hebrews twelve one and two.

I never intended on posting this on the internet, well, ever... let alone my very own blog. {This isn't getting off to a good start, is it?} Last Thurday morning, I spoke to pastors and church leaders on behalf of my campus ministry. I literally cringed when the pastor of my home church notified me that he received a copy from my mother via and wanted to forward an e-mail copy of the speech/sermon I gave to the entire Session of the church. Wait... wait just a minute! Intimidating, huh?!? You bet. Over the last few days, I started thinking about posting this on my blog.  I am a part of something so much bigger than my insecurities and my fears.  This is not about me, but an indication of the amazing people who are a true testament to hebrews twelve one and two throughout my life.

I was raised at Evergreen Presbyterian Church in Dothan, Alabama. I was baptized as an infant and the church kept their promise, as I was raised by those who loved me, supported me and picked me up when I fell down. I learned about Jesus’ teachings through Sunday school, Logos, sermons, mission work, fellowship and relationships with those in my youth group. At times in my life, there has been a blur between my biological family and my Evergreen church family. God has worked through me throughout my experiences with Presbyterian Youth Connection, Camp Pinetreat, the Presbytery of South Alabama Youth Council and opportunities to serve and be served at Montreat Conference Center. When I decided to attend The University of Alabama, it was on the basis that I would be a part of a PCUSA campus ministry. This assured me that I would never be so far away from the Church that loved me, supported me, and picked me up when I fell down. Yet, when I got here… everything was new…… it was also completely different from what I had always known.

I started attending Westminster Fellowship my first week of college. It was at Westminster… more than anywhere on campus… that I realized I longed for the familiarity and security of my home church, Evergreen. But I vividly remember the voice of my conscience… or maybe it was the still, quiet voice of God… encouraging me to continue. As time has progressed, I have built strong connections with others by being involved in Westminster Fellowship and Women’s Bible Study. I love that I come to WF surrounded by those who are also discovering the answers by living the questions. It’s through Westminster Fellowship where I have begun to really work through my faith acknowledging WHO I am and WHOSE I am!  It’s here, during college that Westminster has built a community where I’ve found the balance between questioning, struggling, deciphering, failing, AND still believing whole-heartedly in God’s grace, God’s unconditional love, God’s mysterious ways, God’s protection and His providence.

As for the future, I have no job. I have no idea where I am going to move after graduation.        I have no plans. But I know one thing, wherever I go, wherever I find myself, I will also find a community of faith.  The writer of Hebrews declares that each of us are surrounded by witnesses— those who are inspiring examples of Faith. As leaders of the church, I charge each of you to continue to invest in college and young adult ministry. For many, it’s a time when young adults are pulled in so many different directions, discouraged and wandering. Within a community of faith, together, we can fix our eyes on Jesus’ teachings.

Can I get an Amen?