On to a New Adventure!

I’m counting down my final days in Jacksonville before moving cross country to Louisville, Kentucky to attend seminary. This move to Kentucky is thrilling and terrifying at the same time.

As I finish up my last few days here in my home town I’ve had a lot of time to look and reflect on what The Lord has done in my life with the amazing people He has so graciously surrounded me with.

When I first moved to Jacksonville I was a brand new believer. Coming from a broken home, I had a lot to learn about family, friends and this new thing called “fellowship.” And The Lord has abundantly provided people to teach me what these relationships should look like.

With my family? I caused more tension than I should have. I was so often stubborn, hard of heart and quick to anger. Yet, they continually showed me grace and compassion. They prayed for me, prayed with me, strove to love me well. They taught my heart what “unconditional love” was all about. They loved me, despite me. They loved me because I am theirs.

With my friends? I started anew. And, as a new believer I hurt more people than I helped in my first couple years of living here. Being prideful and closed minded to my own beliefs and traditions, it made me hard toward people who disagreed or thought differently. Yet, even through my stubbornness God was faithful to me. He brought me friends who told me I was wrong – let me tell you, they didn’t feel like blessings at the time, but now I cherish them so. As time passed The Lord taught me compassion and grace, He taught me to love people rather than first expecting them to love me. And now – I have a league of great friends whom I love dearly!

With fellowship? I cannot express the gratitude I have for my church family. It was such a pivotal part of my growth as a believer, and I would not be where I am in my faith today if it were not for the faithful teachings of my wonderful pastor. I have learned abundantly through my church family what it means to be “the body of Christ.” I’ve witnessed countless occasions where the church steps up and helps a fellow believer for the sole purpose of loving them well. I’ve developed strong bonds with women in the church who have sought to encourage and build me up in my faith.

I can honestly say though I may leave with tears, I am filled with joy of the wonderful blessings The Lord has flooded my time here with. I’m looking forward to being able to take these valuable and precious lessons with me to this next season of life.

I want to say thank you to the wonderful people whom I have had the pleasure of getting to know. Thank you for your investment in my life to love me, and to share life with me! It has surely been a thrill. I love you all! I’m blessed to know you and I’ll miss you dearly. My time here has been such an incredible journey, and I look forward with eagerness to the adventure up ahead.

Much love to you all,
– Kayla Godbold