For the first time in nearly 10 years I decided I needed to find a relationship with God. I was nervous to find a new church, but I had lots of friends in Springfield who attended different churches. After I asked them all many questions, I decided to try South Side.
With the idea that I needed to become better connected with the Lord, I thought I would make a small step by “attending.” I had made a lot of bad decisions. Just in the past five years I was trying to get my life on track, or more on track, in the right direction. By bad decisions, I mean having two children out of wedlock. I knew that it was wrong, and I was afraid I would be looked at badly.
So the day finally came that I gained the courage to attend South Side. From the first day there, I felt welcomed. I felt like it was a safe place to get to know God. A couple of weeks into attending church I heard about the baptism class and decided maybe I should attend to see if I could become baptized. I had been baptized when I was a child, and I made the decision to accept God as my savior when I was 15.
I had a very strained relationship with God, and I wanted to reconnect with him. When I attended the baptism class I knew I was ready to take this step. I made this decision not knowing the months ahead I would really lean on the Lord for strength while I suffered from depression and health problems.
I think making that decision was my "saving grace.” It was the right time for me to do so. Since accepting the Lord in February, I have seen him work in miraculous ways in my own life and my family members. God wrapped his arms around me when I was at some of the weakest points I have ever faced. He kept my family together while we all battled the depression I went through.
My family's faith has grown, and I am so grateful that every Sunday my kids attend church with me. I have also watched church play a huge role in my husband's faith, as well. Making the decision to accept God into my heart was one of the best things I could have done for myself, and I am so thankful that I was able to attend the baptism class to learn more about making such an important decision.
I am a survivor, but I didn’t survive on my own. I had God alongside me the whole time.
