I believe that God teaches you the most, when you realize he is the only one you can rely on.

I would describe these past ten months as some of the most difficult, yet at the same time most rewarding months in my life. I went through struggles I never though I would have to endure, but was able to grow in my relationship with God in ways I never thought possible.

            I have grown up with a wonderful family and four amazing younger siblings. My parents have been married for almost 23 years, and I never really thought anything could tear us apart. On June 30^th of last year, after a series of unexpected, at least on my part, events my dad moved out. My parents did not want to get a divorce, but at the same time did not know if things would work out for them to remain married. I was devastated, and had no idea what to do or who to turn to. I did not know who I could trust. I turned to God somewhat, but not completely. I did not turn all my worries and fears over to him.

            A couple weeks after all this had happened, my mom started looking into my family's finances and realized that they could not afford to send me to college this year. I was completely distraught. This was the one thing I had been hanging onto for the past few weeks. I knew that I was going to be moving out in a month and a half and would not have to deal with everything as much. This brought me to my knees. I knew that God had called me to Samford, and that he would not tell me to go to a school and then not provide the finances to make it possible. I prayed about it with my mom and we felt like if I was supposed to go to Samford, God would provide an additional scholarship. Ten days before I was supposed to move in, my dad worked out a budget that would allow me to go to college, but there was still no additional scholarship money. Although my dad said that he had the money, my mom and I were still somewhat hesitant, but the day before I was supposed to move in the school called offering me additional scholarship money. This confirmed my school decision, and proved that God provides in every situation.

The past few months have taught me more about God that I imagined possible. Not only did God provide in school finances, he has also provided for my family, as my parents are working towards restoring their marriage. God had to break me before I was willing to turn everything over to him. I realized that he truly does have the perfect plan for my life, and I can trust him in every situation. Coming to that realization has allowed me to draw closer to God in all aspects of my life.