Q: My first recollection of being in church was…

A: I was 5 or 6 years old and would go to the church down the street from my house. The pastor’s daughter and I were friends and I loved learning in the children’s church

Q: The closest I have felt to God in my life was…

A: There have been many times of closeness I have felt with the Lord. To be honest they have been some of my lowest points in life. When I was pressed on every side, family coming against me, friends misunderstandings, doubt and fear taking over every thought, I would just allow the Lord to come in and cover me with the warmth of His love. I remember in these times that all I could hear whispering in my heart are the words, I love you and it’s going to be ok. Just trust me. No matter what, I hold onto those moments of care and concern I have experienced with the Lord. 

Q: The time I have felt the greatest doubt or distance from God was…

A: I’d say this has been an issue that comes and goes. I find the greatest doubt and distance is when I am in a season of transitioning. I begin to question if I’m in the Will of God because of the amount of pressure I have coming towards me. I question and doubt and then distance myself from Him in those moments of transition. I ask alot of questions and He reminds me of His plan and what I have agreed to do because of my surrender. The doubt lifts and the distance between us closes up. 

Q: If I could thank God for just one incident in my life it would be ______ and why?

A: I would thank Him for sending me my husband. Even though we were both broken and busted, there was something that drew me in. There was this hope and belief in the Lord that reconciliation and redemption of life was being provided to me through my union with Chet. And it’s been the greatest honor to have seen God work through the challenges we have experienced together. 

Q: If I could thank God for just one person in my faith journey it would be _______ and why?

A: My friend Marie’s dad, Ruben. I have watched over 33 years a man stand with such faith and Integrity. He has shown me through the life he lives what it looks like to lay down all for Christ. I didn’t have a father figure in my own home to show me the love of God, but the Lord still gave to me a man of God to look up to, one who I know has prayed for me.

Q: If I could name a turning point in my life for my relationship with God it would be ________ and why?

A: A turning point in my relationship with God would have to be when I finally learned that He alone is my source. No person, place, or thing could fulfill the space intended for Him alone. I had spent years upon years filling the void with everything I could only to be left still empty and void of purpose. Even as a Christian for many years I used relationships ( Godly ones) activities in the church and ministry,  my gifting, all of it to fill that place. There was a season of extreme trails that I had experienced when everything was thrown into the fire,  the only thing I was left with was my surrendered yes and the love I have known by my savior. Those were the only things that mattered and from there He turned our relationship around from works to wonder. 

Q: If I had to tell someone why I am a Christian I would have to say

A: I’m a Christian because what other life is there? I have been in the depths of the world with all of its glamor and fun only to ever experience absolute death. In Christ there is something so real, so filling, so healing. I could never thank God enough for what He has done for me. I used to hate myself and sought a lifestyle knowing it would lead to a short life. I wanted out from the darkness but did not believe I could return to the Father because of all I had done. But when He found me laying in my own mess, He wasn’t disgusted,  He didn’t look at me as though I was dirty. He picked me up, held me in His arms and embraced me in a way I have never known. Because of His radical love and forgiveness, I will be His forever