Have you ever heard the expression, “If you’re gonna talk the talk, you’ve gotta walk the walk?”  Well, throughout high school, I was the type of person who everyone considered a good person.  I didn’t go out drinking with friends, stay out late past curfew, hang out with the wrong crowd, etc.  I was a “good girl.”  I had managed to maintain a certain comfort zone, one where I would mold myself into whatever person I needed to be in front of others.  

When the topic of faith in Christ came up in conversations at school, I usually would become nervous and avoid discussing it to any great length because I was afraid of criticism and ridicule from people around me.  I had always believed in God from the time I was very young, however, I never had a boldness to share my faith with those around me who were struggling with life problems.  God was seeking to build a closer relationship with me, but I wasn’t holding up my end of the bargain.

When I was a senior in high school, I went on a weekend church retreat.  While I was there I realized a few important things about my life. I saw that it was basically going nowhere.  I had a desire to change.  I wanted God to be a real part of my life.  I wanted others to see Christ in me.  I desired to not only talk about Christ with others, but I wanted to demonstrate His love in my life to friends and teammates through my actions.  

After making some decisions on this retreat, God began to change my outlook on my life and how it related to others around me.  One specific thing I noticed was that some of my friends around me seemed spiritually dead.  I realized that Christ had not only changed my heart, but he also changed my way of thinking.  Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” 

Now that I am at the University of Georgia and playing for the Lady Dogs, I realize how much I have to apply this verse in my daily life.  Playing college basketball has been one of my biggest challenges yet.  There are good times and bad times.  In my times of struggle I’ve found support from other Christians on my team, through God’s Word, and through prayer.  I’ve noticed that my attitude surrounding my struggles is different now than it was in high school.  I can see God moving in my life and carrying me through the difficult times.  I am also not easily persuaded to compromise my spiritual beliefs anymore.  I know that God is never going to leave me or turn His back on me. 

 
Learn more about making God real in your life or how to renew your mind.