Before Jesus Changed My Life

Before Jesus changed my life, I was living a life full of regrets and ways that always pleased the world. I never felt secure in anything and always chased the pleasure and reassurance from others. Time and time again, I was disappointing my parents, missing out on my siblings' events, and wasting my own opportunities and relationships by spending time partying, not caring for church, and disrespecting my purpose for God. I found myself broken, in the nights I stood up late drinking with friends, failing my classes, and seeing the disappointment on my family's faces. I knew I was losing myself. I was losing my life and turning into someone no one wanted around. I realized I was becoming increasingly empty as I chased the world. The drinking buddies left, my family started to move on, and I realized I was in my lowest place. I knew running away from my problems and running away from God and religion was only going to leave me more broken and alone. What’s worst of all, I would get up the next day and live my life conviction-free, ready to do it all over again. Finally, one night, I decided to bring my questions and brokenness to my sister. We started talking about God and how he has changed her, and walked her through her trials. I felt conviction for the first time and knew I needed to change.

How Jesus Changed My Life

I had started reading the Bible since my conversation with my sister, but didn’t take it seriously until my very religious grandfather passed. He was one of my favorite people in the whole world and had the calmest and sweetest company. He always provided us with laughter and someone to go to for advice. He played guitar for more than 40 years and had contributed so much to his communities and work through time. He passed this past January to a heart attack. He had been such a core man for all of my family's life, especially my father, and was the perfect example of a male leader in Christ. He always taught my father and brother how to be a good son and father, and taught me how to embrace gentleness and be kind. After he had passed, my mother found a note he wrote me 18 years ago when I was just born and was in the incubator. I was only 3 pounds and a premature baby, I had a bunch of tubing coming out of me and didn’t have a high survival rate. It was crazy to me it showed up out of nowhere and for 18 years missing up until the day of his funeral. He wrote to me, and this sticks with me forever “I was so concerned for you but trusted God to see you through. Now you are a strong and healthy baby. I have never seen a baby with such a ready and beautiful smile as yours. That includes my own babies! Even when you are ill, you still smile! I believe this shows what a beautiful, happy soul you are. I pray that the good lord allows me to be here and see you grow into the beautiful young woman I know you will be. Please never forget where you have come from, who you really are, how blessed you are, and how you can bless others. You are a joy and shining light. I love you my little Aleece, Grandpa Lee June 12, 2007”. Since I read that, I knew with all my past regrets and mistakes, I knew I needed to be serious with my life. The letter tore my heart and I knew I could be what he says, I vowed that day to live each day living up to that purpose and being the light to others he always knew I could be. Since I started doing that, I started living every day surrendering to Christ and reminding myself how good he really is. I finally believe God is the prize. The gospel is something to live by and surrender to, to be more like Christ. In 1 Corinthians 9:22-23, Paul clarifies that surrendering his rights is so powerful and represents his true love for our Savior. And after surrendering his rights, he lets go of what the world thinks of him and starts preaching in hopes of saving the people. “I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings” (1 Corinthians 9:23). By sharing the gospel with others, we demonstrate a proper understanding of our relationship with God and reclaim what we are living for. The gospel results in surrendering your life to be made new through God.

My Life After Jesus Saved Me

Ever since that day, I have never been a firmer believer in Christ. The Lord knew to reveal to me that letter after 18 years, and it truly uncovered my heart. If it was not for my losses and mistakes I wouldn’t be as strong and faithfully rooted in Christ as I am today. I am so thankful to my grandpa, my family, my lovely boyfriend, my work colleague, friends in Christ, and, above all else, to Jesus. They have all pushed and encouraged me to be better, to remind me I have a purpose, that I can turn my life around and be the light for others, to show who Jesus has been for my grandfather and now me.