[City Speak]
by Jennifer Powell My life changed on February 27, 2011 when Jesus used City Church to help change my life. I had always considered myself to be a Christian; I was raised in the Catholic church with a whole lot of "Southern Comfort," but I never had a true understanding of what it really meant to be a Christian. After I listened to Dean officiate a wedding ceremony that I was hired to photograph, I was drawn to his words of the true meaning of marriage. I really listened to the vows that were being exchanged, and I realized for the first time that the vows were not only to each other, but to God. I wanted to hear more and the following day my family and I were welcomed with open arms at City Church. I remember my first experience at the church; it was different than anything I had ever seen or heard in all my years of attending various churches. Dean spoke real talk about real life and the truth about Jesus and the Gospel. This was the first time that the Gospel was explained in terms that I could clearly understand and follow. I felt an immediate connection with the Jesus and this church were he led me that morning that I never experienced before. I have never been to a church were I instantly felt at home, and I knew I was in the right place. I couldn't stop talking about the sermon for weeks, and I told everyone I knew that they had to experience this truth the way I had. I know that the church and Jesus touched my life for a reason that day. It was fate that I found my new church home and my connection with God was not accidental. God knew that I needed to be found again and that my family needed it too, and I truly believe that He led me there. This year has been full of life changing and challenging times that would be enough to break anyone without a true trust in God. My family has been faced with career changes, financial insecurity at times, the loss of my father and many life shattering experiences. Any one of these experiences would have been enough to shake a person's foundation, but with God by my side I have been able to see happiness at the end of each day and be grateful for all of the blessings I have in my life. I believe I have been given a true sense of peace and a gift of understanding that although things are not always perfect around me, my foundation with God has been planted and is blossoming. Through all of these tribulations this year it has been a great comfort to know that I can give these problems to God and trust in him. Worrying will not bring me peace, but the relationship and faith I have in the Lord will bring me the peace I need. I needed to hear this and I am grateful to City Church for speaking the truth in a way that I understand and re-enforcing the Gospel in my life each week. I have been called to be a part of an amazing family at City Church and my outlook on life will never be the same. When I ever doubt or have fear of my faith I keep this prayer close to my heart: Lord make an instrument of thy peace. Where there is shattered, let me sow love. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master; grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console: to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is dying that we are born to eternal life. -Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi- I have been given a new set of eyes, and a new understanding that I don't always have to understand. All I need to do is believe. (Jennifer Powell is a photographer and owner of two businesses, Jennifer Powell Photography and J & J Weddings; she is married to Russell Powell and has two children: Fisher and Charley Rae.) | 
