Hello all! I know it's been a long time since my last post. There has been a lot of praying, waiting, going a little insane, waiting some more, praying some more and now.... the time has come. AT has been offered a job!!!! To say this has been an intense 5 months in New Orleans would be an understatement. We knew coming here would have its challenges but we never thought it would be anything like this. If I'm honest with you guys I thought this would be a walk in the park since we were following God. I thought everything would be just like home except me taking classes in the process. Well as you know that isn't the way God wanted things to happen. Looking back I am happy it didn't happen the way I had planned. We have learned so much during our time here and I know if we had come to New Orleans with everything figured out, we would have missed out on some wonderful blessings. We have gotten to know some awesome people and have been the recipients of generous offerings provided from others. I believe because of our obedience God decided it was time for the blessing he had promised us. Since day one AT knew God told him he would continue to be in medical sales. It was a tough journey but God's promise has been fulfilled. We will be moving to Tallahassee so AT can be a Territory Manager with Medtronic, a medical device sales company. I know many of you are saying "wow they just moved and now they are moving again?" In the beginning of the interview process I felt the same way. In a previous post I spoke about God's timing. God has shown AT and I in a variety of ways that this move is a "God thing" and it is time for us to move ahead in our journey. As the name of our blog states, this is our Faith Journey and we are going to step out and move whenever God says so. Looking back on the past year proves to me that nothing is too big for my God! God called us to New Orleans and we were obedient. Now he is saying to move to Tallahassee and we are going to be obedient in this as well. We can't wait to see what God has in store for us in Tallahassee. I am praying some collegiate ministry opportunities open up for me there (if God wants me to do collegiate ministry in this season). I will continue taking classes at an extension center of NOBTS and continue to bring glory to God in everything I do.
God has truly been working in us during these past months and I can honestly say I've learned and grown more than I though imaginable during our time in New Orleans. The community and fellowship at NOBTS is amazing and we will definitely miss it. But God has us on this faith journey and we have to follow wherever he leads us!
I pray that whoever is reading this understands God is working in your lives as well. AT and I are not anything special. We have chosen to follow God's plan for our lives and you can too. God's promises for your life will not return null and void. Choose to follow God today! I'll tell you every step is not going to be easy but you will have a joy and peace that no man can take away.
In Christ,
Alissa
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Thanksgiving Praise
Well it's here... the week of Thanksgiving! A lot of us are excited about being out of school or off work or just being able to eat as much as we want without anybody saying anything about it! I want to challenge each of us to really think about what this holiday stands for. This is a time to remember what God has done for us and where He has brought us from. We are to praise Him for being the God of second chances. As Psalm 100:4 says we should "enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Praising God should not be confined to this one Thursday. We should continually praise him and be thankful for everything God has done. Even if we don't understand where He has us at this point in our lives we should praise Him for what He is doing. He wants the best for us. This may be a season of teaching. Be still and listen to what God is trying to tell you.
This Thanksgiving is definitely different for my family. First, my husband isn't here with us. He was blessed with an opportunity to go to Israel! How awesome is it that he will be in the Holy Land on Thanksgiving! He is seeing the actual sites that we read about in the Bible. Second, Thanksgiving dinner will be held at my house in New Orleans. We have been on an amazing journey since the beginning of the year. I'm so excited my parents and my sister Amanda and her family will be joining me and the boys! AT and I have downsized this year and everything isn't how we thought it would be but this is definitely where God wants us to be... in the center of His will for our lives. It is nothing like the complete peace we have at this point. We continually thank God for making our purpose clear.
I pray everyone has a wonderful time of reflection on this Thanksgiving week. Cherish the time with your families. Don't get too busy with strategies for Black Friday or anything else that you don't take the time to praise God and spend time with the loved ones God has blessed you with (even if they do get on your nerves). Truly worship the One who has made everything possible.
In Christ,
Alissa
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Patiently Waiting
I know it's been a long time since the last post. I can say I've been super busy with schooling and being a mom and wife, but it really comes down to I haven't made it a priority. People have time to do what they want if they make it a priority. I am definitely talking to myself on this one too!
