I've always had friends who love Jesus. They have relationships with God that I had never experienced before. Until my sophomore year in college, I didn't know Jesus the way I do now. It's intimidating to be a new member of the Christian community when you feel like everyone around you has had a head start.

I don't have scripture memorized. I can't quote a verse to friends in need of guidance or inspiration. I don't know every story from the Bible and I can't name the books in order. But I'm trying. I am learning more and more every day.

I am no less of a Christian for not finding the Light until recently. I am not loved less by my Lord and Savior. I reached the lowest part of my life and found that I can't do this on my own so I turned my life over to God. I appreciate those around me who know Him and His word better than I do because I use them as a source of help. They are my inspiration. I strive to be as Godly as they are.

I was scared in the beginning. I started going to church and Bible studies with my friends. I found ways to learn more about God and build my relationship with Him. Just because I did not get baptist early in life and grow up in the church or in the youth group, does not make me lesser. I chose God. And He chose me.

I went through twenty years of my life without Him. I look back on those years and I see the emptiness. I see the struggles I faced and the doubt in my heart that could have easily been solved by being saved. But I am so grateful that it took me so long to find His grace. I was given a choice. I could either walk blindly down a path to nothingness, or I could choose God and live by His word. The past year of my life on my walk with Him has been extremely eye-opening and relieving. I have a protector and a guide for every aspect of my life.

I consider myself a baby Christian because I'm new to this. I don't know much but I do know that this is where my life is supposed to be. I am where I am because God put me here and He will continue to guide me where I am supposed to go. I get to spend my days learning about Him and growing stronger in His love, all while getting to teach my baby sister about Him as well. Every day God is making me a better, stronger person. Twenty years in darkness are absolutely nothing compared to eternity in His Amazing Grace.