Lenora's Spiritual Journey:
I used to be a big people pleaser. I worked so hard to make sure that I was the best at everything, even trying to be perfect, so that people would like me.
I tried to be everything that everyone wanted me to be. I relied on my efforts to make others happy in order to have that happiness reciprocated.
>I grew up with an understanding of God and basic Bible stories. The picture of God that I had in my mind was that he was a harsh God, up in heaven keeping score. If my score was high enough I would get into heaven. If not, well, I would go to hell.
>When I was in third grade, my best friend's grandma died. This forced me to take a look at my life.
I realized that entrance into heaven required perfection and who was I kidding...I knew I wasn't perfect!
My mom talked to me and told me that the entrance fee into heaven was already paid by Jesus, because he had come to earth to live a perfect life, die a death he didn't deserve, and then come back to life. All I needed to do was accept this as true and let Him guide my decisions and my life.
>My faith gave me certainty when I wasn't sure why I was there, or if I would pass, or even graduate.
>I now have freedom to figure out who I really am and not worry that I am falling short of perfection.
>When I feel compassion for people it can come from an ability to really love others, not just feel sorry for them. My purpose is to show God's love to women around me. I realized this as I understood how hurt a lot of women are because we have never really felt loved.
>Spirituality is the stabilizer in a student's life. When everything around you is new and uncertain, it is something that is true that can give direction and encouragement
>We all are searching for significance...that's why we are in school. The only way to real significance is realizing the power of God's love in your life.
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