A little under 7 months ago, I discovered my personal relationship with God for the first time and when I returned home from rehab 3 months later, I searched far and wide for the right place for me to worship. I tried churches all across the Dallas metroplex and nothing seemed right. Then, about two, maybe two-and-a-half months ago, I went with a couple of my friends to a little place called Irving Bible Church.
At first, I felt so uncomfortable, so awkward--these people had known each other for years and I was the weird new kid. But something that day made me want to come back. So I continued to attend every Sunday and Wednesday, and as I've come to build relationships and spend time having conversations with folks at IBC, I'm starting to realize something.
Growing up Catholic, church never felt anything like a home to me. Sure, I had friends, even adult role models, but I never even believed in God and there was always something missing as far as the social aspect goes. But in the short time that I've believed and the even shorter time since I met my new friends at IBC, I've realized that I've found myself a home. I don't know how long it'll last but I'm beginning to understand what being a family under Christ is really about.
Take, for instance, my new friend Corrie Robinson. Corrie and I met this past weekend. It was a Saturday night at a church friend's birthday party, and Corrie and I sat on the hood of a friend's car in the dark, looking up at the night sky and sharing our stories. I even sang for her. And I have a deep fear of singing without a guitar on my hand or my fingers on a piano. But somehow, through the glory of God, I felt comfortable enough to open my mouth and let the notes come out. And she said I had a beautiful voice. We shared things with each other that were deeply personal and sometimes uncomfortable. Yet, I think I can speak for both of us when I say that we felt a bond with each other that only God can make possible. Here's this person I've never had a conversation with, and I'm sharing with her about my experiences with physical and sexual violence, drug and alcohol addiction, and all my worries and hopes for the future.
Some people say, "God's in the little things." But when I see God in something, no matter how little it may have been a moment ago, it becomes a pretty big thing for me. Bigger than I ever could have imagined. From a tiny ladybug that changed my life to a beautiful conversation with a new friend. And it is these little-big events and new relationships that help me to continue to grow in my faith and my relationship with Jesus. It's talks with Pierce Asibelua in the car at eleven o'clock PM about faith and fellowship, it's discussions with Paul Eiler and Shiloh Wilk on the backporch at four in the morning while smoking a cigar, it's conversations with Madison Smith or Grace Drake on what Jesus means to me, and it's knowing that all my new friends are praying for me when they get the chance. And even better... it's knowing that I'm praying for them too.
I just want to take this chance to thank everyone at IBC, whether you ever read this or not, for giving me a new home, a place where I feel accepted and I feel special and I feel like I can be who I am without fear of being made fun of or alienated.
Sincerest thanks and love,
Cameron
P.S.
If I didn't mention you in this, don't feel bad, I love you all, these are all just recent memories that are on my mind at the moment. You all have a special place in my heart, even if I don't know you.
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