Patience has been the theme of my life recently. God continues to speak this into my life through scripture, people, and circumstances. I have to be totally honest here and lay it on the line. One of the main reasons I haven't posted anything lately is because I wanted to wait until A.T. got a job which I thought would have happened already. I wanted to give a praise report and show people how God will show up in our time of need. I wanted it to be a perfect example to show others how obedience pays off. However, A.T. is currently still looking for a job. I seriously know and believe with all my heart he will find something. God has me "living" my words right now instead of just "speaking" them. It's easy to tell others how they should act in a situation, but it's a totally different thing when you are going through it. I want to be clear that God is a good God and loves his children. Timing is more important than time. Many of you are waiting on God to answer a prayer. Please know that God is listening and is working on your behalf even if it doesn't seem like it. It's all about God's timing.
My professor used an example in class yesterday that really applies to patiently waiting. Many of you know the story about Abraham and Sarah but I want to give a summary for those of you that don't. In Genesis, God promised Abraham that he would be blessed with numerous descendants that would fill the land. At this point Abraham was 75 years old. His wife Sarah was excited, but became impatient after years and years of waiting. Instead of waiting on God, Sarah decided to send her servant Hagar to have a child with Abraham. This act led to a child named Ishmael. I know a lot of you are saying "Oh no she didn't!" You have to remember she was desperate for a child. She also knew God had promised her children, so she felt it was her duty to help God. That was a big mistake! God would not bless Ishmael because he was not conceived the way God explained it would happen. Even though Abraham and Sarah were impatient and took matters into their own hands, there is a happy ending to the story.... God fulfilled his promise to Abraham by allowing Sarah to conceive a child named Isaac 24 years after that initial promise. This goes to show that God does not back out on his promises. If He says it will happen you better believe it will. I tell this story to pose some questions. How many of us have an Ishmael instead of an Isaac? How many of us decided to take matters into our own hands instead of patiently waiting on God? God has promised each of us something amazing but we are too impatient to wait and see it fulfilled. Why do we always think our way is best? God can do exceedingly and abundantly above and beyond anything we can ask or think! I know it's hard to wait on the promise of God but look at what He did for Sarah. He brought her Isaac, her own son, 24 years after the promise. It may take time but it's so worth it to wait on God.
I pray that each of you will patiently wait on God to provide for you in your life circumstances. Whether you are waiting on a mate, children, career, purpose/calling or anything else, please know God will never leave or forsake you. Continue to pray for wisdom and knowledge. You will be amazed at what will happen in your life when you patiently wait on Him.
The main point I pray is evident in this post is that every "good" thing is not a "God" thing. To Sarah, Ishmael was a "good" thing, but the "God" thing was Isaac. We end up making a mess of our lives when we settle for the "good" things. I'm believing God for the "God" things in my life! I urge you to do the same!
In Christ,
Alissa
Patience has been the theme of my life recently. God continues to speak this into my life through scripture, people, and circumstances. I have to be totally honest here and lay it on the line. One of the main reasons I haven't posted anything lately is because I wanted to wait until A.T. got a job which I thought would have happened already. I wanted to give a praise report and show people how God will show up in our time of need. I wanted it to be a perfect example to show others how obedience pays off. However, A.T. is currently still looking for a job. I seriously know and believe with all my heart he will find something. God has me "living" my words right now instead of just "speaking" them. It's easy to tell others how they should act in a situation, but it's a totally different thing when you are going through it. I want to be clear that God is a good God and loves his children. Timing is more important than time. Many of you are waiting on God to answer a prayer. Please know that God is listening and is working on your behalf even if it doesn't seem like it. It's all about God's timing.
