What’s my testimony? How do I define it? I feel my testimony in Christ has different levels through different stages of my life. I grew up in a Christian home and I’ve always known who Jesus was. So when someone would ask about my testimony, sometimes I would say, “I don’t have one”. But of course I do, we all do. I just didn’t realize mine until recently.  

This is what I consider the beginning of my journey in Christ…

There is really no way around the awkwardness that the preteen and early teen years bring. A time when we don’t know who we are yet or what we stand for. Our parents are no longer cool and we just want our peers to accept us. Public schooled, private schooled, homeschooled, I imagine that it is the same for everyone.

I was 13 years old when my Mom had finally had enough! She didn’t like who I was becoming, she knew she had to do something. I tear up just thinking about who I’d be if she did nothing. I dressed and talked inappropriate. I was overly influenced by those who were around me. I went from sweet and shy to craving attention. This behavior may just have been the norm for a young teenage girl but my Mom put a stop to it. Half way through eighth grade she pulled me out of public school.

In the beginning, it seemed to be fun because I didn’t have to go to school every day. I still had to do assignments but I could work at my own pace and I kind of loved it. This was short lived. Not long into this experience I felt lonely and bored. I resented my Mom for the decision she made. All my friends were going to school games and dances, and I was stuck at home. Sometimes I would go with my friend to her school events but it wasn’t the same. My Mom tried really hard to get me more involved in homeschool groups with kids my age. But, I was a brat. I didn’t want to be like the homeschool kids, they were different than my friends in school. Maybe they were just different because I didn’t want to take the time to get to know them. Whatever it was, I stayed mad at my Mom for a couple years.

During this time, Christ came into my life as more than just my so called savior. He became my friend and my TRUE Savior. I understood Him more in depth than before. I formed my own personal morals through Him. I finally knew what I believed in and what I stood for. I stopped just looking for attention.  I was looking for a future.

I started working when I turned 16. My boss loved me because my hours were so flexible. I felt really proud to be able to work during school hours. I was really happy when I was working. That was where I met an 18 year old boy who eventually became my husband.

Sometimes, I think about the girl I would have been if my Mom didn’t pull me out of public school. The girl who didn’t have a clue about what life was really about. She wanted nothing more than to be vain and have worldly acceptance. This girl would have never stood a chance with this boy. This boy was appalled of vanity and wanted nothing to do with peer pressure. This boy loved God and wanted to spend his life with someone who also loved Him. This girl REALLY would have NEVER stood a chance!

I still thank my Mom for changing the path I was headed down. After seeking God and doing research, she knew what was right. It may not be right for every family, but my Mom knew it was right for me. I may have made her doubt her decisions along the way. I may have even made her cry. She still loved me and continued to make the best choices for my future, a better future.

Only you and God know what is right for your children. Stand firm in the decisions you make for your family. Nothing is more important than showing your children the way to Christ.

My Mom and I

Hi everyone!

You can visit me at my personal blog here: https://letfaithgrow.wordpress.com/ . Where I blog about what God is teaching me through my blessings and struggles.

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-Lauren