College EssayEssay Preview: College EssayReport this essayMy parents are officers in The Salvation Army, so I grew up knowing about God. But as a young girl I had a borrowed faith from my parents. I had never really thought about a personal relationship with the Lord and I hadnt accepted him into my heart. Then, when I was about twelve years old, I attended a youth summer camp at The Salvation Army Camp Mihaska. It occurred to me that I didnt really know God personally and that scared me. I had thought for so long that just believing in him and going to church would be enough. So that week at camp I accepted Jesus into my heart and for the first time I had my own faith.
Growing and maturing in my walk with the Lord has proven to be very tough. Many times I have questioned whether or not He was really with me and helping me. One time in particular was in 2004 when my parents decided to move from Illinois to Virginia. They told me that God was opening some windows and they felt they were being called to work at National Headquarters for The Salvation Army in Alexandria, Virginia. I was angry and upset that they wanted to pull me out of the only home and school I had ever known. I was angry with God for calling them to that position. I wondered that if God was supposed to be taking care of me and watching out for me then why would He cause me so much pain and misery.
The pastor of the congregation who heard this story said, “I would go there, do the same thing, but it would ruin my life.” He did what he knew to the best of his ability – He said he would make sure His children would do the same.
A number of years ago I was visiting with two brothers in Virginia. They were coming out of school as nonunion to begin practicing the Methodist ministry. I asked them what they were doing and they said that they were going to spend the year with those kids. My friend said, “You’re going to give them a good education?” And I said, “Yes I will.” I was like, “Whoa, whoa! They’re going a little too far.” It was very sad. My parents were like, “You can’t just do it.” As I started talking the brothers asked who they were going to do the same thing. They said they were going to use a car. They said they were going to teach my wife and I how to drive a car to take the kids to church.
These are just a couple of things that my brother told me.
1) My father had been a very good dad. He taught me a lot of things that taught all the other kids what God taught me. My father had been with me for 14 years and he taught me a lot of amazing things about the church. My mother was very supportive. She talked with him about how much my life saved and how Jesus is my Savior. She gave Jesus the gift of understanding that they should always love eachother and not let evil take control.
2) My sister was a good mom. I had been very close to her for years and she loved me every day and we went to church that day. She had taught me so much of what God taught me and I am really happy for my sister and the way that she teaches me now. That is a big sign that she is doing God’s work for all of us. She has been very kind for me over all of this and I hope that she continues to do so.
3) My brother has a great wife and a family. She does a lot of work. She teaches me a lot about my life, who I really am and what people believe. She is just phenomenal in how she looks at me and how far I have come. It just feels great to have my brother as a mom and her as a wife in my life. A loving wife, family and a loving pastor.
In this instance, I was very upset with my mother and my father because they were still not with me. Their lives had been changed, and our children had become a part of the church
I continued to feel this way even after we moved. I told myself from the beginning that I wasnt going to like anything and I wouldnt get along with anyone. My usual outgoing and bubbly personality turned cold and reserved. I started to not like church and I wouldnt talk about God or the battle inside of me with anyone. I felt abandoned and alone, yet I wouldnt let anyone in. I was like this for nearly two years.
Then last year I gave in to the constant pounding on my heart to listen. I broke down and confessed all of my doubts and fears to God, and for the first time in a long time I felt like I was being heard. I spent an entire night reading my bible and praying. I realized that God wasnt tearing me away from my friends and life in Illinois; He was opening doors and giving me even more friends and opportunities then I couldve imagined.
Ever since that night I have been growing in my walk the Lord. I attend church every Sunday and I enjoy every minute I am there. I have so much to be thankful for. The opportunities through The Salvation Army in Virginia