My professor used an example in class yesterday that really applies to patiently waiting. Many of you know the story about Abraham and Sarah but I want to give a summary for those of you that don't. In Genesis, God promised Abraham that he would be blessed with numerous descendants that would fill the land. At this point Abraham was 75 years old. His wife Sarah was excited, but became impatient after years and years of waiting. Instead of waiting on God, Sarah decided to send her servant Hagar to have a child with Abraham. This act led to a child named Ishmael. I know a lot of you are saying "Oh no she didn't!" You have to remember she was desperate for a child. She also knew God had promised her children, so she felt it was her duty to help God. That was a big mistake! God would not bless Ishmael because he was not conceived the way God explained it would happen. Even though Abraham and Sarah were impatient and took matters into their own hands, there is a happy ending to the story.... God fulfilled his promise to Abraham by allowing Sarah to conceive a child named Isaac 24 years after that initial promise. This goes to show that God does not back out on his promises. If He says it will happen you better believe it will. I tell this story to pose some questions. How many of us have an Ishmael instead of an Isaac? How many of us decided to take matters into our own hands instead of patiently waiting on God? God has promised each of us something amazing but we are too impatient to wait and see it fulfilled. Why do we always think our way is best? God can do exceedingly and abundantly above and beyond anything we can ask or think! I know it's hard to wait on the promise of God but look at what He did for Sarah. He brought her Isaac, her own son, 24 years after the promise. It may take time but it's so worth it to wait on God.
The main point I pray is evident in this post is that every "good" thing is not a "God" thing. To Sarah, Ishmael was a "good" thing, but the "God" thing was Isaac. We end up making a mess of our lives when we settle for the "good" things. I'm believing God for the "God" things in my life! I urge you to do the same!
In Christ,
Alissa
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
You See My Glory but You Don't Know My Story
Hi friends! The Lord has really been putting this topic in my heart lately. I'm so overwhelmed and thankful for the e-mails, text messages, and Facebook messages I've received about this blog. I'm truly amazed at how God is using me to reach people in all walks of life. Usually the sender of the message says they are proud of me and what God is doing in my life, and they wish they could have the walk with God I have. I know you guys see all the "glories" God is blessing me with, but I assure you I have some "stories" as well. It's not as easy for me as it seems when you read the blogs. Part of my calling is to be transparent and keep it real with my followers. With that being said, let me get real for a moment. It is hard... I mean extremely hard to follow Christ but it's so worth it. Whenever you try to do right, the devil is always there trying to bring you down. I'm reminded of a story Pastor Bill Purvis from Cascade Hills in Columbus, GA told in a sermon. He was out crab fishing with a friend when he caught one. He put it in the bucket and his friend told him to make sure to put the lid on it so the crab wouldn't get out. Once he caught another crab he put it in the bucket as well and searched for the lid. His friend asked him what he was doing and Pastor Bill told him looking for the lid. The friend told Pastor Bill he didn't need the lid anymore because there were two crabs in the bucket now. Pastor Bill was confused so he asked for an explanation. The friend explained when there is one crab in the bucket it will climb out. However, when there are two crabs once one tries to climb out the other crab will drag it back down. Therefore, the lid is not needed anymore. The moral of this story is don't let "crabs" bring you down. The devil uses all kinds of circumstances and people to drag you down from reaching your full potential.
Even though I'm in seminary and doing everything I feel God has called me to, I still have my own "crabs" I have to deal with whether it be circumstances or people. I can actually say it happens even more now. I'm not saying this to make you turn away from God. I'm saying it so that you know up front what will happen once you grow in Christ so you won't grow weary. I've quoted several times Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things things through Christ who strengthens me." This scripture doesn't mean that Christ is going to give you everything you want and it's going to be easy. The background of this scripture speaks about being content in all circumstances whether you are in need or have plenty, whether you're well fed or hungry, whether you're living in plenty or in want. Some of you know and others don't, but neither my husband or I have a job right now. AT is in the midst of interviewing for several companies but nothing has opened up yet. He has never had a problem securing a job. We have been in New Orleans for 1 month and a half and have 3 children to feed. I can honestly say it is easy to get frustrated when things don't work out. This goes to show that everyone has circumstances beyond their control even us. AT and I choose to rejoice though because we know God sent us to New Orleans for a purpose and he is going to open up the right door at the right time! We just have to patiently wait and be obedient during this season. It's important to remember that God wants and deserves all the glory. If AT and I would have come to seminary with jobs and not have to struggle for anything then we would have put pride in ourselves. Now whenever AT gets the perfect job we will be able to give the glory where it's due and that's to Jesus Christ!
