Hey there! Before I jump right into this, let me give you a little bit of background information on myself. I grew up on the east side of the mitten state (Michigan), moved to the Rockford area in Illinois when I was about 13 years old, and moved again to the west side of Michigan when I was almost 15 years old. I've lived there since with my immediate family (minus my sister who stayed back in Illinois).
I grew up going to an Assemblies of God church. I accepted Christ when I was about 5 years old (give or take. I only remember that I was young). But I hadn't quite grasped the truth of God's forgiveness. Then, I had thought that if I did one thing wrong, my salvation was revoked, and I no longer had a relationship with God. It wasn't until I was about 12 years old when it was made clear to me that I didn't have to keep asking Jesus into my heart every time I did something wrong. If that's how it worked, I would hardly want to be a part of that!
Instead, through Christ I can receive forgiveness.
I never did drugs, though I was offered. I wasn't ever ridiculously rebellious. I've never been drunk, and I have no interest in ever being so. These things in no way make me perfect.
I struggled with depression a majority of my life. You know, Depression doesn't need an excuse or reason to come into your life. It can come in and overwhelm you at any time. It can drag you down, if you let it. I never cut, that seemed like too much of an easy way out of pain. Instead, I eraser burned myself. It was a better way of slowly releasing the pain I felt on the inside and transferred it to the outside. To be clear, I do not condone this act. Or any form of depression. It has no place. It's not my portion. It's not your portion.
I distinctly remember the day depression left me. I was weighed down by sadness and my own self-pity, when I heard the Lord gently ask me, "Are you done now?" I had prayed and been prayed for that this weight would be cast off from me. I couldn't stop going back to my mask of "everything's fine."
"Yes, I am." I say, weakly. Shortly after, I felt the weight removed. I still feel sad, but never so deep to ever drag me down that path again.
I believed in God, and followed Him closely (barely). I really did love God, but He wasn't the King of my life. I didn't fully let Him fill the areas of my life that only He could. Instead, I found my acceptance in whether a boy took an interest in me or not. My identity began to form to who they were and who I was to them, instead of who God said I am.
I didn't let go of my identity in guys until this year. Just a few months ago, truthfully. It took a lot to get to that point, a lot of detail I don't have the ability to fully dive into, given this is just an introduction.😉
I do believe that I am serving God and allowing Him to be the real ruler, guider, counselor, direction-giver, with each and every day that comes and goes. Every day getting closer and closer. Every day getting the bigger picture of who He is. Which is great because there is no end to this amazing God who desires a relationship with me! (Side note: He really desires a relationship with you, too. One that isn't stagnant. He's not a stagnant God 😉)
Currently, I am a student missionary at a school in Atlanta, Georgia. The story of how I heard of this school is another story to be saved for another time. 😉
Currently, I have no job. Mostly because I am a full-time plus student, I don't have time for a 9-5 job or even a work-a-few-hours job. My bills are thankfully paid for by generous individuals that believe in me and want to invest in what God is doing in my life. I truly am blessed to have each and every one of them!
If it interests you to partner with me (and this isn't at all the point of my blog, I just felt I should extend this opportunity to those interested), there are a few ways you can aid this missionary in spreading the Gospel not only in Atlanta, or in the states, but also globally!
You can mail donations (which are tax deductible!) to:
PO Box 54532
Atlanta, GA 30308
Leave a note in the envelope that you'd like a tax deduction slip, and one will be given to you!
If you'd like to donate to my cash budget so I am able to take care of myself as a person, you should be able to comment on this post and we'll discuss further details.
Above financial gifts, your prayers mean the world to me and truly make all the difference!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this introduction! Be blessed.
~Samantha💗
