Stories - Gretchen Shaw

I grew up in a Christian family. I don’t remember a time in my life that was ever spent NOT in church. My father was a bi-vocational pastor that started a church – so all of our free time was spent in church.

I accepted Christ at the age of 6.  Even though I was young, I knew and understood clearly that I was a sinner and that I needed Christ to make me clean.
Having received Christ at such a young age, my relationship grew and matured and became more meaningful as I understood more about the depth of my sin and grace. When I was 16, my dad (preacher) had a midlife crisis (affair, drinking, smoking, sport’s car, etc.) He even said that he wasn’t sure that he ever believed what he had taught. At that point, I had to know for sure that what I believed was my own faith and not borrowed from my parents.  It was a pivotal moment.
Having made this decision at such a young age, I’m so grateful to have been protected from so much. I have never really hit a “rebellion” in the typical sense, but instead struggle with self worth, pride, selfishness, etc.  I seek God humbly to refine me, change me, and make me more like Him.  I find purpose in being who I was created to be. I want to make a difference in the lives of my family and friends and those around me. I want to live a life that reflects Christ in every interaction and thing that I do.
He’s continuing to grow me. I’m learning to rely on Him for my identity, for companionship, as my “Father”, and my friend.