I was born and raised in the city of New Orleans and grew up around a diverse culture of people. At the age of fourteen my father who was a single parent decided that it would be best to move our family to Slidell, LA so that we could receive an enhanced education. The summer before starting high school as a freshman I met a sweet little old lady named Allison who lived across the street from our new home. She welcomed us as neighbors and invited us to church. I took her up on her offer and went to church with her the following Sunday. As a new visitor I couldn’t help but notice that the females had very long hair and wore long dresses and skirts. As a fourteen year old this was strange to me, but I didn’t mind being there because the people were very nice and welcoming. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the melody of the old country style gospel music and the concoction of tambourines, guitars, and drums. People were clapping, dancing, and singing songs about Jesus. The songs about Jesus were thought-provoking and I wanted to know more about him. As the pastor began his sermon I learned that God sent his one and only son to die on the cross for our sins. This saddened me, but I was gratified that a God would do such a loving act for me. At the end of the service I accepted Jesus into my heart as my personal Lord and Savior. From that moment my life changed and has never been the same. I received a peace and comfort in my heart that still remains true today.
Throughout my high school years I went on youth trips, attended bible study meetings and participated with prayer around the pole. I developed friendships with other believers and learned more about Christianity. These involvements have exposed me to his truth and have prepared me for the journey.
While I and my husband are approaching our six year anniversary; I must say that the journey hasn’t been easy. My faith in God has been tested and I have recently come to a contravention point in my life. I would say the lack of being able to have a family has affected my personal relationship with God. I have experienced three miscarriages, four years of unexplained infertility and one year of fertility treatments, and a failed adoption. This has caused my relationship with God to be founded on Faith, Hope, and Love. My faith has been strengthened through these difficult times and God has given me a renewed hope by revealing his love towards me. These difficult times has caused me to call upon his name and has helped me to trust in him with my life and future. I have recently learned that being a Christian doesn’t mean that you are to focus on completing a list of do’s and don’ts, but to set an example by showing God’s love towards others. I believe that this is done by accepting others for who they are without judging or condemning them. God wants us to be forgiving of each other and not hold grudges just as he has sent his one and only son to die for our sins. I would say that my present relationship with God is focusing on loving others just as he loves us. I want to make a difference in others lives and want them to know that God is love and without him you cannot have love nor can you have peace in your heart. He is my strength and my rock during the difficult time and he is my best friend as I am on this journey called life. I seek him for guidance and direction when making everyday choices that can affect me and others who surround me. I am frequently confiding in Him about personal issues that I prefer not to talk about with others. I know that he is always by my side walking with me; even though I cannot see Him.
Furthermore, I not only want to make a difference people’s lives that I come in contact with on a daily basis, but also with children. I have a love for children and believe that they are a precious gift from God. I believe in my heart that God has given me the desire to teach children academically and to show them God’s love. I have a passion for children and have a yearning to make a difference in children’s lives. This is why it is my goal to work hard and receive my BA in Elementary Education and hopefully further my education and receive my Masters working with children with developmental disabilities.
Additionally, I am specifically interested in attending Southeastern University because I am highly interested in the Elementary Education program. I am impressed with the spiritual classes that we are required to take. I believe that these classes will strengthen my daily walk with God and train me to be equipped to minister to children. It will be beneficial to attend Southeastern University because the spiritual environment will be a constant reminder of Christ. For me it is vital to attend a Christian University so that I can have that continuous spiritual growth. I believe that being able to attend chapel weekly will help renew my mind and spirit as I go throughout my week. Being able to apply and receive biblical principles daily will help me grow closer to God and love my brothers and sisters in Christ.