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| Brand New Wo(man) |
Many times I sit back and really reflect on how my life has
changed. Honestly, I find it sad that people would automatically judge you
without trying to know your story: it's not always easy dropping the old you
and putting on this new "righteous look". Quite frankly I didn't have
to put it on, the old me was stripped for a purpose and it's not my fault I'm
not the same.
2 Corinthians 5:17 states, " Therefore if any man be in
Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things
are become new." Winter of 2011, I decided that I had had enough of this
world and its calamity; I knew I needed a change. Life for me wasn't pleasant
at the time and I felt as if I just didn't belong in the state that I was in.
Being a junior in High School wasn't easy for me; I spent many of my days
depressed at how my life was and all of the struggles I seemed to endure. I
knew I didn't belong in the person that I was trying to portray; I knew I
wasn't just some rebellious, fast, gullible teenage girl. I was different, and
I had a hard time accepting it.
Quickly, summer of 2011 approached and I was introduced to
the idea of attending a week of Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) Youth Camp.
At first, I was a bit hesitant and didn't know if it was a good idea, but I
decided that if I was going to try this journey with Christ I had to demolish
the fear of me not knowing anyone and being alone and to take a step that would
ultimately change my life.
I entered that place with no intentions but to meet with God
and to grow a solid foundation with Christ. Overall, it was a divine meeting
during that week. I decided to rededicate my life to Christ; I knew that
something needed to be done and just accepting Him again wasn't enough for me.
After all, I was already baptized at the age of eleven, but at that time I
really had no idea as to what I was doing; so, I was battling with myself if a
second water baptism was appropriate or even necessary. Nonetheless, I took
that step and decided to be baptized for a second time. I can honestly say that
that was one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself.
It's no surprise that when I returned home, the
"friends" that I started out with were automatically no more. Life as
I once knew it was gone. It was like God had a divine blueprint once I left
those camp grounds. I started to see myself and my future in a whole new light.
I felt as if I was a young child learning how to talk, creep, and walk all over
again. Sometimes it saddens me that people I once held dear to my heart were
very willing to let me go because "I changed". It just goes to show that
not everyone can follow you into the places where He wants to take you.
Ever since my change, God just continues to shower my life
with amazing people. Relationships that I once desired to keep are blank to me
because they are nothing compared to the relationships God lines up for you
when you follow Him. Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of
God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
I'm in need of nothing, and I am surely content with my life right now. I know that
even in the worst moments that are to come, it'll only get better.
It is now 2013 and I am a freshman in college with so much
more maturity and experience and yet, I'm still not perfect. Never will I label
myself as perfect, but yet I strive to follow the perfect One and do my best
with lining up with His will. I know that there must be a greater anointing, a higher
step, and a great future out there for me. I'm not sure where the Lord is
taking me now, but I am a living testimony that once you obey His call and
follow his footsteps, your life is set up for you. I have no need to worry. I
am proud to say that I am not the same. I am a new creation and a brand new
wo(man).
By: Natoy Natalie Fowler
