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Connection # 1

Everyone who knows me says that I have commitment issues ranging from not being able to schedule a coffee date, starting a project, living in one place for more than a year at a time, or even picking out shoes in the morning. Until recently, I thought my real issue was fear of making a wrong choice. Kirk has talked a lot about Christmas and Easter Christians, the ones who come to church twice a year and sit in the back row. Despite the fact that I was raised in the church and always claimed to be a Christian, I was one of those seasonal Christians – a Christian with a commitment problem. After all, it is easier to make a commitment to Christ a couple of days out of the year instead of doing the hard work of trying to be the face of Christ everyday. Like many people who stray from the church, I made familiar excuses; I didn’t want to be around church-going hypocrites; I don’t like organized religion; I’m too busy. When I moved back to Hayesville a year and a half ago it was to change the direction of my life and I knew then that meant finding my way back to God, to rediscover my faith, practice it, and make it meaningful. During this time I have been surprised at the people who have reached out to me, shared their experiences and offered support. From family members, old friends, strangers who have become new friends and even former teachers (you know who you are), I have been unconditionally supported on my journey to reconnect with Christ. Since my baptism a month ago, I have realized that my failure to profess and practice my faith had nothing to do with my beliefs and everything to do with the fact that I did not want to make a commitment to God, myself, my family and friends, or community. I did not want to be responsible and held accountable for my actions as a Christian. Whether you are quoting Ecclesiastes, or listening to The Byrds, I believe that there is a time and a place for every purpose under Heaven. There are no random acts in the universe. God places people in our lives when we need them the most. This has been my time, and this Church, these people have been my place. Whether I stay in Hayesville for one more summer, one more year, or a lifetime, thank you for being the face of Christ and nurturing me on this journey. God bless you and keep you all.

Jessica Gentry

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	*Connection # 1* Everyone who knows me says that I have commitment issues ranging from not being able to schedule a coffee date, starting a project, living in one place for more than a year at a time, or even picking out shoes in the morning. Until recently, I thought my real issue was fear of making a wrong choice. Kirk has talked a lot about Christmas and Easter Christians, the ones who come to church twice a year and sit in the back row. Despite the fact that I was raised in the church and always claimed to be a Christian, I was one of those seasonal Christians – a Christian with a commitment problem. After all, it is easier to make a commitment to Christ a couple of days out of the year instead of doing the hard work of trying to be the face of Christ everyday. Like many people who stray from the church, I made familiar excuses; I didn’t want to be around church-going hypocrites; I don’t like organized religion; I’m too busy. When I moved back to Hayesville a year and a half ago it was to change the direction of my life and I knew then that meant finding my way back to God, to rediscover my faith, practice it, and make it meaningful. During this time I have been surprised at the people who have reached out to me, shared their experiences and offered support. From family members, old friends, strangers who have become new friends and even former teachers (you know who you are), I have been unconditionally supported on my journey to reconnect with Christ. Since my baptism a month ago, I have realized that my failure to profess and practice my faith had nothing to do with my beliefs and everything to do with the fact that I did not want to make a commitment to God, myself, my family and friends, or community. I did not want to be responsible and held accountable for my actions as a Christian. Whether you are quoting Ecclesiastes, or listening to The Byrds, I believe that there is a time and a place for every purpose under Heaven. There are no random acts in the universe. God places people in our lives when we need them the most. This has been my time, and this Church, these people have been my place. Whether I stay in Hayesville for one more summer, one more year, or a lifetime, thank you for being the face of Christ and nurturing me on this journey. God bless you and keep you all. Jessica Gentry