I often tell people that I was born with a “spiritual silver spoon” in my mouth.

My mom’s grandparents lived a life of faith and obedience during very hard times, passing the baton of faith to the next generation who continued running the race well. (Hebrews 12:1; 2 Timothy 1:5) 
150 years later, I recognize I am a recipient of the Father’s goodness and mercy which have chased me all the days of my life. (Psalm 23:6)

I did nothing to deserve such grace.
Like Mary, the mother of Jesus, I have much thankfulness in my heart for His faithfulness throughout generations. (Luke 1:50)

But this awareness of and gratitude for my Christian heritage had to become personal to me in order for it to be effective in my own life. As a child I was told that my great-grandparents’ faith did not automatically qualify me for a “get out of Hell free” pass. Being born a pastor’s daughter was beyond my control, but being born of the Spirit was a decision that I had to make for myself. (John 3)

Knowing about God was inevitable considering my family background, but knowing Him personally through His Son demanded more than participation in the religious rituals of prayer, Bible reading, tithing and church attendance. I had to understand that the full weight of my sin was placed on Jesus and that only by His shed blood on the cross was I redeemed and made new.
I had to trust that His death meant life for me.

As a little girl I understood that personal faith was required for my salvation.
Even though I had been taught since birth about Jesus and had been graciously pursued by God, I had to personally receive the free gift of grace that He offered and be willing to live a life of surrender in response to that grace. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
I decided to follow Jesus.

And each day that I live I know that He holds me fast. (Philippians 1:6)
The only good in me is Him – His life.

His grace saved me and sustains me even though I stumble and fall constantly. I’m an imperfect mom and wife and friend. But I must not lose heart. Life in Jesus is everlasting, and that life began the day I received His forgiveness.
He’ll never let go, and for that I live in daily amazement and humble gratitude!

“If I should speak, then let it be of the grace that is greater than all my sin;
of when justice was served and where mercy wins;
of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in.
Oh, to tell you my story is to tell of Him.