Monday, August 11, 2008

Baptism... long overdue.

This past weekend, on August 10, 2008, I finally did something I had been putting off for over 5 years. And today, I'm asking myself what took so long.

Over 5 years ago, in July of 2003, I became a Christian, surrendering control over my life (or at least starting that process... I cannot honesly say that I've done that completely, and I don't know that I'll ever be able to, but I'll keep trying) to Jesus Christ. This followed a pretty low point in my life. The short version (the long version is a story for another day, but one that should be and will be told eventually) is I was battling some pretty severe depression, trying to do it all by myself, but not doing real well with that. As crappy as the sitution was then, it was what finally brought me to my knees knowing I couldn't do life by myself, and I'm thankful for it now.

Fast forward about 5 years to this past June, when I was faced with (I guess I should say given the opportunity, but I didn't see it as a fun idea at the time) the question of whether or not I was going to get baptized. I'd heard that it was something I should do, but also clung to the fact that it wasn't something I HAD to do - it wasn't going to change my standing with God - but it was a step of obedience. After some long conversations and a lot of convincing, I reluctantly decided I was going to go ahead and do it. It wasn't something I was looking forward to, and I really didn't have many expectations for it. Boy was I wrong.

This past Sunday was an amazing day. It was a day I got to hang out with friends I hadn't seen in a month. It was a day I got to go back to Crossroads. It was a day I got to share a story of my life and my testimony, that not a whole lot of people knew, with some pretty important people in my life (Thank you to all of you who were there!). And I got to share the experience of baptism with one of my best friends too. It was a day I won't soon forget, and wouldn't give up for anything. And even more importantly, it was a lesson in the blessings that come with obedience.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful entry! It was such a great day, not only for all involved in the Baptism, but for all who came to support us. It was a day filled with so much emotion that it is hard to even explain the feeling we were over come with. It was a very cool experience and yes a great step in showing our commitment to God and what he means to our lives.

So glad that you were there and that we were able to share in this wonderful expereince. I couldn't think of anyone better to share such an experience with.

Love you and miss you already!
E

(P.S. as usual try not to pay attention to my spelling errors) ;)

Jessica Turner said...

so excited for you girl. I actually just got baptized about two years ago! Glad it was a sweet celebration of your faith. xoxo