I always knew of Jesus, but I didn’t truly know Him. Growing up in a Christian household, I went to church and Sunday school, and I loved playing with the other kids. But I was living in religion, not relationship. I said I was a Christian, but I didn’t understand what it really meant to walk with Christ. I’ve always been a bubbly person, good at connecting with people, but deep down I often felt like I didn’t fit in. I tried so hard to belong that I began chasing validation from the world. I surrounded myself with the wrong people and got caught up in things that pulled me away from God. I thought if I didn’t act like everyone else, I’d be left out—but the more I conformed, the more empty I felt. Even in rooms full of people, I felt alone. No matter how much attention I sought, the world could never fill the void inside me. Instead, I ended up hurt, betrayed, excluded, and thrown into a season of isolation. Just a few weeks ago, something major happened that shook me, but that’s when I truly encountered God. In that loneliness, I felt His presence stronger than ever. He never left me, even when I was at my lowest. He listened to every whisper and every cry. He gave me a peace and love the world never could. That’s when I realized—He was all I ever needed. The hardships made me realize that even in the darkest moments, I was never alone or ignored. I was loved, no matter what I went through. Last summer, I got to know Jesus and it was a life-changer. Even though I still go through hard times, I know He’s always by my side. There were nights I cried, wondering why everything was happening “why me?” but I never lost faith. Since I was little, I prayed, even in my lowest moments. When I felt like I lost everything—even myself—I asked God for a new beginning. All I had left was my spirit, and He filled it with His. That’s when I knew He made me for a purpose: to be a light and glorify Him. Religion can make it feel like we need to be perfect, but a relationship with Jesus is about connection, not performance. He’s not about rules—He’s about freedom. Jesus knows us fully, understands us, loves us deeply, and never leaves. The enemy calls us by our sins, but Jesus calls us by name. I had to lose who I thought I was to discover who I am in Him—and that was everything. Last year started rough, but looking back, I see His blessings. He gave me what I needed, not just what I wanted. He brought me closer to Him—that alone changed me completely. He healed me in ways I didn’t even know I needed. Life’s been a roller coaster, but God was in every turn. I wrote once, “I wanna change it around,” not knowing Jesus was already working on it. Now, everything’s different. I’ve learned, grown, and seen God’s faithfulness firsthand. His love is unmatched—nothing in this world compares. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2. Even in hard times, His light breaks through and helps me shine too. I also wanted to thank everyone who helped me in my faith, to my parents for guiding me to Christ early on and showing me what steadfast love looks like, to my sister who never gave up on me. Thank you to all my friends who helped me in hard times. And to my spiritual mentors and youth leaders—thank you for creating a safe space and making me feel seen and heard. I’m so glad everything happened the way it did—because without it, I wouldn’t be the person I am now. I’ve grown. I’ve learned. I’ve been strengthened. And I’ve been loved. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Life is so beautiful. A year ago, I was confused and lost. Now, I’m alive and living. My story is still being written—but God is holding the pen. And that’s the greatest gift of all. God doesn’t wait for us to be perfect—He calls us just as we are, because in His eyes, we are already worthy. You don’t need to have it all together to come to Christ. He meets you right where you are and begins a beautiful work within you. He equips, transforms, and renews you—not because you earned it, but because He loves you unconditionally. Colossians 3:14 “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” In conclusion As long as I’m with Him, that’s enough. If God is all you have, then God is all you need. He will protect you, your loved ones, and guide you through everything. Just trust Him. Have faith. Because: His plan is better than what you originally thought.