I never want people to think I'm special and God loves me better than anyone else. I'm a regular person just like you. God wants a relationship with each of us. He has called us all for a specific purpose. Your purpose may not look like mine but there is a reason you are here on this Earth today. I wear a ring everyday that has the scripture from Jeremiah 29:11 on it. It reads, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It is a daily reminder that I am here for a reason and I won't stop until I'm fulfilling God's purpose for my life. God saw fit to take a little teenage mom and a little boy raised by a single mother and bring us to seminary so that we can bring others to know Christ. We do not take our calling lightly. We strive everyday to do what we think God is calling us to do. I pray that everyone reading this blog will seek a relationship with God so you can lead the life God wants for you. I love you all and thanks again for the words of encouragement!
In Christ,
Alissa
Even though I'm in seminary and doing everything I feel God has called me to, I still have my own "crabs" I have to deal with whether it be circumstances or people. I can actually say it happens even more now. I'm not saying this to make you turn away from God. I'm saying it so that you know up front what will happen once you grow in Christ so you won't grow weary. I've quoted several times Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things things through Christ who strengthens me." This scripture doesn't mean that Christ is going to give you everything you want and it's going to be easy. The background of this scripture speaks about being content in all circumstances whether you are in need or have plenty, whether you're well fed or hungry, whether you're living in plenty or in want. Some of you know and others don't, but neither my husband or I have a job right now. AT is in the midst of interviewing for several companies but nothing has opened up yet. He has never had a problem securing a job. We have been in New Orleans for 1 month and a half and have 3 children to feed. I can honestly say it is easy to get frustrated when things don't work out. This goes to show that everyone has circumstances beyond their control even us. AT and I choose to rejoice though because we know God sent us to New Orleans for a purpose and he is going to open up the right door at the right time! We just have to patiently wait and be obedient during this season. It's important to remember that God wants and deserves all the glory. If AT and I would have come to seminary with jobs and not have to struggle for anything then we would have put pride in ourselves. Now whenever AT gets the perfect job we will be able to give the glory where it's due and that's to Jesus Christ!
I never want people to think I'm special and God loves me better than anyone else. I'm a regular person just like you. God wants a relationship with each of us. He has called us all for a specific purpose. Your purpose may not look like mine but there is a reason you are here on this Earth today. I wear a ring everyday that has the scripture from Jeremiah 29:11 on it. It reads, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It is a daily reminder that I am here for a reason and I won't stop until I'm fulfilling God's purpose for my life. God saw fit to take a little teenage mom and a little boy raised by a single mother and bring us to seminary so that we can bring others to know Christ. We do not take our calling lightly. We strive everyday to do what we think God is calling us to do. I pray that everyone reading this blog will seek a relationship with God so you can lead the life God wants for you. I love you all and thanks again for the words of encouragement!
In Christ,
Alissa
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Seminary and Storms
We are two weeks into our first semester of seminary, and I'm just getting an opportunity to update the blog. There is reading followed by more reading topped off with a double dose of reading! It's pretty intense because we have no background in biblical studies, but we are actually enjoying it. Time management has been hard these first couple of weeks. I was ready to pull my hair out a couple of times, but I think we finally are getting into a routine. I've already had 3 quizzes and currently working on my first paper. They don't waste any time! I'm so excited to have this opportunity to learn more so I can teach others about our God.
