I love our church. We came to Reston Community Church (RCC) last August and from the first Sunday, we knew it was the perfect fit for us. There’s such genuine joy and a spirit of welcome in the air, and these people, our church friends, have become a second family to us. We know that if we’re ever in need, our pastor, small group members and church friends are just a phone call away. Having the chance to see the members serve each other, whether it’s through delivering meals to a family with a newborn, helping someone move into a new home, or sponsoring activities for the community of Reston at large, it’s so evident that God is working and moving at RCC.

This past Sunday Matt and I had the  joy of being baptized at RCC- it was a completely different experience than any baptism I’ve witnessed at other churches, and I’ve honestly never felt so loved in my life. To be able to take this important step with my husband and boldly proclaim our faith in public was an even great gift, and it’s one I’ll never ever forget.

Before we were actually baptized, we were both asked to share our testimony. I’ve sort of shared mine on the blog before, but here it is in a more concise manner :).

I grew up in a home with parents who loved the Lord and who taught us kids to do the same. I remember praying to accept Jesus as my Savior when I was three, sitting in my car seat. As I grew up, I went through the motions of doing the “Christian” thing- I was involved in youth group, went on those weekend retreats that gave me a spiritual high for 24-48 hours, etc.

Eventually I left for college and fell in with the first crowd that would have me- crippling insecurity often results in settling for situations that aren’t healthy. I spent a lot of time, two years, actually, chasing things that could not and would never satisfy- social status, parties, relationships, and it wasn’t until I ended those relationships and found myself completely alone that I was finally able to see my need for grace.

I was broken, ashamed and lonely, and believed myself unworthy of love from anyone, especially God. I managed to convince myself that because of my sin, I was doomed to be a second class citizen. It wasn’t until I sat with my discipler Katie, confessing my feelings of shame and separation, that I heard truth in a way that finally struck a chord- “Abby, these are lies. You were bought for a price, you are washed clean by the blood of Christ.”

2 Corinthian 5:17 tell us this: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

I felt just like 2 Corinthians told me I would, like a new creation- my slate is clean, my sins are forgiven, and I was finally able to see that God desires closeness with me.

Happy Wednesday, dear friends! Also, huge, huge thank you to Kevin Wiley for all of the photos!