I had a large family growing up, I have two older sisters (Emma 20 and Hannah 21), an older brother (Andrew 26), and one younger brother (Mason 10). My parents got divorced when I was about six and a half, and my mother got remarried to Mason’s dad Ronnie, who acted as a father figure to me in my early years. Ronnie had two daughters who were both older than me, and they lived with us for a few years as well. As you can probably see, we had a crowded household. Throughout all of my life my family has been big on togetherness and sticking up with one another. We often share the story of how Andrew once walked onto the elementary bus to confront a kid who had been bullying my sister Emma. These stories about my family are what shape our values, and have molded us into who we are today.
I grew up in a family that has claimed to be Christian, but only followed the traditions. This may sound odd to some, as I am sure many believe that by reading the bible, praying, and going to church one could be considered a Christian. However, none of these things can earn your salvation, or “buy” your way into heaven. In fact, it is impossible for us to earn our own salvation. I am referring to Ephesians 2: 8-9 which says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” What this verse is saying is that we as humans, cannot earn our way into heaven. Our salvation is found only through trusting and accepting Jesus Christ into our hearts and receiving the free gift of grace. Verse nine states that it is “not a result of works,” meaning nothing we do will earn our salvation, no matter how much one reads, or prays, or goes to church. Contrary to popular belief, these things cannot save us, only Jesus can do that. So as I have grown up, my family was more focused on the works and the traditions of religion, rather than the personal relationship with Christ.
I believe it was at a Christian summer camp when I was first introduced to Christian Hip Hop, or Christian Rap. I got hooked early, and began listening to it before I was really old enough to understand what it was talking about. Sure I had been to church plenty of times, and heard the stories of Abraham and of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. However, it is a very different thing to have biblical knowledge than it is to know Christ personally. I would say it has clicked with me fairly recently, and I truly began pursuing a relationship with Christ within the last year or two. What I mean by this is that it finally made sense to my heart. I had gotten to the age when I was able to comprehend what Christ did for us by sacrificing his life. This conversion has since changed my life. By having accepted Christ, His spirit now dwells within me, and is sanctifying me to look more and more like Jesus. As I have been growing in relationship with Jesus, things about myself, the world, and others are being revealed to me. I have begun to learn just how equal all humans truly are, meaning we are all desired and loved by God. This makes it easy for me to love others despite what they may have done in the past, knowing that God already loves them the same. I live my life for God’s Kingdom because of what He has done in my life, and because I know that in Him everyone is welcomed and loved.
