Faith, Community, and Personal Testimony
Early Family Life and Religious Environment
The upbringing within the family was not centered on organized religion. The father identifies as a non-believer, while the mother maintained a belief in the existence of God that did not extend into active practice. The primary religious boundary in the household was the mother's instruction to avoid using the phrase "oh my god." This household environment was characterized by a dramatic history and significant traumas experienced by both the mother and the daughter during their respective upbringings. These experiences instilled a sense of resentment and prompted difficult questions regarding the nature of God, such as "why are you letting these things happen to us?" and "how could you let these things happen to these people?"
The Decision to Pursue Faith and RCIA
During the sophomore year of high school, life circumstances became increasingly heavy, leading to the realization that the only way to understand "why God" questions was to ask God directly by building a relationship with Him. This led to a proactive search for a way to build a relationship with Christ, resulting in the discovery of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) through a local Catholic church. The RCIA program facilitates the necessary steps for communion and confirmation, ultimately leading to baptism. On , baptism was received, and life was fully committed to Christ. Following this transition, social life in high school became difficult, as the local culture presented a choice between popularity and religion.
Independent Faith and Educational Transitions
After high school, a period of "solo faith" began. This phase was defined by a personal and intense devotion to the Lord but was challenging due to the lack of a peer community to lean on during struggles. To find a religious academic community, the freshman year of college was spent at Colorado Christian University. This time was dedicated to learning the Bible, taking specialty classes, and understanding the context and history behind various scriptures. During this period, the theological focus shifted from Catholicism toward a non-denominational perspective, prioritizing a personal relationship with God over denominational labels. Due to medical reasons and location factors, a transfer to CU Denver occurred the following year.
Finding Community through Navs at CU Denver
Upon arriving at CU Denver, an immediate search for a Christian community led to the discovery of Navs. This group serves as a family-like environment rather than a standard club, consisting of a group of friends who prioritize spending time together and growing in faith. This community provided the opportunity to shift and change faith perspectives through the exchange of ideas and the seeking of counsel and advice. This communal environment allowed for a deeper understanding of spiritual meanings and the development of close personal bonds.
Specific Mentorship and Peer Support
The Navs community introduced several key individuals who played vital roles in spiritual and personal development. Gloria, a best friend within the group, would participate in Bible study sessions lasting between and hours at a time. Grant celebrated the anniversary of the baptism, marking the first time such an occasion was celebrated among believers. Kale provided critical support by driving minutes in the middle of the night to help during a time of hopelessness, leading the way to scripture and ensuring personal well-being. Dawson, acting as a "big sister" figure, provided guidance on how to trust in the Lord and look toward prayer and the Bible during challenging situations.
Transitioning to Independent Living and New Seasons
Based on the support of the community, the decision was made to step out of a difficult home situation. Despite the fear and the backlash associated with leaving, the call to move out and start a personal life was clear. A leap of faith was taken to move into the university dorms. Members of the community assisted in the move, spent nights in the dorm to provide comfort, and provided daily scripture to reinforce the path God directed. This experience confirmed the belief that faith should not be walked alone. This new season of life is characterized by support and enthusiasm for the future plans God has in place.
Questions and Discussion
Community is an essential component of faith and personal relationships with others and the Lord. There is an open invitation for others to join the community or find a similar support system elsewhere. Following this testimony, there is an opportunity to ask questions or discuss the shared experiences and the importance of being part of a group that is passionate about their spiritual journey.