I felt alone and alienated. I had every desire to go back home but one night upon my return from Thanksgiving break, before entering chapter for my sorority, I realized that I had more than I thought. There were people here for me and I…
Asher, an autistic camper in my cabin, lost her mother a few years ago. Every time she prayed she spoke to God and her mother. She didn't blame Him for anything and knew that her mother was in a better place now. The campers' unwavering faith taught me that there is always a light at the end of the…
The church members acted like the parent I didn't have and allowed me to cry in their arms. Not only did they support me emotionally, they supported me in everything else, too. Eight years later, those church members appear in my life whenever I need a step up. This constant feeling…
Without the relationships I have made with the girls in my grade at Northwest I am not sure if I would have even continued my walk with God. Not only have my friends been a major influence, but so have my teachers. During class they just have shown the light of Jesus through their teaching. I have embraced the style of teaching from a christian worldview, which I had never had before. Some teachers have sat with me and talked for hours, and that has really opened my eyes as to how much they want to pour into us.…
My home had been a broken place for many years and my mother had alienated almost every family member. Her manipulation and control had come to an extent that it was hurting herself and others. My Junior year, my parents suddenly uprooted my family and moved to Texas to receive marriage counseling. The firm footing I thought was mine was ripped out from under my feet and I became hopeless as my mother informed me that moving with the family was what God demanded of me. The constant twisting of scripture that been used to control me all my life was being used again.…
In 2012 I was living in Tulsa Oklahoma, as a homeless veteran. I moved into a low income apartment. In February I drove across town to pick up my girlfriend, in a blizzard. During this trip I was in a near fatal head-on collision.…
Each experience has helped me grow character and be more compassionate. My faith is a big part of who I am and I use it spread positivity and kindness. For example, when we went to feed the homeless or meet the elderly at a retirement home. It is a great feeling when you have touched a person’s life or bring a smile to their face. One event that really stood out was our church mission trip to Mexico.…
Never had attended WYD before, I wasn’t sure what to expect of the 3week immersion nor what outcomes would come from this experience. I had just graduated from San Francisco State and was preparing to move back home. Although, I was excited to see my family and begin my new life as a post-grad, I was also nervous about the transition. So as I got on that plane to Europe my heart was heavy with emotions of uncertainty and doubt. The first few days praying in Gyor, Hungry were difficult.…
Throughout my life Tribe has always been my youth group. I have tried others but it just isn’t the same Tribe will always be my safe place. To begin with, my uncle got me into Tribe he was involved with the church, and one day he asked if I wanted to try out this youth group named Tribe. This was when I was in 6th grade, when I first went I was shy but I felt more energised to be there.…
Every Christmas Eve our family gathers around the coffee table in our apartment in New York City. During the day we go to see the tree at Rockefeller Center and buy chocolate candies from the Greenwood Pastry on the corner. Uncle Riley leads the way as we walk the streets until the light begins to fade between the office towers and the crippled gargoyles forever perched on the corners of the buildings that illuminate a golden age gone by. We laugh together and reminisce about the previous Christmases we have spent together. The elevator seems quieter on these nights, almost as if it has a respect for the holiday, but I know it’s just because we’re all crammed in there together.…
It was liberating when I finally realized that I did not need to create an impression to please people around me. Ultimately, I realized that Christ approved of me regardless of what I accomplished in life. I was able to effectively lead in areas of ministry without an unhealthy concern of others opinions. This transformation produced results in my life that allowed me to experience an incredible freedom for the past seven years of my…
In eighth grade I first began to get involved with the student ministry at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, a decision that has changed my life. In the summer before freshman year the church passed out forms to sign-up for small groups. At first, nobody was going to sign up because we all thought it was something that nobody would take seriously and it would be pointless. However, as the weeks went on we began to see the sign-up sheet fill up with names. So, we changed our minds and added our names to the sheet.…
Number seven, reflections of grief, July 6th, 2016. I've become adapted walking on glass. The trick is to trade lightly and put each foot each down carefully before putting any pressure on it. If I don't flinch I can make it through but on this path of shattered glass I sweat a lot and hope the rivulets will not compromise my feet causing me to lose my balance. Going through grief is walking backwards, living backwards and just now I'm finding that I bring up Peter to remind my girls and I of the bond we share with their father and that he is always with us.…
chance to defend himself. And it would be tough for him to represent a man he believes is guilty. It is easier to just remain ignorant, and treat every client fairly. Even if his clients are guilty, it does not mean that they do not deserve a second chance. My uncle has taught me that every man, women, and child on this earth deserves the same level of fairness and justice.…
I have had the opportunity to support those who have lost loved ones thanks to grief and most importantly, I have grown into the young man I am…