Thirteen years ago today, I made the decision to make Jesus Lord of my life and I was baptized. I had spent hours and weeks prior studying the bible with friends – incredible spiritual women that were able to shed light on the scriptures and helped bring them to life. I was blown away that these women, who were around the same age as me, had deep biblical convictions and could speak to why they believed what they believed and they also showed me in the bible. I longed to know more about God and I desired to learn to walk with Him truly – I think He loves answering prayers like that. So, on February 13th, 2000 – after counting the cost, I declared “Jesus is Lord” – I suppose I knew as much as I could’ve at that point… like a young bride in love on her wedding day, I said ‘I do’ – but I didn’t totally know what that might entail as my future unfolded. I was certain though, that I wanted every day forward to include walking with God and making my life more about His will than my own will and falling deeper in love with Him.
I am not married – but in the same way that married couples celebrate their wedding anniversary – I love spending this time celebrating my ‘anniversary’ with God. There is a scripture in Isaiah that I love – “For your maker is your husband – the Lord Almighty is his name…” Isaiah 54:5. I reflect on the journey my life has taken because of my relationship with Him. It hasn’t always been sunshine and roses… it hasn’t always been easy… and to be honest… at 32 years old now, I didn’t think that I’d still be single… and never would’ve guessed that I’d be living in Honduras of all places doing humanitarian and missionary work – but in the same breath… my life is so much more than I ever could’ve hoped or imagined it would be and that’s something that it is only possible with God (Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.“) When I think about the alternative, the direction my life was headed without God, it’s scary. It was a life centered around me and my own glory and success, gratifying my own selfishness and desires. My life before God was so dark and so empty.
And so, I take this time to reflect and remember all that God has done through me and for me. I looked up the word ‘remember’ in my concordance and that word is used SO MANY TIMES in the bible. It is so good for us to remember… Psalm 105:5 “Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced…” Psalm 143:5 “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.” I also am reminded of the love and sacrifice of the women that studied the bible with me – they set aside time in their own schedules to spend time teaching me and sharing their hearts with me. For that, I am eternally grateful. I didn’t always make it easy for them, but they loved me anyway. Thank you Twah, Marie, Angelique, Stacia, Yazmin, Summer, Alyssa, Dominique and Margaret… and the hundreds of women along the way over these last thirteen years that have continued to teach and train me.
I am committed to living each day forward walking with Him and continuing to fall deeper in love with Him and His word. I am committed to loving others as I love myself and I continue to pray that He will be glorified through my life as He refines me to reflect the image of His son. I am so grateful for this incredible adventure that I am on!
I’ve included a few old photos from thirteen years ago… I had a film camera then, so unfortunately I don’t have many photos from those days.
T Dougherty - Wow… I am so moved by this article. The memories, the trials, the good times… All of it has made you who you are today and I’m so inspired and proud!! Way to call all our hearts higher.