“Growing up, I dealt with a lot of anxiety and depression. Always stuck in my thoughts and feeling broken and lost. I went to many doctors to seek help, and although doctors helped, I still felt like something was missing; I felt weak and broken. I became so desperate I began to pray, and as I prayed, I began to have hope that perhaps things could change for the better. That’s when God washed me clean by His amazing grace. He gave me a new heart with new desires, wanting to please Him and love others. Although I became a new person, I still was learning to renew my mind to think like Christ. At moments I still struggled with anxiety; however, daily, I chose to deny myself and pick up my cross, & the Holy Spirit empowered me and helped me think like Jesus. From a place of want and need, God helped me see His abundance and to rejoice when obstacles come because God is working it all for my good. I began to grow even more in the fruit of the Spirit. However, I was not able to do this on my own; God graciously placed people in my life to help with that. Being a part of Chi Alpha and a home church, I have found a place I call home. A place I can learn from others, love others and see the love of Jesus. I was filled with the Holy Spirit and man all I can say is Jesus is just amazing, it is like a filling up of his love, that empowers you to walk in power. He has given me different gifts in which I can encourage and love others. God is absolutaly amazing. I would not be where I am today if it was not for God's amazing grace; He knows exactly what we need! When I felt so weak, tired, and broken; God never lost sight of me; instead, He graciously poured out His love over my life and set me free. He gave me a new hope and filled me with love, joy and peace! He is faithful.”
- Irene, junior