I didn’t grow up in the church.
As a matter of fact, I only started going to church regularly when I graduated from college. Then I was a shy and insecure Christian who didn’t possess any boldness. I always kept myself from getting involved in church by comparing myself to others, and telling myself “I’m not where I need to be” or that “I don’t have enough knowledge yet to be in a place where I can influence others.” I felt comfortable being able to hide in the crowd instead of having a role that made me accountable for my actions. I was afraid the more people knew my name, the more they’d watch every move I made. Because afterall, no one’s perfect. Not even in church.
Then something changed.
Soon, I didn’t care if others watched my every move because I learned the force that led me to that specific church was bigger than me. I was there to make myself better and do God’s work at the same time. Specifically, God’s work concerning youth.
You could say I had this desire to reach out to young people and be a positive role model for anyone who didn’t grow up with a silver spoon in their mouth or have the “normal” childhood because I knew what they were going through.
The first church I joined in South Carolina was at a point of transition so it gave me the opportunity to become an actual leader in the youth ministry. I taught liturgical dance and helped plan events for the teens to participate in. I loved the experience and felt like I found my place…for a moment. Then I needed something more…something new.
Now, three years later, I actually feel like I’ve found that new place. The place I feel like I’m destined to be for a while. The place where I can cultivate intimate friendships. The place where I can make my mark in the name of the Lord.
And it’s with a youth ministry that’s full of creative visionaries who are serious about the call to change the lives of youth around the world. And what makes it even better…is that my husband is one of them.
In fact, we recently had a weekend retreat where we got the opportunity to fellowship, unite, and learn more about each other. It was one of the best weekends I’ve had in a while.
Now that I’ve found my place. I feel like I am here to plant a seed and watch it grow into something great. And I can’t wait to see what it is.
Either for the moment or for a lifetime, do you feel like you’ve found your place?
