Growing Up in the Church by Nia

Growing Up in the Church by Nia - August 2013 Scholarship Essay

     I know my life has been altered sufficiently, from being raised in the church. In the church, you no longer have one small family but instead one vast family. The church has taught me so much spiritually and academically. Specifically I learned more about love, determination, and confidence.     "Love, is a word that comes and goes, a few people really know what it means to truly love somebody," some lyrics from a song Metropolitan praise dancers have danced to. By being in the church, God gave me the opportunity to praise dance. On the praise dance team I learned the essence of love. Even though humans act inadequate, God still continues to love us. God loves us no matter what sins we have committed. Since I grew up in the church my understanding of God's love has been refined.     Determination, the will that keeps God's followers strong, since Satan is constantly working. I lightly noticed that nothing would be easy for me, because, if it was easy for me I probably did it wrong. I always felt something was holding me back academically, yet surely God had these obstacles set in front of me for a reason. I learned that when life gets tough, you will need determination to get through it. As the saying goes, "What doesn't kill me, makes me strong." Since I grew up in the church my determination has been strengthened.     Confidence, is when you truly believe in yourself. I remember several times I would doubt myself simply because I just did not believe that I could do it. Then I remembered, God is on my side and with him I could do anything. Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." I am blessed that God has strengthen me. Now I do not doubt myself, I constantly believe. Whenever I find people who doubt my abilities I turn the other cheek, considering I know all is possible with God. Since I grew up in the church my confidence has been lifted.     Without the help from Metropolitan and God, my understanding of God's love would have never been enhanced, my determination would have never been strengthened, and my confidence would have never been lifted. I am thankful that I am apart of this church family, because really you have changed me for the better. As Mahatma Gandhi quoted, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."