“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
‭- Psalm‬ ‭139:14‬

I grew up very sheltered by my parents and 3 brothers. They have always been there to guide, comfort and provide for me. Growing up, I was given the freedom to do whatever I want, but there were also expectations of excellence, following the footsteps of my brothers.

When I first knew God through bible studies, it was fairly easy for me, as I didn’t have any ungodly relationship or voices that I had to give up. I was seeking a relationship with God and also a church community. I became a disciple and I thought just living a good life could bring you to heaven. 
But as I continued in my journey with God and started experiencing challenges, I realized that my biggest struggle has been the yearning for love and identity. In my struggles, I departed from God through seeking attention and craving for worldly desires. I was feeding on momentary gratifications.

After going through a dark period in my Christian life, I started to seek God again through discernment and repentance. That was when I truly experienced grace and embraced God’s forgiveness for my sins. He not only gave me a second chance, but what I don’t deserve in any amount. The identity I felt I lost was brought into light through finding WHAT MATTERS MOST, and to LIVE LESS OF ME and MORE OF HIM. These were the core values I needed to revisit and reinstall in my faith as I live my Christianity.

God healed the broken pieces in me; from brokenness, He pieced my life back into a love-filled and Christ-centered one. God knew that I wouldn’t be stronger without challenges. Yet He never left when I needed him the most, He carried me forward, just like the story of the man walking with his footprints in the sand. I found hope and lasting love with God. The joy that I experience now is something I wouldn’t exchange for anything in the world.

I’ve been blessed to have my parents become disciples 3 years ago, and prayerfully my whole family would too. I believe that trials are God’s way to awaken us to live a life full of joy and to give glory to our Lord in everything.

Charm -