What was life like before you met Jesus?
I grew up in a Christian household where we were very involved in children's and youth programs. However, we did not pray or talk about Jesus outside of church—there was a clear separation between what we did on Sundays and how we lived the rest of our life. In college and graduate school I was not connected to a church community and fell away from my faith. During this time I struggled with anxiety and control, and tried but failed to find solutions in earthly things, such as friends, partying, success in school, etc.
How did you meet Jesus?
Through my engagement to my now husband, I really started to pursue God. Through our premarital counseling, we learned how much we didn't know about the gospel, especially with us both growing up in Christian households. We started praying and reading the Bible together, and grew closer to one another as we grew in our relationship with Christ. Within the first two years of our marriage, we experienced the loss of multiple close loved ones, including my mother and brother-in-law, as well as a pregnancy. I believe it was our trust in God that helped us through this challenging season of life.
After being saved by Jesus, what is your life like now?
The realization that I can neither earn nor lose my salvation is an incredible gift. It allows me an eternal perspective, which helps me approach earthly challenges in a better light and without so much emotional weight. It makes me a better wife, mother, and friend to those around me when I can pour out the joy I have found in Jesus.