saved by Jesus, what is your life like now?
Life right now is so sweet with Jesus. I feel so much fulfillment in him and no longer want to be the girl who is liked by everyone or wants to always be involved because God, the creator of the whole universe, loves me, so what more do I need? I no longer feel guilt over the sins of my past because Jesus died on the cross knowing I would do those things, and he did it because no matter what, his love for me is eternal. One of the verses I hold dear to my heart is Romans 10:2, which says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Jesus is speaking to us and saying I know it'll be hard I know you want to fit in, but once you are transformed by faith in me, that's when you will experience his perfect will. I know I have gained eternal life through Jesus Christ because John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." and Romans 6:23 says, " For the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our lord.”