Margaret and I became followers of Jesus as adults, while we were dating. Before that, we enjoyed a lifestyle that indulged in the party scene. Margaret strived for academic excellence but lacked direction, and my worldview was steeped in apathy and cynicism.

Margaret grew up without any religion, and then experienced two encounters with God when she was 19 and 23. After the second encounter, she started asking me a lot of questions about Christianity. I was raised Lutheran so I knew the answers, though I didn’t really believe them. Margaret decided to believe in Jesus, and her whole life changed. She found forgiveness for her past mistakes, peace in her heart, and purpose for her future. Teaching Margaret about Jesus made what I was teaching to her come alive to me, too, and I committed myself to follow Christ.

Christ has completely redirected me. Accepting Christ has given me hope. I know that I have been given great gifts by God's grace. Understanding His plan for my life, and how He wants to use my talents, gives me confidence to press on, and joy in the journey! 

The dignity that I have in my life with Christ is an amazing gift, and one that I have only recently come to understand. In coming to understand the depth of Christ's sacrifice for me, out of love, and out of respect, inspires me to respect myself. Having healthy self-respect and a glimpse of God's value of myself has made me value, love and respect others in a new way.