When I was seven years old, my mother sat me down at our kitchen table and said, “You can’t get to heaven on my apron strings. You must know God for yourself. You must read the bible yourself. You must pray on your own….” She showed me scriptures in the bible that explained how I could be “saved” (which means believing that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for my sins, accepting His work of salvation, and committing to follow the teachings of Christ in my daily life, thereby saving my soul from eternal damnation, and giving me the right to eternal life with God in heaven). So, as a young girl, I began a wonderful journey of learning and experiencing the love of God through Jesus in my life.

I am not perfect. But God’s love for me is perfect. As I grew up, like other teens, I developed a longing to be popular and accepted by my peers. Although I did not curse, drink, party, etc., I tried to act and look like everyone else as much as possible. I was careful not to bring up my faith, church, or anything else that might bring the ridicule of my friends.

However, at home, as a family we prayed daily, had weekly bible studies, and went to church constantly. I knew that if I called upon God, He was there to protect me, comfort me, and guide me. I loved the Lord. I loved learning from the bible. I even loved church. But I didn’t want to be teased for it.

Then, when I was 15 years old, I attended a church youth revival. When I walked in the door, one of my friends from school saw me. She came up to me and said, “Debbye, what are you doing here?” I told her that I was a Christian and came to hear the preacher like everyone else. Well, she was shocked. She had no idea that I believed in God. I realized that the reason she didn’t know I was a Christian was because I didn’t act like one. I pretended to be someone else in public than I was in private.

At the end of the service, the youth pastor had two alter calls. The first was for those who had never asked Jesus to be Lord of their lives. That one was not for me. I had done that at seven with my mom. Then he invited those who already knew Jesus, but was not pursuing a real relationship with Him. That one was for me! I went forward, still scared that people would tease me and not like me. But for the first time in my life, I was more concerned about what God thinks of me than what people think of me. At the alter that night, I promised God that never again would anyone get to know Debbye without getting to know Jesus in Debbye. I repented (said I was sorry). And my life changed!

From then on I have learned what it means to be me; not what other’s think I should be. And it is wonderful. You see, God has created us all for an awesome, and divine purpose. He loves you. He wants you to know Him in a personal, ongoing way. The only way to do that is through Jesus Christ. The bible (the inspired word of God) says in Romans 10:13 “For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." Then Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” 

And it’s not hard or burdensome. In fact, it’s a snap. Matt 11:28-30 says “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." 

Many people don’t share this belief. I can only tell you that having Christ in my life has been the best thing that has ever happened to me! Better than being Miss America. Better than being on television. Better than money and “success.” In fact, I have all those things because of God’s grace and blessings in my life. And it can be the same for you. Psalms 139:14-16 says “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.” God has an awesome plan for your life! You only have to accept it ... and Him. If you are ready to do that right now, then pray this prayer. Mean it with all your heart and you, too, will be saved.

Father God, I believe that you exist. I believe that you created the heavens and the earth. And I believe that you created me. I thank you for allowing me to live to this point in my life. I ask that you forgive me for trying to live life without you. Forgive me for not trusting you, obeying you, and glorifying you. I believe that Jesus is your son. And I believe that He died on the cross 2000 years ago for the redemption of my sins. I accept His mighty work in my heart. Jesus, come into my heart, come into my life. Lead me and guide me in all your ways. I will live to please you for the rest of my life. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you said these words and meant them, you are saved! Congratulations!! It is the best decision you will ever make. The angels in heaven are rejoicing just for you right now. Luke 15:10 says “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Now, I encourage you to read the bible every day. Get a version that makes sense to you. I like the New King James version, and the “NIV” version. Also, find a bible-believing, bible-teaching church and attend regularly. This will help you grow in your new relationship with Christ. It will also help when you have doubts and go through tough times in your life. Just because we are Christians doesn’t mean everything is perfect or that we have all the answers. It just means we know the One who has all the answers!

Finally tell someone what you’ve just done! 1 Tim 6:12 says “…Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 

Send me an email to let me know you accepted Christ in your life. I want to rejoice with you!

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And I want to hear from you. Send me an email to let me know you have accepted Christ in your life. I want to rejoice with you!

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“I prayed the prayer of salvation today”  yes  no

“I rededicated my life to Christ”  yes  no

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