perspective which governs my day to day affairs faithfulness, but loyalty can only be proven with open arms from the religious community.
and compels me to do my best work while I still under a test and he allows us to go through So often I’ve been shunned, misjudged,
can. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach me to number many wilderness seasons to see who will remain misperceived, and mistreated based on my
my days that I may apply my heart to wisdom.” steadfast in order to see who is trustworthy for outward appearance, and many never looked
Look, our days are numbered for sure, but our greater assignments. past their religious judgments to see what was
good deeds are not. The final count is left up
in my heart and that was always heartbreaking.
to us and I want to make every moment count Two of the most impactful words ever spoken because there are so few of them in the span to me came from Pastor Ray Johnston last Ray’s loving and welcoming words felt like a
of a human life. I want to lead as many people December when I played at the Bayside reward from God for being faithful and for not
as possible to a relationship with Jesus Christ Christmas Extravaganza. This occurred right allowing myself to become bitter and jaded
and be a positive and encouraging influence to after it was official that I was coming on staff. through the trials and tribulations, and the self-
all who come across my path. As soon as he saw me he said with a gleam righteousness and piety of others. The best
in his eye and a smile on his face, “Welcome advice I can offer to anyone is stay the course
Home!” Then he gave me a big hug. and trust God, for He sees everything and in
I’ve discovered there’s only two ways to live
your life. You will either live a life of self or
due time He blesses those who boldly proclaim
service—seek to serve, because there is no It was only two words, but they touched my
other way to a sense of purpose and fulfillment. heart profoundly and I was tearing up inside
I am confident of is this: God rewards our because I have not always been received
His name. It is His promise.
photo by Hannah Montez
August 2019
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