My walk with Christ has been a season of growth. As I reflect on my early years, I thought I understood what it meant to be a Christian, but it wasn’t until I was 21 that I realized how far I had strayed. I had lost sight of who I truly was and how broken I had become.
In my pursuit of success, acceptance, and maturity, I let the world shape my identity. At 21, in 2020, God allowed me to experience the consequences of my choices so I could see where I was heading. I struggled with anxiety, depression, pride, self-image, and sexual temptation. It took time, but I eventually realized that God had been reaching out to me all along. In 2020, I finally picked up my cross, and my life began to change.
God became my number one priority. I am passionate about sharing God’s love and Word whenever the spirit leads. I cry when I sing or think about God. I read and pray daily. I’m involved in many groups that help me grow as a man, husband, and disciple. I strive to lead like Jesus as a leader in my department. I married my high school sweetheart after seven years of dating. We’ve now been together for 10 years and married for 3. I make her a priority over work, friends, and family. As a husband, I’m called to respect, appreciate, be gentle, loyal, listen, and praise her — values shown to me by God.
I no longer let the world dictate who I am. The distractions no longer hold me captive.Once I began to take up my cross DAILY, my life was transformed.