I was raised in Miami, Florida by a single mom from age 3 when my father died. Although my situation was very unusual and “dysfunctional” by some standards, I never felt insecure, different, or lacking. My mother’s faith was very sincere and she instilled in me that Jesus provided all we needed. She prayed often and made sure I was in church every time “the doors were opened.” I was raised in church, hearing the truth of the Bible from caring adults who loved me and saw my potential.

When I was eight years old, I began having questions and concerns. I knew I wasn’t goood enough to live up to the standards I had grown up with and as hard as I tried I couldn’t keep myself from failing. I begain asking questions and evetually ended up in my Pastor’s study. He explained that I was feeling guilty because of my sin. He told me we all sin but that God made a way for us to be forgiven. That is why God sent His son, Jesus. Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, died on the cross for my sin and God raised him from the dead so I could live for Him guilt free if only I believed. Well I did. I made that decision public and was later baptized.

Now I am on an exciting journey with my best friend, Jesus. As a young adult I learned God had a specific plan for my life and all I had to do was seek Him to find it. Jesus wants to have a personal intimate relationship with me which means I need to read the Bible, pray daily and wait for direction. As a young married and parent I learned I could only find happiness by submitting to the authority that God had put in my life -God, my husband, and my employer. I can only find fulfilment by serving others and putting my own needs and wants second. Most amazingly, I am still learning that God has given me a specific set of gifts and talents that He wants me to use to bring Him honor. Life teaches me every day that when I fully rely on God and seek him for wisdom and guidance, decisions are not too dificult, tasks are not insurmountable and circumstances are not overwhelming. The good times are more joyful and the hard time are merely opportunities to grow.