For the first eighteen years of my life, I would have been considered a “wild child” by many people’s standards. I associated with several individuals who liked to party, engaged in all sorts of riotous behavior, and lived my life as I personally saw fit. I was involved in the ultimate self-consumed lifestyle. However, I would eventually come to understand that there was more to life than partying and living my life for self.
In July 1990, one of my best friends at the time invited me to go to church with him for a “bring a friend” event. I had never really been much of a churchgoer, but I thought I would go and check it out.
After my initial visit with the congregation, I decided to continue visiting. My family, the man who would become my husband, and other people of whom I thought highly were attending regular church services there, and most of all, the preacher’s sermons and material in the Bible classes all actually came from the Bible.
After studying the Bible with the man who would become my husband as well as the preacher and his wife at the congregation at which I was visiting, I decided to be baptized and become a Christian. It was on April 22, 1991 that I entered into my walk with the Lord, and ever since, I tried to remain faithful in that endeavor.
Being a Christian has impacted my life in many positive ways. I no longer fear death. I now recognize that if I live a faithful Christian life while I am alive, I can enjoy spending eternity with my Heavenly Father once I leave this earthly world. I can encounter stressful and traumatic experiences and have peace in knowing that I am not alone during those difficult times. I can do my best to be a shining light in a dark and dreary world, and I can be a servant to those who need my help. I realize that life is not just all about me but rather about living my life for other people.
Being a Christian can sometimes also be challenging. I have lost a few friendships due to the change in my values and moral standings. I have encountered mild persecution in the form of snide remarks and unfavorable comments. I have seen some individuals who claim to be Christians live their lives in ways that dishonor Jesus’ name. When this situation presents itself, I try to encourage those people and try to evaluate whether or not I am practicing what I preach.
In conclusion, I am glad that I chose to become a Christian and have no regrets in making that choice. I have had to make sacrifices in some ways, but compared to the one that Christ made for me and for all people, those sacrifices pale in comparison.