The (Re)Beginning of my Blogging Adventures

Blogging: I did it once, but that was way back in 8th grade.

Where am I now? A freshman in college.  Northwest Nazarene University.  An amazing, God-filled, exciting, and enlightening place to be.  New friends, a dorm room, and a whole new wealth of information.  Okay, so I might be a little overwhelmed by my classes, my homework, and my newly acquired addiction to Netflix.  I love this place.  Never before has my relationship with Christ been so strong and meaningful. SO amazing! :)  I'm working toward a Biology major with a pre-medical emphasis.  My goal is to be an Emergency Physician in the Army.  I can serve my beloved country, I can serve people, and I can live a fast-paced fulfilling life.  I hope...

Here's my reality for the day: boldness in our faith.  How many of us that claim to be "Christ-Followers" are scared to pipe up when someone insults Christianity or attacks us for our faith? Don't worry because that's me, too.  Yesterday, 26 September, was See You at the Pole.  SYATP is a day for students to gather around their schools' flagpoles and pray for their friends, their schools, communities, and our Nation's leaders.  One small town in Pennsylvania was the location where this very moving picture was taken:

Number 42 (his name has not been shared) was the only student in his middle school to show up for SYATP.  He was dressed for a football game.  And HE WAS NOT ASHAMED to bow his head, even if only for a minute, to reflect and pray.  This picture nearly brought me to tears.  Why aren't we ALL like this? Maybe it's because the last time someone asked you if you were a Christian and you answered yes, he or she scoffed, laughed, or insulted you.  Maybe it's because you're afraid that COULD happen to you.  Maybe you just don't know how to be bold in your faith.  Honestly, I don't know how to either.  This is my prayer for the evening:

God,
Help me be unashamed of my love for you and of your everlasting, unconditional love for me.  Let me be unafraid to proclaim you as my Lord and Savior.  Grant me the courage to do so, and grant me the humility and patience to do it with good intentions for Your Glory, not my own.  Help me find opportunities to open up conversations with anybody who has questions, and help me to live my life in a way that they might WANT to ask questions.

In Your name, and for Your Power and Glory,
Amen.