After my decision that summer of my seventeenth birthday. I still had a lot of growing up to do as a christian. My life was not free from trouble because of my decision but I had a great friend to help me along. Jesus was now in my heart and with me where ever I went. If I was upset or angry He was always there to listen as I prayed and left my concerns with Him.
For instance my home life was not the greatest, though I know it was not the worst compared to some children. My mother apologized when we moved into a home on hwy 28 East Pineville. She admitted she too was a Christian and that her abusive actions were a harm to us in many ways. It made me feel cheated that she never showed us or told us.
For her, myself, and others it is still possible to fall back to the old ways. I struggled in my growing up as a christian. I met a fellow who went to the same school I did, and as we got to know each other we discovered that he also went to the same church. I had been going to the church across the street from my home called Trinity Baptist. We hung out as friends, usually going to youth events. One evening, God spoke again in a wispery sort of voice "You don't have to wait anymore". I knew he meant that the young man I sat beside during the worship servise was to be my partner. It was now important to date and marry someone who is also a christian. Though later on we sinned, and I cried for I knew what would happen to us. I knew, for before I was a christian this act we comitted would cause distruction to my past relationships. I knew it would to this one. It ended when we both had graduated High School and had been together about three years. He joined the Navy and met someone else where he was stationed. He had gotten a ring for me and we were engaged for a month before I found out he married someone else.
God then brought someone else into my life. Her name was Michelle and she was a christian herself. She got me out and going to church with her. I met knew people through her. She was my best friend for a while; I even lived with her and her family for a few months when my family moved to Arkansas. The friendship ended when she did something I disagreed with strongly.
Another person was brought to my life who is not a christian, and I am not promised that I can save him. My grandmother and I are praying for him. His name is David, and we are now engaged.
My mother also told us as we grew up about my real dad, and God has resently helped me located my real dad, more half brothers, and my other half sister through the internet. I saw my fathers profile and picture.
In conclusion to this. God has brought a lot of people in and out of my life who have helped me to grow as a christian in the past eight years. He in spirit Himself has always been with me to console me, instruct me, and help in everyday things. He is trully my best friend. Yet he never takes away my right to make choices right or wrong. If they are wrong I must suffer consequences as His child. I give glory to God for all the great things He has done in my life, helping me through abuse, heartache from relationships, or friendships, the people that he put in my life even for a short time, for David, and locating the rest of my family. |
