Essay about my Faith

For the Contest Challenge May 2026

This essay is a small synopsis regarding the faith I hold. It is not to try to "preach" or to "convert" anyone. It is my personal journey, and mine alone. If someone gets encouragement from this writing, well and good, but that isn't the goal. Thanks in advance for reading.

I "accepted Christ" when I was around 15 years old. I remember going to a FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) meeting at my high school. I don't really remember much about the meeting, but I felt that something had to be better than the life I was currently living. It wasn't dramatic. I just felt different on the inside without really being able to articulate it. I didn't turn into a perfect person, and there wasn't an unearthly glow about me. I was just different on the inside. I started going to church with a classmate. It was a Southern Baptist church not far from where I lived. The people were nice, and I fit in pretty well. I ended up getting baptized that summer, and Sundays became part of my routine. My folks went along with it, not really commenting on my new direction, and my sisters razzed me, as sisters do. I was the oldest, and took it in stride, trying to explain what was still inexplicable to me. What they did with that information, I'm still not sure, but there it was.

I started learning about "outreach" to others. Part of "Christian growth" is being able to share my faith with others. I received a Bible from the church, and attended Christian meetings at school with other classmates. I like to talk, and I thought it would be fairly easy to share with others. It wasn't. First, going up to someone "cold" is difficult. Other people have places to be, and "faith talk" isn't something that people really want to open up about. But every once in a while, someone would be open to talk for a bit. Then giving them a printed "tract" for further information and wishing them a good rest of their day. It wasn't always easy, but when I was able to get a tract into their hands, I felt like I accomplished something. Life still goes on, school still required tests and exams at the end of the year, so I still studied as I always did and was glad when summer vacation came around.

I ended up breaking up with my boyfriend that summer. I read in the Bible about not being "unequally yoked", and I didn't want future trouble in that area, as we were pretty serious at the time (for 16-17 year olds, anyway). I enjoyed reading, and the Bible proved to be pretty cool to read as well. I got caught up in the Tim Lahaye/Jerry Jenkins movies about the Rapture and the aftermath. Kind of scared myself silly, but I guess that's part of the growing phase. Staying balanced, but still learning about the Word of God (the Bible). I learned about specialty stores for Christian learning, and was amazed about how many different translations there were of the Bible. I had a New King James Version to start with. I enjoyed the NIV and also the Amplified Bible versions as well. And wouldn't you know it? They had a Bible that had 4 different translations side by side for those who enjoy studying. Sign me up! LOL.

As a new Christian, there were so many aspects to learn, so many rabbit holes to go down, and sure enough, a lot of disappointment to discover. Becoming a "Christian" didn't make me perfect, and pride was something I battled with sometimes. I still do, but not as often over the decades. Do I still fall short? All the time. Have I given up? Sometimes. Sometimes it is easier to "go with the flow" rather than fight the fight. I am grateful for the encouragement from my daughter and my friends, both physical and those online. I am grateful for all of the ones I've met here on Writing.Com as well. If you haven't decided to give your life to Christ, I would encourage you to think about it. No pressure, no judgment, just an opinion on my part.
I can say with confidence for myself that It Is Well, With My Soul. A peace that does pass all understanding. There is still so much to learn and to live for, so this isn't goodbye, but a "see ya later".