I have always been hesitant to share this part of who I am, probably because it touches on some of the most intimate and darkest parts of my life, but after breakfast with an old youth leader and yesterdays sermon I am more than ever convinced that this is my time. Until last year there were only a few people who knew my story and my struggles, but I was finally able to share all of it with the youth group during a Wednesday evening, and give them a glimpse into the amazing power of God and salvation and now I am ready to share it with you all.
The twin and I were adopted during the summer of 1988 and I'm not lying when I say that I couldn't have been given better parents or a life (hi, Mom and Dad!!!). I was raised in a Christian home, learned to love Christ and do good at an early age. During high school I found alcohol, drugs, sex and what I thought was pure freedom. I believed all of Satan's lies and fell into a trap and thought that I had it all. During my first year of college I finally realized my need for Christ and even then I still had a twisted view of who God was and is. During 2008 I left the church that I grew up in and headed to Word of Life Chapel where I was able to develop my own identity. Only a handful of people there knew me and the fresh past I was just emerging from, and the rest of the people that knew me, knew only of me because of the reputation that my mom has because of her strong faith and involvement in Christian Women's Club and Moms In Touch (also because I was one of those adorable little Korean twins, we don't have too many of us up in here in these woods, lol). I was able to become my own person, I was no longer "the daughter of Gary and Evie", but I was Ashley Joline...the Asian :) and I was no longer "one of the twins" I was just me. It helped me start over, which I honestly feel would have been virtually impossible had I stayed at my parents church.
Word of Life has been one of the best experiences in my life and it is here that I have been able to truly learn what it means to love Christ and reap all of the wonderful benefits that I have as believer. Thanks to my parents who never stopped praying for me, youth leaders from Hope who are still impacting my life, and a great church and youth group I have been able to serve God by loving him completely and I am LOVING it!
Just a little promo. I signed up for the 22 Day Challenge from I am Second and I challenge you to do the same as well!
-Ash
From the first time I held you in my arms, the hardest thing was always to let go; whether it was letting go of you at the airport so your grandma could hold you or letting go of the idea that you would not run out to meet me when I came home from work, ........ or that you would not be coming through the back door no matter how late I stayed up. As hard as it was, the fact that you are in our fathers arms is where I find peace. Where ever you are I will always love you. Dad
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