About Us
A Rebel Astern
I became a Christian the day before my 23rd birthday. Even though it was a rainy day with no sun, I felt warmth and could see light through my eyelids as I prayed with my eyes closed. A still voice like a gentle breath whispered, "You've been running from me, Michele."
I didn't grow up going to church and quite honestly, was adverse to anything and anyone 'religious.' My opinion of God was largely based on what people around me chose to do and the ways they behaved. In fact, I often thought that religious people were nothing but hypocrites. I prided myself in the fact that I was living honestly, doing what I wanted to do, when I wanted to do it.
It is a mysterious miracle that the God of the universe would pursue me and engage with me when my attitude toward Him and toward others was so rude and without any self awareness. I was completely self centered, lonely, and very lost.
I am a stubborn rebel who has needed hard lessons to learn what God wants me to learn. In His goodness and grace, He still calls to me and He still tells me when I'm running from Him. He also shows me he still wants me to draw closer to Him. I am thankful He called me to turn around and to journey closer to Him. I hope to honor Him more each day, to persist in knowing Him, and for others to be drawn to Him, too.
"Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms. Laying down your arms, surrendering, saying you are sorry, realizing that you have been on the wrong track and getting ready to start life over again from the ground floor - that is the only way out of our 'hole'. This process of surrender -- this movement full speed astern -- is what Christians call repentance."
-- C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity