Finding my Faith
One of the hardest things to do is put words to your testimony. It’s such an amazing and emotional thing to share, but it is daunting and scary. When I applied to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary over five years ago, I had to draft my testimony. The strangest thing occured to me: I had no testimony. Sure, I have salvation and a personal relationship with Jesus, but it just didn’t seem exciting enough to share. I have no sad story. Nothing to grab your attention. But then I thought to myself, this isn’t about me. This story is not even mine: it’s God’s. It’s beyond religion; it truly is all about relationship.
I’m not going to copy and paste what I wrote on my application. I am going to simply share my story with you from my heart. Several of you have reached out with questions about faith. I hope to answer more of your questions here on my blog as God leads.
I do not remember the exact date I was saved.
I do remember it was in the fall of 1995. That was a tough year for me for many reasons. I was having to leave the school I had attended for six years to start middle school somewhere completely new where I knew no one. I was going to have to change churches. My parents were building a house, and we were moving. I was at a horribly emotional preteen age of 11, and my gradmother passed away.
After her passing, I remember my dad having a converation with my brother and me about the hope of heaven and faith becoming sight. I had been attending church, Sunday School, VBS, GAs, and every other church related event you can name since I was a newborn. My parents raised me in a Christian home full of love, and their lives always pointed to Christ. It simply made sense for me to recognize my sin, repent, and ask Jesus into my heart. Since then, I have aimed to live a life worthy of this calling and to reach others with God’s Word. I accepted the call to ministry in 2014 and look forward to whatever God has planned for my future.
I would like to share some commonly asked questions below. If you have something on your heart that you would like me to answer, you can email me privately at hello@jeanclairemonroe.com. I would love to talk with you!
1. How can I have a relationship with Jesus?
First, you must simply acknowledge Jesus for who He is. Pray and invite him to spiritually dwell within you. You go to him as you are. Jesus is not looking for perfection; He is looking for relationship. He is always waiting for you. With him, you will have hope, peace, and joy to satisfy your longings. Through him, you can accomplish anything, MORE than anything. He will be your strength.
2. I have accepted Jesus as my Savior. Now what?
Tell someone! Reach out to a family member or friend who is also a believer. If you have no one, reach out to me. I will always answer in the best way I know and guide you on your path wherever you are. God created us to fellowship with Him and with one another. Also, who is better to talk to than Jesus himself? Go to Scripture and ask him to reveal a word to you.
3. How do I get started reading the Bible?
The Bible is the most beautiful story, but it can be intimidating at times. I would encourage you to begin reading the book of John. It paints the most loving picture of our Savior and how much you mean to him. I always recommend reading a Proverb a day and/or a Psalm a day. Start wherever you feel most comfortable. Find a Bible study, and dive in to the Word. Precept studies are a great way to begin. If you do not have a Bible, you can always download the free Bible app to your phone or mobile device. Sometimes that can be the quickest way to immerse yourself in God’s Word.
4. How do I find a church?
The best answer to this question is to simply go to church. Visit several churches (even of different denominations) to find where you feel most comfortable worshipping and fellowshipping.
If there is one thing I want you to take away from my blog it is how much I love Jesus. He truly is the meaning of life. My life is far from perfect. I have struggles with depression and insecurity. But God has blessed me with the most amazing family, friends, church, and community. I want each of you to have this joy too. Again, please email me at hello@jeanclairemonroe.com if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. YOU are the reason I blog.
I love you all!
