I grew up in a Christian home, and spent most of my life at a small Baptist church plant in my hometown. Our church and the Christian school I attended did a great job of teaching me the Bible. I was a “good Christian” on the outside, but my head knowledge of God and His plan for salvation told me I was dead in my sin, no matter how many good works I did in my own strength.

The Lord graciously drew me to a relationship with him at a young age in chapel through the testimony of a guest speaker. Ironically, I do not remember the words he said but knew that day that God was calling me out of darkness and into a life a love of service and obedience to Him. I was convicted of my sin and saw my only hope was salvation through the perfect life and death of Jesus. I prayed that God would change my heart and view Christ’s righteousness when He looks at me. Since then, God has refined me by fire throughout my life.

Through various family challenges in my childhood, severe anxiety throughout my teenage years, and unexpectedly losing my brother in college, God has grown me in complete and utter reliance on Him. I no longer have just an outward relationship with God, but truly desire to know Him and meditate on His word. Through sorrow and suffering, He has shown me His goodness and given me a heart to sing of His grace. In the last 15 years of walking with the Lord, I have grown in my love for Him, love for His Church, and assurance of my salvation.