My story.

Christ in me. This is really what I learned from Seven. This place truly changed my life. I know that sounds very Cliche, but it is the best I can do with words. If you could jump into my heart and take a look for yourself, you would see how full it is now that I invited Jesus in to stay. I now see the world in a whole new light-- Jesus’ light.

I remember the first day I came to Seven very clearly. During this time in my life, I had no huge tragedy, besides a recent breakup with my high school sweetheart that left me feeling alone and completely empty. My grades in college were lousy and I just didn’t care about doing well in school. I thought that if I came to church, I would at least feel better for that hour and fifteen minutes until it was time to get back to my sad world.

A funny thing happened that night. I realized something. I realized that God had been with me through everything in my life. He was there with me when I lost my first love, he was there with me when I was failing my classes, he was there with me those nights when I cried myself to sleep. And he brought me to this place, Seven, to awaken me and help me realize just that.

I learned that night that Jesus was always with me, and he always would be with me. He would never, ever leave me. I needed to grow closer to Jesus and make him every part of my life. I learned that night that I needed a strong, intimate, genuine, real relationship with my savior. He had a much better plan for my life than I did.

Praying and going to church was no longer just a ritual. I learned at Seven that it is not about a religion, but a relationship with the one who loved me a million times more than even my earthly parents or my boyfriend could ever love me. I needed CHRIST IN ME.

That night I promised Jesus that I would put him first in everything I did in my life- relationships, school, job, everything. Jesus was my new purpose. And he always would be. I began to talk to him everyday, I began to study his word-- I began to breath Jesus.

I realized that no matter what happened in my life from that point on, Jesus would always be with me. I learned that church wasn’t just about coming to get away from life, but it became a huge part of my life. I began to serve on the M547 team and serve my community. I learned to smile again. I learned to embrace people.

God gave me the courage to continue with school and believe in myself. He brought me amazing friends. He also brought me a genuine, kind-hearted man who loves the Lord with his whole heart-- and made him my Husband. I learned that my mission in life is “to change my world for Christ”. It was no longer about what Jesus can do for me, but what can I do for Jesus.

I now see my potential and worth. I now see how God can use me to further his kingdom. Everyday I am on a mission. A mission I only learned from finding Jesus at HDC: To change my world for Christ. -- Christ in me!

Published in HDConnections Magazine, June 2008. Issue 47.