Last Monday when I walked Kolbi outside to catch the bus for his first day of school, I was overwhelmed by the smell of something burning. Later that morning on my way to take Camden and Brennan to daycare, I heard the radio announcer say there was a marsh fire in East New Orleans. We live in East New Orleans! Because the fire was secluded, there was no way to put it out. The government officials hoped it would die out on its own. After a couple of days of the entire New Orleans area being covered in smoke due to changing winds, the officials finally decided to send helicopters because the fire was intensifying. This effort lasted until Tropical Storm Lee arrived the end of last week. Everyone was praying the rain would put the fire out and hopefully cool down the temperatures which had been in the upper 90's for the past month. All I could think about, however, was the meteorologists' prediction of over 20 inches of rain associated with Lee. We live in a first floor apartment and it's not uncommon for flooding to occur. My poor dad called me a million times checking on us. I tried to ease his mind but he couldn't sleep for watching the weather channel. I'm happy to say nothing flooded near the seminary. Thank you Jesus because we didn't have flood insurance! I guess I need to add that to my to do list before the next storm. Despite all the rain we experienced over the past few days, the marsh fire is still smoldering. I don't even know how that is possible, but I just walked outside and the smell is back :(
In light of the beginning of classes and the storms all around, I want to remind everyone to be on fire for the Lord. Even though storms come in your life, don't allow them to "put out" that flame that is inside of you. Continue to strive to be more like Christ. Show everyone around you that your circumstances do not define who you are. Let them know you will always stand on the truth that through Christ all things are possible. I pray everyone is having a great Hump Day! I better get back to my school work...
In Christ,
Alissa
Last Monday when I walked Kolbi outside to catch the bus for his first day of school, I was overwhelmed by the smell of something burning. Later that morning on my way to take Camden and Brennan to daycare, I heard the radio announcer say there was a marsh fire in East New Orleans. We live in East New Orleans! Because the fire was secluded, there was no way to put it out. The government officials hoped it would die out on its own. After a couple of days of the entire New Orleans area being covered in smoke due to changing winds, the officials finally decided to send helicopters because the fire was intensifying. This effort lasted until Tropical Storm Lee arrived the end of last week. Everyone was praying the rain would put the fire out and hopefully cool down the temperatures which had been in the upper 90's for the past month. All I could think about, however, was the meteorologists' prediction of over 20 inches of rain associated with Lee. We live in a first floor apartment and it's not uncommon for flooding to occur. My poor dad called me a million times checking on us. I tried to ease his mind but he couldn't sleep for watching the weather channel. I'm happy to say nothing flooded near the seminary. Thank you Jesus because we didn't have flood insurance! I guess I need to add that to my to do list before the next storm. Despite all the rain we experienced over the past few days, the marsh fire is still smoldering. I don't even know how that is possible, but I just walked outside and the smell is back :(
In light of the beginning of classes and the storms all around, I want to remind everyone to be on fire for the Lord. Even though storms come in your life, don't allow them to "put out" that flame that is inside of you. Continue to strive to be more like Christ. Show everyone around you that your circumstances do not define who you are. Let them know you will always stand on the truth that through Christ all things are possible. I pray everyone is having a great Hump Day! I better get back to my school work...
In Christ,
Alissa
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Ministry and Family
AT has had the opportunity to help coach a football team in the 9th ward at Bunny Friend Park. It is a great way for him to mentor the kids and be a positive role model for them. It's really sad that these kids rarely have positive men in their lives to show them the right way to go. My kids and I have gone the past two weeks with AT, and it has been eye opening. I didn't know what to think because I'd heard on news reports about how bad that area is supposed to be. In actuality, it's not that different from places in my old hometown of Dothan. There are drug dealers walking around, people playing loud music riding down the street, and curse words being thrown around on the corner. Granted this isn't good but it's not uncommon in many of our towns around the U.S. I don't doubt it gets worse after nightfall but in my time there I saw many similarities. I met a sweet 14 year old girl there who brought her little brother to practice. We began talking and she decided to help with Camden for the rest of practice. It was her first day of high school and she was telling me a little about her life. It was interesting to here her account of Katrina and how her house got flooded. She has dreams of being an OBGYN. I am so happy that she has goals set for herself. I've been praying for her because I don't want anyone to discourage this young girl not to reach her potential. She really made an impact on me. Please join me in praying for Alexis.
