A Messy Redemption

Two years ago, this very day, I moved to Fayetteville. I've learned so much the past 2 years.

I learned how to be patient. I learned what a true friend looks like. I learned how to be an uncle. I learned true heartbreak. I learned how to move on. I learned about my insecurities. I learned how to be vulnerable. I learned about the Holy Spirit. I learned what it looks like to be discipled. I learned about my true identity. I learned that I am not defined by my past. I learned I am not defined by other people. I learned that I love long boarding. I learned that I love college students. I learned that I love telling people's stories.

The list could go on. For days really. I came to Fayetteville a broken, ready to be molded human. God was so sweet to instantly provide the Christian community I so desperately needed. Through my community and my mentor, I was able to spiritually grow at an exponential rate. And through graduate school, my knowledge also grew. I soon found that I am extremely passionate about telling stories.

I'm officially done with graduate level classes, and now completing my thesis (defending in November) arguing the effectiveness of social media in the church. And, by the grace of God, was just hired by New Heights Church as the Digital Media Director. I oversee all social media, and get to produce videos for the many ministries in the church. I get to tell people's stories.

I say all of this not to boast, but to express my gratitude to Jesus. Before moving to Fayetteville, I pretended to have it all together. I was kidding everyone. Even myself. I was blind to the sin in my life and the desperate need for change. It was only when I fell face-first before the Lord in complete surrender that I was able to be stripped of all pride and selfishness. I was able to be molded once again.

I've still got a long way to go, but I'm learning daily how to surrender to Him, how to be vulnerable, and how to be intentional with the people around me.

God uses the messiest of people to do His work. I'm proof of that. Don't think you are worthless because of your past. Give your past to Jesus, and allow Him to work through it. You won't regret it.

Here's to a glance at a day in my life,
Derick