I have been a part of the church for as long as I can remember, but I never actively participated. I’m a very stubborn and anxious person, so I often feared asking for help or messing up. It felt like I did not belong anywhere. 

However, when my dad was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer a few years ago and I saw my mom relying more on God for help, that situation encouraged me to seek out God. Every night, I let out all of my sorrows and confessions to Christ, and one night, I hugged my mom for the first time in a long time. Even though my dad is no longer with us, God has brought our family closer than ever. 

After God changed my life, I became more appreciative of my family and friends. Arguments have become a learning ground, and forgiveness has become knowledge; as I let go of my stubbornness and my ego, it becomes easier to talk to people and understand them. 

My goal is to have Christ as a friend that I go to for help. Whenever I don’t understand something, I want to admit that I am clueless. I want to trust that God will lead me to others and that He knows what is best for me, even if it is not the outcome that I initially wanted. I want to show persistence in my belief in love and acceptance.