We are trying to do as much ministry as we can here, but we have our own family to think about as well. They are a rowdy bunch! Camden is 6 months and he is teething. My poor baby is miserable. He now has 2 little pegs on the bottom and is trying to crawl. Brennan is all boy! That pretty much sums him up. He loves getting into things and wrestling with his friends. Kolbi is "most popular" of the seminary. There have been numerous people come up to us and say, "you must be Kolbi's parents." Everyone knows him. I guess this a good thing!
It's going to be difficult to balance our ministry with school work and family time but I know it can and must be done. There is a lot of reading and writing in seminary but I've been enjoying the classes thus far. I'm already learning some great information. Please be in prayer for me and AT as we get into our routine. Pray that we impact lives and stay true to who we are and why we are here. We want to glorify God wherever we go.
Ministry is not just for seminary students like me and AT. It's not just for church leadership either. Everyone is called to minister. I urge you to walk in the light of the Lord so others will see what it means to be a Christian.
In Christ,
Alissa
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Reflecting on my Life: My Testimony
I am absolutely amazed at what God has done in my life thus far! For those of you that don't know my testimony, I'll start from the beginning. I was born and raised in Dothan, Alabama by my parents, Alvie and Linda, and to a certain extent my sister, Amanda. I'm the baby so everyone pretty much babied me. I got pregnant at the age of 14. I had my son Kolbi at age 15 when I was a sophomore in high school. My life changed overnight. It appeared everyone's perception of me changed as well. I was always the good student making all A's and being involved in everything. Certain teachers and other adults wrote me off once they found out my little secret. They thought I would never amount to anything since I was a teenage mom. That was hard to swallow. The assistant principal tried to send me to an alternative school during my pregnancy but my mom wasn't having it! Even though my family didn't approve of what I did, they were always there for me no matter what. My mom always told me I could do and be anything I wanted to be.
I remember being at home on maternity leave doing homework making sure I could prove people wrong. I had to keep up and even surpass the other students. I had a friend who took a tape recorder to my AP History class so I could hear the lecture and write my own notes. I continued to make all A's throughout high school. It's crazy because I wasn't even doing it for me. I was doing it thinking it would change people's perspective of me. I was so busy living for others' approval. During my 11th and 12th grade years I won homecoming attendant. I could tell the faculty at Northview High didn't want me to win but my peers had voted so it was nothing they could do. They thought I was a bad role model when in actuality I told everyone I knew not to follow in my footsteps. I also became a cheerleader during my senior year. I remember times when the cheerleaders would go in the stands to hold and play with different kids. However, I was not allowed to hold my own child for fear it would portray the wrong image. I won my school's beauty pageant that year. I was the first African American ever to win. I'm not saying all this to show what I've done and get praise. I'm saying it to show God's provision and how it doesn't matter what others think about you. Anything is possible. On the outside I looked like I was doing well. However, on the inside I always felt inadequate. I actually dreaded having to tell people my son's age because I felt they would feel different about me. I was very insecure.
I began dating AT in college. He was the best thing that had ever happened to me. He took Kolbi in like his own. He was not the typical Auburn football player. He actually cared and wanted the best for me. We now have 3 boys. Kolbi is now 11, Brennan is 3, and Camden is 6 months. AT is the most amazing father and husband I could have ever prayed for. God definitely answers prayers!
Even though I had a great family, I still knew something was missing in my life. I just couldn't put my finger on it. It was God's presence in my life. I needed a relationship with Him. God called me to stay at home with Brennan when he was 1. I would be lying if I said I was happy about it. I had just finished my MBA and thought I was going to move up the corporate ladder. I now look back and know staying home was the best thing for me at that time. God had to sit me down in order to lift me up. I was so busy with "life" that I didn't have time for Him. During the time I was a stay at home mom, I began going to Cascade Hills Church, attending bible studies, and having quiet time. I learned so much about myself during that time. Alicia McGlamory, who is the women's leader, took me under her wing. She showed me there was no need in worrying about what people think. She taught me God was the only person I should strive to please. I know God sent Alicia into my life to help me become a better wife, mother, and Christian. I actually got re-baptized on Mother's Day 2010 and became sold out for Christ!
