Howdy

Hey everyone, I'm Samantha. I'm a fourth year college student in North Carolina, and I'm studying public health education. I don't know what I want to do with it yet (or more accurately, I don't know what God will have me do with it yet). I grew up in church and I have a great family that is there when I need them. Until March of this year I had a love/hate relationship with God. I knew about Him, but that was pretty much the extent of my devotion. A few times I had prayed to be "saved;" I always worried if it was enough! Looking back I think I did that all those times because I was simply scared of going to Hell, not because I really understood the point of Jesus' life and sacrifice. Anyway, this year I began to understand the magnitude of Jesus' gift to us, and it really hit me. One afternoon I got really heavy-hearted, and I confessed my sin and ultimately said "You know what? I can't do this on my own. I'm nothing without You." And for a moment I worried I'd done it wrong again. But this time was different. Immediately I felt something different, and I knew it was the Lord.

That isn't to say I've experienced smooth sailing from there! Oh no, it has been a roller coaster of emotions, dead periods and hard lessons. Just when I feel like I can't go any lower, Jesus comes to my rescue. He loves me. I just forget that from time to time. I've had a plethora of questions cross my mind and get me all worked up, but each time the Lord comforts me. Sometimes the lessons He teaches are painful, but I can see the subtle curriculum He guides me through.

Anyway, sorry for writing so much in my introduction! I've seen this forum a few times and today while in class it just came upon me to go on and join the conversation. I can't wait to meet you all.

Best,
Sam