As I am writing my first Willowdale blog, I question how I ended up here.  I mean, just three years ago, if you simply invited me to go to church, I would have secretly giggled to myself.  I know, because three years ago, I was invited to church, by someone I barely knew. And I giggled. In my head, but still.  

A very special woman was sent by God to put just that idea into my head - try church.  She did not know it at the time, but had she waited one more day, I would not have been there, nor here.  My life was not only changed in that moment I was invited, but I was saved. Quite literally, since after years of struggling, I had given up and was ready for my life to end.  

But God reached out and grabbed me.  He brought this courageous, genuine woman into my life at precisely the right time.  And I went to church. And I kept going to church. And I kept living. So now I write.  I started attending Willowdale three years ago, began women’s Bible study two, and really became a believer about a year and a half ago.  I still feel like the new person.

But seriously, who does that- invites a practical stranger to church? We all should, that’s who!

Recently on Sundays we’ve been discussing discipleship. As Christians we should love others and spread the word of God.  But do you? I’ll be honest and say I try. But I can also say there are very few people I’d invite or even discuss religion with.  

Ephesians 4:16 says, “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

This verse struck me.  I think back to my now friend who invited me, my now friend who introduced herself to me my first Sunday, my now friends who I’ve met through Bible study, MOPS, and Sundays.  What a supportive, loving community there is at Willowdale. With the help of this whole body, I was built up, grown, and loved to become my current, faithful, at-peace self, who hopes in turn to be just as loving and supportive to others.  

So I’m new, but I’m here. Why? Because that’s our jobs as Christians.  To spread the word. Share our stories. Help each other grow. I may be new, but I imagine some of you are too.  So let’s take this journey together. Because God chose me (and you). Through many women, he kept me here on earth.  So now, let’s walk together. Let’s take leaps. Lets share our stories. Lets spread the word. Let’s invite someone to church!  Would you like to join me?