About a year later is when I got the calling to seminary. This was after many prayers to God trying to figure out my purpose. As I've expressed in a previous post, God called me to seminary for Collegiate Ministry while I was 9 months pregnant with Camden. I always felt I was supposed to go back to school but never in a million years did I think it would be seminary. Now the goal for the rest of my life is to lead other souls to Christ. I know His saving grace and how he can redeem a lost soul. I was so lost for the majority of my life. I want everyone to know that there is nothing too bad that He can't bring you through. If he brought this lost little girl who had a baby at 15 to the light, He will do the same for you. Please seek a relationship with Him today. He is waiting for you. He not only wants you to be happy but to have joy! When you have joy no one can take it away. Thank you for reading my LONG testimony. I hope this helps someone out there. I love you all!
In Christ,
Alissa
I remember being at home on maternity leave doing homework making sure I could prove people wrong. I had to keep up and even surpass the other students. I had a friend who took a tape recorder to my AP History class so I could hear the lecture and write my own notes. I continued to make all A's throughout high school. It's crazy because I wasn't even doing it for me. I was doing it thinking it would change people's perspective of me. I was so busy living for others' approval. During my 11th and 12th grade years I won homecoming attendant. I could tell the faculty at Northview High didn't want me to win but my peers had voted so it was nothing they could do. They thought I was a bad role model when in actuality I told everyone I knew not to follow in my footsteps. I also became a cheerleader during my senior year. I remember times when the cheerleaders would go in the stands to hold and play with different kids. However, I was not allowed to hold my own child for fear it would portray the wrong image. I won my school's beauty pageant that year. I was the first African American ever to win. I'm not saying all this to show what I've done and get praise. I'm saying it to show God's provision and how it doesn't matter what others think about you. Anything is possible. On the outside I looked like I was doing well. However, on the inside I always felt inadequate. I actually dreaded having to tell people my son's age because I felt they would feel different about me. I was very insecure.
I began dating AT in college. He was the best thing that had ever happened to me. He took Kolbi in like his own. He was not the typical Auburn football player. He actually cared and wanted the best for me. We now have 3 boys. Kolbi is now 11, Brennan is 3, and Camden is 6 months. AT is the most amazing father and husband I could have ever prayed for. God definitely answers prayers!
Even though I had a great family, I still knew something was missing in my life. I just couldn't put my finger on it. It was God's presence in my life. I needed a relationship with Him. God called me to stay at home with Brennan when he was 1. I would be lying if I said I was happy about it. I had just finished my MBA and thought I was going to move up the corporate ladder. I now look back and know staying home was the best thing for me at that time. God had to sit me down in order to lift me up. I was so busy with "life" that I didn't have time for Him. During the time I was a stay at home mom, I began going to Cascade Hills Church, attending bible studies, and having quiet time. I learned so much about myself during that time. Alicia McGlamory, who is the women's leader, took me under her wing. She showed me there was no need in worrying about what people think. She taught me God was the only person I should strive to please. I know God sent Alicia into my life to help me become a better wife, mother, and Christian. I actually got re-baptized on Mother's Day 2010 and became sold out for Christ!
About a year later is when I got the calling to seminary. This was after many prayers to God trying to figure out my purpose. As I've expressed in a previous post, God called me to seminary for Collegiate Ministry while I was 9 months pregnant with Camden. I always felt I was supposed to go back to school but never in a million years did I think it would be seminary. Now the goal for the rest of my life is to lead other souls to Christ. I know His saving grace and how he can redeem a lost soul. I was so lost for the majority of my life. I want everyone to know that there is nothing too bad that He can't bring you through. If he brought this lost little girl who had a baby at 15 to the light, He will do the same for you. Please seek a relationship with Him today. He is waiting for you. He not only wants you to be happy but to have joy! When you have joy no one can take it away. Thank you for reading my LONG testimony. I hope this helps someone out there. I love you all!
In Christ,
Alissa
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