I believe that the Gospel is that there is one living and true God who is infinite, all-knowing and perfect in all His attributes; one in essence, eternally existing in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 4:24) I know He is my heavenly father and with that comes discipline born from love. I believe that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), and that the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ alone (John 14:6). 

 

I grew up in a loving, Christian home with my mother who taught the Gospel to me from the very beginning. I came to know and love Jesus as a young girl and to this day strive to honor, worship, and serve Him in all that I do! Through prayer and true repentance, I have experienced the love and light of Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, now knowing a grace and a sacrificial love like no other. 

 

But I know that in a world overtaken by sin, the enemy running rampant and preying on souls not founded in Christ as deeply as they should, the lure of temptation of the flesh is more than evident. Not too long ago, I had a glimpse of what my life would be like without Jesus. It was anxiety/fear/guilt driven and the epitome of confusion. It was as if I had no sherpa as I climbed my way up the Himalayas. Though it was just a glimpse, I knew immediately this is not how God intended it to be for His children. This has truly changed my way of thinking and behaving. 

 

I have seen how Jesus changed my dad’s life as he struggled with Mormonism then PTSD from the war in Iraq. Watching him through those difficult years be transformed by Christ in 2014, now teaching and leading his family the pure and simple truths of the Bible, having graduated from Liberty University with an M.A. in Theological Studies. Seeing my dad’s suffering without Christ in his life and who he is today in Christ has made an eternal impression on my life. And paralleling to my dad, I saw my mom be firm in her faith and walk with Christ through those difficult times in her marriage when she could’ve turned away or become angry with God. She really set the beginning example for what it looks like to lean on Jesus through hardships and triumphs alike. Through the examples set by my parents and church leaders, I actively pursue walking in humble steadfastness in Christ Jesus and work hard to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit in my daily life. Though I am not perfect at it, I know that Jesus is my everything and loving Him with all that I am, I desire to honor Him in my thoughts and actions towards myself and others, as He has so graciously shown me.