Something God taught me as a first-time leader while at Arms of Hope is that Jesus died for me. He died for every one of us, for those who doubt, who mock, who hate, for those who He knows may never come to know Him. This is a continuous lesson God reminds me of, and I am eternally grateful for the love and patience He has for me because I am nowhere near worthy enough to deserve it! I have doubted, I have gossiped, I have strayed from the path He has planned for me numerous times, and yet, after everything, God accepts me for who I am.
Before heading to Arms of Hope, I had feelings of unworthiness and self-doubt. I was worried that I would not be an adequate leader, and I would end up saying the wrong thing at the wrong time and mess up everything. I was thinking of every mistake I had ever made, and eventually, the time came for me to head to Arms of Hope. While driving over, He reminded me that we, as humans, are beautifully imperfect; that is why we need the love and grace that God gives so freely. If I continue to wallow in my fear and self-doubt, then the enemy wins; if the enemy can prevent me from seeing what God wants me to see, then he wins. Jesus died because he loves every one of us so insanely intimately, beautifully, and passionately.
I was led to Arms of Hope so that I may spread God’s love and message through my testimony and my actions. Being a leader for Cypress Creek students at Arms of Hope was an absolute blessing because even as a leader, I am still learning so much about God’s word and what He has in store for me.