Malia's Story: Small Town Struggles
>I used to think that God and Jesus were just figures that were up in heaven watching us. They weren’t really a part of my life except for when I needed them. I was in control of my life; I relied on myself to change and make things in my life better. I always thought there was something I could be doing to change the way fate was supposed to go.
>I grew up in small town high school sports scene. The politics were horrible. I was often shoved to the side. This left me depressed and unsure of what I could do to change the way things were going. It became a situation where I was able to initially experience God. I prayed and gave over my concerns and burdens to him and trusted that he would work things out in the way he knew was best.
>I was introduced to the Church by my friend Paula. I was very skeptical about going. Once I got there, I was attracted through the music and through the words of the pastor. That was the beginning of my desire to have Jesus in my life, leading and guiding me.
>I had known about Jesus, but it wasn’t until my Papa’s (grandfather) funeral that I first really experienced Jesus personally. At the funeral they read my Papa’s favorite excerpt out of the Bible. I listened as he read the words "God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You’ve made me lay down to rest in lush meadows, you lead me to quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send and guide me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s cane makes me feel secure."
For the first time, I let these words sink in deeply and I had true understanding. From then on, I always wanted to hear the words of God. I truly felt Jesus’ presence while standing outside in nature, God’s creation.
>Faith is something I feel has always been in my heart somewhere. At times it varies in strength and weakness, but it has always been something I can grab onto, especially in times of need. When things get tough, I find strength in reading God’s words in the Bible. I find strength in knowing he will always be there.
Spirituality makes life easier in knowing that there is someone beyond yourself there for you even when no one on earth is. There’s comfort in knowing God is there caring and watching out for you. I find strength from day to day, be it in my relationships with my boyfriend or friends at school or in my classes and responsibilities. Life is easier when I can give things over to God and trust that he will lead me in the right way.
>With God in control and Jesus leading the way, things run more smoothly, or at least you have a different perspective to be able to handle how and why things are happening. I think that people that don’t have a personal relationship with God often blame their mistakes and problems on others around them, or on themselves. They try to work these problems out by themselves, when ultimately involving God is what can bring real change and resolution.
Malia talks about dealing with a friend’s death…
Related reading:
- Questions about spirituality? Read our spirituality articles
- What’s your Spiritual Interest Quotient? Take our SIQ quiz and find out
- How you can know God personally
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