My 1 Story

I’m one of the fortunate ones. God, belief, church have always been a part of my life. As a young child, I remember always going to church with my family. There were men and women in my church who poured their lives into mine, helping me to understand the teachings of Jesus and – more importantly – helping me understand how Jesus’ teachings were relevant to my life and my way of living.

When I was 8 years old, I remember one very special evening. My mom was tucking me in bed, telling me goodnight, saying my prayers with me. Then, she began to share with me about how my sin – unconfessed and unforgiven – separated me from God. She explained how Jesus died on the cross, so that my sins could be forgiven and my relationship with God restored. She prayed with me as I admitted my sin, asked God to forgive my sin, accepted Jesus as my Savior, and gave Him control of my life. On that one special night, I made the most important decision of my life. One decision that guaranteed my future…an eternal life with God.

Throughout my youth and college years, again, I was one of the fortunate ones. There were mentors, teachers, pastors, and friends who supported me, encouraged me, taught me, and prayed for me. These people had incredible influence in my life, and in who I was becoming. Of course, I failed often…after all, I am human and I was in college! But, I was surrounded by people who cared, people who held me accountable, people who encouraged me and helped me to live a life pleasing to God.

After college, I attended Seminary and then made the decision to enter full-time Christian ministry. One decision that still directs the course of my life. After becoming a pastor, however, I met with much opposition, judgment, and many roadblocks. You see, not everyone was (or is) supportive of female pastors. I found myself asking God one question – over and over: “God, why have you brought me this far for this to happen? For me to meet such opposition and judgment? Why have you called me and gifted me…just for me to meet such opposition? Was I wrong? Did you really not call me?” And then, in one life-altering moment, God enabled me to see, know, feel that He had called me. That He created me and loved me and pursued me everyday with His love and grace. God hadn’t called and gifted me so that I could meet with opposition. God had called me and gifted me so that I could overcome opposition, and rest in Him.

There have been many ones in my life: one evening, one prayer, one decision, one moment, one realization. All of these ones, however, always point me to the One True God who loves me with One Perfect Love.

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