Alley's Story

 High school was okay for me. I spent my time engaging in a lot of extracurricular activities, sports, academics, and established great relationships. I had some really good times, but I had some really bad times. I felt like I was constantly walking on shifting sand; whenever I thought I was grounded and in a good place, I kept losing my footing. Something was missing; I could feel it but it was just out of reach. I wanted to stay grounded, and find this security that I was lacking in my life. I think I looked for that comfort in those things I indulged in for some type of stability. But I was never satisfied. 
   Now, I knew the story of Jesus and some things that happened in the bible pretty much my whole life. I grew up in the church and I just casually accepted that it was true; almost just like it was a part of history, common knowledge. It was just kind of like, “Oh ok, cool,” and that was it. Every summer leading up to college, I attended this church camp with some friends in my church. Usually I would sit during the sermon, twiddle my thumbs, and think about the fun I’d have in the lake the next day. However, there was one sermon that really just stuck with me. I began to really understand what Christ did for us, for me. He took all of our sin, bore it all on the cross and forgave me even before I was a thought in my parents’ minds. I didn’t have to earn it, he gave it to me, free of charge.
     Before I decided to accept Christ as my savior, I wrestled with some fears. Questions like, “Is he even real? What if he leaves me? How can I trust in something I can’t see?” Those insecurities kept creeping up in my mind during that summer at camp. But then my heart changed and I realize that he has done so much for me - blessed me with so many gifts and talents, and life on this wonderful earth he created - and he has not, and will not ever let me down. 
    Since I made this choice to have Jesus present in my life, I have become more confident and less insecure. I see myself as a part of his family, his child, his perfect creation. I now know that I can lean on him, and only Him, because he can provide me with happiness and purpose. With that, I have a new perspective, an eternal one. I only have this one life to live, so why waste it? I want to share His love with others - and show them this comfort and security that I now have through Jesus.