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1. Why follow Christ?
I follow Christ because I have had real experiences in life where the word of God came alive to me, and I could not deny it or run from it. Every time I would run, God showed right back up to me. I didn't really grow up in church, so I didn't have someone around me telling me to follow Him. I just did. Once I got to college, everything became clearer. For example, the scripture in James 1 where it says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." This scripture would literally come to mind when I was going through, what I saw at the time as one of these worse situations in my life. The words reminded me to look at the situation, be aware and present, and rejoice about it. I would speak out loud to God and say, "this sucks, but I know you are building something amazing in me, God." Then, I would see the outcome of my actions, the positive change in my maturity and how I handled circumstances when I relied on God. There are so many stories such as miraculous healings, seeing demonic spirits and them leaving in the name of Jesus, but in was in my heart to share this story.
2. What does it mean to you to fully follow Christ?
To fully follow Christ to me is to acknowledge that Jesus is real, He walked on this earth, He was fully human and fully God at the same time and died for us because He saw us. He saw our true selves and our struggles, yet he reached down to remove our sins so we can live and reign with Him forever. To keep that relationship and be a true follower of Christ one must be in a place of continual awareness of their sins and hold a heart of repentance. To do that one must live in a state of continual denial of self and acknowledgement that Christ is the head and knows best for your life.
3. What was your life like before and after Christ and would you go back? Why or Why not?
My life before was so empty and lost. Those are the two words I would describe. I always felt I needed more. More excitement, more happiness, which led to more sex, more food, which led to situations I couldn't untie myself from. I was never happy because I made sure I fit the mold of the type of person someone else needed me to be. When I gave my life to Christ, I felt and experience of freedom to finally be me and be proud of that. I didn't have to fit a mold. I was formed and am still being formed into who God called me to be on this earth. No more quickly becoming anxious when I am let down or someone else is let down. No more having to let the other’s issues have a hold on me. Whenever those fears or worries come, I can just mediate on scripture and remind myself who I am and whose I am and release the anger, anxiety, and stress. I would never go back. It doesn't make sense lol.
4. Why is it important to know your 'Why' and how does that help you?
It's important to know your why because it keeps you anchored. when the storm washes over your life, your why helps hold you. God ultimately has you but when you can remember why you are held, you can't be washed away. It's helps me to keep my position in Christ and not let the worries of the world take me away.
5. Why do you feel it's important for others to know about your religion?
Because Jesus is the only meaning to life and the only life giver. Without Him, there is no meaning to life or our existence. It’s sad and it frightens me when people don't know Him. I know God gives mercy and grace but when someone is out there in the sea, it moves my heart deeply to pray so they can also get to know who He is.
TFSX Ashley Anderson
06.08.22