In December 2019, I was in a bad state. I was the life of the party, but felt completely lifeless once the party was over. I was hurt, broken, confused, and was running away from myself. I grew up in church and was dedicated to my relationship with God, but strongholds crept in and I didn’t know how to deal with them. So, here I was years later, finally admitting that I had come to the end of myself. As I sat in that Airbnb, I cried out to God for some sort of indication that this prodigal would be welcomed back home. Immediately after that prayer, I went on Instagram (probably to escape from my reality), and the first thing I saw was a clip from the Churchboy Confessions Podcast. This was the beginning of my transformation. I made a commitment to listen to this podcast every Monday on my way to campus, but outside of those drives, I wasn’t really connected to a church or community of believers.
I was alone on this journey and didn’t feel comfortable speaking about this new walk with Christ that I was on, but thank God for community. I began to ask questions and start conversations with the team at Un-Associated. I never felt judged, nor did I ever feel that I was a burden to them: they just embraced me where I was. This was huge for me, as I was still tussling between loving the world and loving Christ. It was easy when I was in lockdown, but as soon as I could go back outside, I acted like the old me, despite the fact that God had (and continues to) made me new. I didn’t want people to see that I was different. I fell back into my old ways while making time for God. I would engage in Bible Study in the morning, and the rest of the day was determined by my flesh. After a few months of said tussling, I had an encounter with God that changed my life. Now I live to serve Him in response to His love for me. By the time December 2020 came around, I became a writer for Un-Associated and the rest is history! It’s amazing what God can do in a year.
God used Un-Associated to lead me back to Himself. This is more than just a platform with a podcast and written works that hosts events from time to time. It’s a community and family whose mandate is to make sure that you get connected to God’s love for you. After four years, Un-Associated remains committed to being the Father’s arms that reach for you, the feet that run toward you, and the voice that calls you in. This ministry understands God’s heart for us and will continue to operate in that understanding in Jesus’ name. It’s with this understanding that I write this piece, to tell you that you’re home. You’re where you belong. You’re where God wants you to be. I pray that over the next four years, God continues to use all of us at Un-Associated to answer the prayers of those who are seeking Him.
If you’ve considered joining the team I encourage you to do so. You never know who your gifts and talents can touch when you avail them to the One who gave them to you. If you want to get further involved with a community of believers, send us a DM, drop a note via the website, and if you’re in LA, stop by for UA Day on August 20th between 12pm and 4pm. No matter where you are, we got you, we need you, and we love you. Thank you for being the reason God calls us to do what we do. Here’s to four more years and many to follow. Happy Anniversary Un-Associated!
