Life Change: Alpharetta, GA

As a youth, I was blessed with two parents who were both Christians and honored their commitment to raise me according to the teachings in the Bible.  I remember reading a daily devotional each morning before school and going to church every Sunday.  I was active in the youth activities at my church and in the Boy Scouts of America through the completion of High School.  A couple of days after graduating, I was awarded my Eagle Scout award which was the result of many years of dedication and hard work.  That moment officially marked the end of my youth.  In the days that followed, I prepared to leave for Basic Training to begin my eight(8) year commitment with the Army National Guard.  At seventeen, I left the security of my home and family for the first time and stepped into a world that was unlike any other I had experienced before.

The summer of 1992 was a time I will never forget.  At Fort McClellan, I was tested physically and mentally in ways that my sheltered upbringing had not prepared me for.  This was the first time that I truly felt like everything was out of my control.  And, I found myself reaching out to God in new ways and relying on His strength during the humbling situation.  I often look back on this time as a pivotal period in my life story.

Today, I can clearly look back and see how God was with me every step of the journey.  His protecting hand was always nearby and he allowed me not only to grow from my experience but to excel.  I took on leadership roles in my National Guard unit and continued to grow through the senior R.O.T.C. program at North Georgia College.  During my junior year, a severe allergy to peanuts prevented me from commissioning with the Army.  This forced me to adjust my plans and start focusing more on my career.  Upon graduating, I was ready to enter the workforce with a marketing degree in-hand.  However, I was unsure what I should do next.  After college, I took on positions with companies in different industries and entered the technology sector in 1997.  I started down a path pursuing success and worldly gains as opposed to staying grounded in my beliefs.  This was during the dot-com era where stock options and lofty salaries attracted many people to this industry.  Everything was great; I was earning promotions and making a good living but, something was missing.  Actually, several things were missing.  In my pursuit of corporate success, I neglected many relationships outside of my office environment.  Reading the Bible, going to church, and praying sadly became just another part of my routine.

However, things changed significantly in August of 2005 when I decided to switch churches and get involved with a small group at North Point Community Church.  This decision introduced me to the power of accountability and enabled me to see iron sharpening iron in front of my eyes.  It was during this time that I started experiencing a personal relationship with Jesus unlike the one in the years before.  

Since joining my small group and attending NPCC, life has thrown some interesting challenges my way.  However, I have been able to face each new hurdle with confidence because of my ever-growing relationship with Jesus.  I know that His timing is always perfect so, I continue moving forward, walking in faith.

So, in this statement of my faith, I am privileged to say that Jesus Christ is my personal Lord and Savior.  And, it is my goal to use the talents, skills, gifts, and passion that have been given to me to do His will.  With each new day that I am blessed to be alive, I will do my part to help make a positive impact on the world.