Finding a new identity in Christ.
As I type this, I must admit that I am in utter shock at the fact that it has been almost six years since I got baptized. My journey to Christ has been rather colourful to say the least, but it has been nothing short of a love story.
In Jamaica, Christianity is woven into the culture. It’s integrated in schools, our National Anthem, Pledge and school mottos. We also have devotions before the start of our classes. So on every level of education, excluding tertiary, there was God.
My earliest recollection of speaking to God outside of my nightly prayers with my mother and pre-meal blessings, was when I was about 5 years old. I prayed and God answered. Clear as day.
The second time was when I got frustrated third-wheeling an old family friend as we trekked up Dunn’s River Falls when I was nine. The guide was flirting with her and I was pretty much ignored as I struggled to climb the slippery rocks along the falls. In my frustration, I decided to head back down, passing everyone that was hand locked helping each other up. As I made my descent, my foot slipped on a mossy, slimy rock. The fall was sudden. Everyone stopped and gasped in complete shock at what happened. The only thing I glimpsed before impact was the heavy river pressure crashing down the precipice into the sea several feet below me.
I slipped on the precipice of Dunn’s River Falls and lived. I knew by all logic and the laws of gravity that I should’ve died but I felt a force external to me.. move me. I was left with a few thin scratches on my knee from slipping on the rock and felt an ache on arm on the side of which I fell. I was confused and the entire way back home, I replayed the event over and over. “Was that God?” My curiosity in Him as my protector and guide grew even deeper.
Obeying the Call to Christ
The first time I was called to Christ was when I was 16 years old, several years after this event. There was an altar call at church and I was with my mother. By this time, I had been through quite a bit in high school. I went through bullying, searching for identity, you know..the full pubescent experience. I felt God calling me to the altar and as I got up to obey His call I felt my mother gently grasp my hand, suggesting that I don’t go. After discussing the reason why some time after, she shared that she thought that I was going to give my life to Christ, because it was what she wanted. She was concerned that I hadn’t just yet lived a ‘real life’ to fully understand the commitment I was making. This was my mother, a faithful servant of God -so I agreed.
In my attempt to ensure I was making the best decision spiritually, I found myself years later swept away by the digging- “trying on” different beliefs and getting caught in the web of new age teachings. My understanding of Christ at this point was still surface level but my convictions were strong. As a result of this, I wanted to force Christ into these practices and beliefs about the “Universe”, New Moon Rituals, Crystal Cleansing, and ‘Ital Healing’. I thought that God was some abstract practice I had to search for instead of a relationship I could build organically.
The Travels that Brought Me Closer
I fully came to Christ while living in Asia, and despite loving the people, food and culture.. a part of me was sad when all the practices, explorations and teachings I was diving into about Buddhism didn’t exactly reflect in their society. While I loved the thoughtfulness and outpour of kindness I received from them, I felt a disconnect with the societal issues they faced. The profound nuances that reflected in thousands ending their lives or choosing to live in isolation. I found this to be unbiblical. I noticed that they did not have the spiritual comfort or peace and instead had a longing for “reincarnation” or a complete and final end.
A bit controversial? Perhaps, but this is from the perspective of a Caribbean woman who knows and felt the true joy of being in Christ and seeing that reflected in society. Witnessing this contrast so intimately created a shift in me, causing me to dive deeper in my relationship with Christ. Seeking God-fearing communities, bible studies and finally making one of the biggest spiritual decisions of making Christ my Lord and Savior.
Since then, I have known no deeper joy. I have come to accept that everything in this life has directed me back to Him. I went through the (sometimes painful) shedding of family and friends, practices, places and have learned to rely on God and His mercy.
I am still a child in Christ, but I hope that through our shared experiences we can commune and grow together.
With this I ask you, what is your testimony? In what ways have you grown in Christ? And finally, will you journey with me?
Gradients For Growth 