I have been a part of this congregation for the past 18 years… my whole life. In the next few weeks, I have to say many “goodbyes” as I head off to college. Saying goodbye to Singing Oaks is going to be one of the hardest. Many of you have watched me grow from an innocent infant, to a headstrong and talkative toddler. You’ve watched my transformation of being a bossy pre-teen to a moody and awkward teenager. Now, I’m a young woman going to Abilene Christian University to pursue a degree in Worship Ministry.

The past three years have played a significant role in my walk of faith. I was given the opportunity to work as the worship ministry apprentice in the C.L.A.Y. program for three summers. The first summer I worked here, I thought I was fit for the job because I love to sing and I love Jesus, so why not put them together and get paid for it while I’m at it? At Camp Eagle later that summer, God gave me a wakeup call, and showed me that I wasn’t working for the worship ministry by coincidence. During the week of camp, we were given a time of prayer and reflection on our own. In that time, we were supposed to be dwelling on where we stand with God, and do we think we are heading in the direction of what He has called us to do. I started my thought process off with asking myself what I was doing at that point of time. I was doing the apprenticeship. So then, I asked myself, “Why would God give me the opportunity to do the apprenticeship? Surely it’s more than ‘I can sing and I love Jesus. Let me get paid for it.’” Out of nowhere, I had a realization that I’m being called to go into worship ministry.

I’m beyond excited to go into a new chapter of life while following the path to be a worship minister. However, I wasn’t always this excited. I have grown up in the Church of Christ, where women do not have leadership roles. I was very hesitant to even talk about my calling to people from church because I knew that it would cause controversy. I knew that I couldn’t just ignore God’s calling, so after a couple weeks, I finally swallowed my fear and started praying to God and having the hard conversations with some of my mentors. I was honestly shocked by how many people said they’ve got my back and support me. The only support system that I really cared about, however, was God. I wanted to make sure that I was doing what He intended me to do.

In a couple weeks, I will be leaving for Abilene. I cannot begin to describe how excited I am, but also how nervous I am. I will be getting my education to pursue ministry and begin looking for a career. It’s a lot to take in. It is going to be so hard leaving here, where my journey began. Although, it seems like it’s only just begun.