Some time in the early ‘90s, you could find my parents living in a small apartment above a funeral home in Austin, Texas. It was there, in my first home, that I was folded into the rhythm of church.
My father had been a minister of music for over ten years and it was a natural inclination that his whole family be a part of this practice he knew could be transformative. Church wasn’t a choice, it was a way of life.
As the eldest of six, responsibility and sense of purpose came easily to me. I was the protector; the leader; the example. Choosing Jesus fell right in line with my role. At seven years of age, I became a believer and was baptized.
Pivotal years were filled with leading worship for youth group in the church basement, meals in the fellowship hall, and infamous lock-ins. Being a PK meant church was home, and that was truly what I carried with me when I became fully independent.
Through college, dating, friendships and marriage, my church community was a reliable anchor. God kept pulling me back, making me aware that where two or more were gathered, there He was also. The stability it provided me when I lost two babies, my dad’s ALS diagnosis, through my parents’ divorce, my uncle’s suicide and my dad’s death is unmatched. My Creator’s lovingkindness was clearly apparent through His bride.
There has never been a season when I haven’t been in church. I don’t know that there ever will be. It is not perfect, by any means, and I have seen the brokenness that accompanies hierarchical leadership and interpersonal missteps. Though if we, as disciples of Jesus, could live like the church in Acts of the Apostles, would we not see revival unlike any other?
“All the believers were united and shared everything. They would sell pieces of property and possessions and distribute the proceeds to everyone who needed them. Every day, they met together in the temple and ate in their homes. They shared food with gladness and simplicity. They praised God and demonstrated God’s goodness to everyone. The Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved.”
My story has been formed by God through His church, and all I can say is thank You.
Tell Your Story