Terri Cumbie

I was raised in a Christian household and baptized as an infant. My grandmother and I shared a bedroom and would pray together every night. I attended Sunday school every week and loved learning about Jesus. I became a follower of Jesus as a child and loved talking and singing to Him. He was my friend and protector.

When I went to college, I drifted away from Jesus and church. Jesus was not cool and certainly did not appear important to anyone else in my social circles. While I enjoyed my college years, I always felt something very important in my life was missing. I felt an internal unrest which I tried to satisfy with activities, associations, friends, and interests.

Several years after college, I realized what was missing. I rededicated my life to Jesus and immediately felt complete again. During my time away, I worried about everything to the point of having stomach ulcers and needing tranquilizers to calm my nerves. After returning to Jesus, worries went away. I was back with my friend and protector.

Jesus has given me peace when I faced challenges in my life and in my career. Whether dealing with family issues, layoffs, difficult bosses, or facing decisions on whether to relocate for my career, I turned everything over to Him and He didn’t fail me. It may not have been the path I would have chosen, but in the end, it was clearly the best outcome for me. When looking back on these changes, I could see how everything came together for a perfect plan for me, something I never could have orchestrated. He’s also provided me with a wonderful husband, church, family and friends.

I don’t ever want to drift away from Jesus again and am so glad He will never leave me.

Terri Cumbie