Welcome to my second blog post! The first was far, far easier. I knew what I wanted to write. If you haven’t read it yet, check it out here: My “Why” .

It took me a while to decide what to write. In this post, I want to offer you some encouragement by telling you my testimony.

First, a disclaimer: My story is not some radical, out-of-this-world, testimony. At least, not according to worldly standards. However, a sinner is a sinner, and I was a sinner, so actually my story is radical. Every testimony is out-of-this-world. Why? Because every time God saves a soul, it is a wonderous, radical, life-altering miracle. God saved me from some things, and I am so grateful.

Okay, a testimony really has three parts: before being saved, being saved, and after being saved. Here’s mine:

Before: I was selfish. I was jealous. I was self-centered. I could even be a mean person.

Being saved: I had once prayed with my parents to give my heart to the Lord when I was very young. I do believe I was sincere in my faith at this point; however, over the years, I was not dedicated to the Lord. When I was between my sixth and seventh grade year, I went to youth camp. A sponsor told her testimony, and it resonated so much with me. I knew I had to rededicate my life to the Lord. I was saved.

After: I came home from camp, and I remember telling my mom now when I did actions I knew were not pleasing to God, I felt something. She explained that this was conviction. I realize, looking back, that a journey of transformation began at that point. It has been a process of change and becoming more like Jesus each day, becoming less selfish, less jealous, less self-centered, and less mean each day.

God has brought me through difficult trials. When I have felt alone, I know I am NOT alone. God is always with me. He hears me. He loves me.

He hears YOU. He loves YOU. If you haven’t, I encourage you to give your heart to the Lord. Make him Lord and Savior of your life.

If you have, I encourage you to keep pressing forward and share your testimony with someone. You never know when it will be exactly what they needed to hear.

What is your story?