Growing up, I didn’t really know who Jesus was. My childhood was full of drinking, drug abuse, absent parents, and the constant fear of not knowing where I’d sleep at night. When I was 10, I entered the foster system, moving from home to home until I was finally adopted at 13.
Between 13 and 18, I struggled a lot with drinking, drugs, lust, same-sex relationships, depression, anxiety, and so much more. I came out as gay when I was 8, and for a long time, I fully owned that identity. But deep down, as I grow my relationship with Jesus the truth revealed its self, and as I got older, it became harder to ignore that truth.
I tried to convince myself to like girls because I thought that was what was “normal” and expected of me. But as I grew closer to Jesus, I realized I didn’t need to worry about what others thought I only needed to focus on what He thought of me. I told my friends, family, and church community that I was straight, they loved me unconditionally for who I am.
When I was at one of my lowest points, I met my best friend. She invited me to Youth group, and I walked in expecting judgment about how I dressed, how I talked, and the life I’d lived. But instead, I was met with open arms, hugs, and warmth from people who didn’t even know me. They didn’t care about my past or appearances; all they wanted was for me to connect with Jesus.
Now I’m 19, Through everything I’ve been through, I’ve learned that my worth isn’t defined by my past or by what others expect of me. I’ve discovered a strength inside myself that I didn’t know was there. A resilience born from faith and self acceptance.
Now, I’m focused on building a future where I can live authentically and help others who feel lost or broken. I want to create spaces where people feel safe to be themselves, just like the youth group did for me. My journey isn’t over, but I’m hopeful and excited for what’s ahead because I know I’m walking it with Jesus by my side.
