It isn't technically official until all the paperwork goes through the approval process, but I had something to share.
On Thursday I had the most important interview in my life, at least thus far. I spent two hours answering questions on doctrine, polity, and my personal life. Based off of the interview, I passed. I'm going to be a pastor. Now, if you know anything about my life, it is something to cry about.
I've been labeled the "overcomer" in the last three years; overcoming, with God, more adversity than I should ever have to battle.
I've (we've) fought through divorce, sickness, hatred, financial struggles, fear, self-hatred, doubt, discouragement, bullies, being stuck, silence, moving, counseling, literal fire, death, training, heart break, and six years of an eating disorder.
When I became a believer, I was lost in a world that I didn't belong in. Struggling to fit in, fighting mean girls, and believing that I could never be loved. I was alone, and that is how it always would be. But God sent me people. He sent me love and he sent me a church. He sent friends and mentors. He sent me kids and work and an overwhelming amount of coffee dates.
When I graduated high school I was still lost, depressed, and a college athlete: a very unhealthy combination. I lost weight and took way too many classes. I held myself at too high of a standard and I spent a lot of time crying in fear, hurt, and hunger. So God sent me more people. He sent me to a new school with more leaders. He stuck me in an internship as I battled with my parent's divorce and self-respect. He gave me host families who loved me more than I could ever fathom. He gave me a boss that heard a lot of "I can't do it. Please don't make me," who, bless her soul, made me do it anyway. And I'm better for it. I've overcome fear. I have, literally, spoken up at Bible studies, in class, and leading devotions. I've taken this fear that the enemy forced into me, and I have fought it with all I have. And I won. God won.
I said yes. I said yes to a call far beyond anything that my fifteen or even twenty year old self could ever imagine. I'm flying to Russia at some point this year (I've given up on dates, that's God's thing... not mine!). I am going to show the Russian people that you can overcome all adversity.
I'm 22. I am healthy. I am not afraid. I am confident. I'm a Pastor.
Satan, you lost. God won. And I will never give up.
