A Little About Me

I was blessed to grow up in a Christian home where I learned about Jesus from an early age. When I was around three years old, I attended Vacation Bible School and told someone that I wanted to become a Christian. Because I was so young, they encouraged me to talk with my mom. She explained the gospel to me and prayed with me as I placed my trust in Jesus as my Savior.

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When I was a preteen, something said during Sunday school caused me to question whether I was truly saved. I remember crying as my mom patiently talked and prayed with me, helping me work through my fears. During that time, I recommitted my life to Christ. Around the age of twelve, I publicly expressed my faith through baptism.

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I cannot remember every detail of my relationship with God during those early years, but I can look back and see that He was present and faithfully drawing me toward Him.

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When I went to college, I stopped attending church regularly after being hurt and offended by someone in the church. Instead of bringing that hurt to God, I allowed resentment to take root. Although I never stopped believing in Jesus as my Savior, throughout parts of my twenties I was not living in a way that reflected what I believed. Looking back, I believe some of the sadness and depression I experienced during that season was connected to knowing that I was not living as closely to God as I should have been.

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There was not one dramatic moment when everything suddenly changed. Instead, God patiently worked in my heart over time. He gradually drew me back, deepened my faith, and helped me understand what it means to walk with Him day by day.

Isaiah 53:6 beautifully captures both my need for a Savior and what Jesus has done for me:

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"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

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I still do not have everything together, and I never will on this side of eternity. I regularly struggle with anxiety, anger, and impatience. It is easy to become discouraged when I fall short, but God continues to remind me that my failures do not place me beyond His love and grace. When I sin, I can confess it, repent, and keep growing...not to earn salvation, but because Jesus has already saved me.

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I am also learning not to focus so much on my weaknesses that I overlook the strengths and gifts God has given me to serve others and Him. He can work through an imperfect person. When I become frustrated with myself, remembering that truth helps me get back up and continue pursuing the purpose He has for my life.

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2 Corinthians 4:16–18 reminds me not to lose heart. Even through difficulties, God is renewing me inwardly and teaching me to look beyond what is temporary toward what is eternal. Psalm 56:8 also brings me comfort because it reminds me that God sees every sorrow and cares about every tear. No struggle is hidden from Him.

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I often wonder why God chose me or has allowed me to experience so many blessings. I do not have an answer beyond His abundant grace, but I am deeply grateful. When worry begins to take over, I remind myself that God is still in control. Following Jesus does not mean that nothing painful will happen. It means that when difficult things do happen, I can trust His character, His presence, and His sovereignty.

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My testimony is not a story about having achieved a perfect faith. It is a story of a faithful God who saves, forgives, restores, and continues working in me. I will always fall short, but my hope is secure because Jesus carried my sin and made me His own.

 

My desire is to keep growing, to demonstrate God’s love to others, and to use what He has given me for His purposes and glory.

 

That is also the heart behind Rooted in the Word Ministry: not that we have everything figured out, but that we can become more deeply rooted in God’s truth, trust Him through every season, and continue growing in the grace of Jesus Christ.