My dad’s side of the family is Catholic and my mom’s side is Christian, so I’ve grown up with two different perspectives that both helped shape how I see Jesus and God. Because of that, I was introduced to God at an early age, and I’ve believed in Him ever since. But over time, I started to realize that believing in Him isn’t the same as living with Him. I wanted more than just belief; I wanted a relationship.

Still, I struggled. I thought I had to have everything together before I could be baptized. I was conflicted and scared—scared I would mess up, scared that I’d disappoint the people around me, or even disappoint God. I held myself to unrealistic expectations, believing that I had to be perfect to take this step. And because I knew I wasn’t, I hesitated.

But something started to change in me. I began to understand that God isn’t asking me to be perfect—He’s asking me to trust Him. I’ve always looked up to people who embody their faith;
who serve God and show His love in how they live. Watching people my age get baptized and reading their testimonies made me believe that, maybe, I could do it too. Even in all my fear, I wanted to grow closer to Him.

And in the middle of all that, I began to notice something. I saw God working in my life in quiet but powerful ways. During a time when I was really struggling, trying to carry everything on my own, I finally reached out to Him. And in the middle of my weakness, He was there, reminding me that I was never meant to bear it alone. I truly felt His presence lifting the weight I was holding. He kept His promise. He walked with me. And He’s walking with me now.

God didn’t just stop there, though. He surrounded me with people who helped guide me forward. I’m so grateful for my friend Hannah and Pastor Kevin, who were willing to listen and
answer my questions without judgment. I’m thankful for my parents, who have supported me in my faith and have guided me through my self-doubt. I want to thank my grandma, whose steady
faith has always pointed me back to God. But most of all, I want to thank my Heavenly Father for never giving up on me, for being patient when I struggled, and for reminding me that I don’t have to carry everything alone.

So, here I am, taking this step of faith. It’s not perfect, and I’m not perfect, but I’m choosing to trust God with my life, and devote my life to serving Him. I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I know who’s leading me. And I’m ready to walk forward with Him.