How God reveals himself to me ... by our own Emily Atkinson

​The person I was two years ago and the person I am today are almost totally different.  Before I opened up to Jesus Christ, I was filled with loneliness and anxiety, wondering “is there something more to life?” After coming to know and love Jesus, I am the best version of myself! I am joyful, filled with life, and I have confidence in Him. Thanks be to God that, two years ago, He met me in my brokenness and restored me by revealing Himself to me. Throughout these two years, God has revealed Himself to me in many ways. Ways in which I never thought possible.

Two summers ago, I had the privilege of going to Laguna, New Mexico where I served as a missionary for a week through EYM. I didn’t know anybody, but, little did I know, I was going to meet my second family. Jesus revealed Himself to me through the other missionaries in the way they were so accepting of me and in the way they included me and wanted to be my friend. I also saw Christ in all the people of Laguna with how passionate they are about their faith and with how loving and welcoming they are. They taught me a lot about compassion, appreciation and about loving others, no matter their background. (100/10 recommend the mission trip!!).

In Adoration, Jesus is revealed to me in the Eucharist, but also in the way He speaks to my heart and continually reminds me that I am good, beautiful, and beloved every time I go.  Adoration is more than just quiet time. It’s a time to sit before the exposed Sacrament and to truly BE in the presence of our Father. There have been times when I have seen Jesus, times when I have cried and times where I had no emotion but felt just complete peace; no two experiences are the same, but they are all incredibly healing and peaceful.

Also two years ago, I remember my first Confession, since I was little, was during the Steubenville Catholic Youth Conference 2016 (basically a Catholic party!). I remember walking into a room filled with priests, my heart was pounding and I was so nervous. However, I did it anyway. I told the priest all my past mistakes no matter how hard it was for me to be vulnerable.  I experienced Christ’s mercy as the priest assured me that God has a beautiful plan for me, that I can change for the better, and that I am not alone in my struggles. I saw Christ in him in the way he comforted me and absolved me of my sins as I cried my eyes out. Confession may seem “scary” or like it’s “not your thing,” but Confession is for everyone, it’s an amazing gift and I encourage you to take advantage of it!!

One of my most favorite ways He reveals Himself to me is through MUSIC! :) Especially through songs by Hillsong United, Housefires (my personal favorite), Matt Maher, Emily Wilson, Josh Blakesley Band (if you’re looking for some bops!), and Tenth Avenue North. My personal favorites would have to be “You Are the Light” by Josh Blakesley, “The Wick” and “This Love” by Housefires (but literally all of their songs are great!), “Hold Us Together” by Matt Maher, and “Captain” and “Closer Than You Know” by Hillsong United.
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These are just some of the ways God reveals Himself to me. I hope and pray you begin to seek Jesus and find the ways that He speaks to you! Just an insider, the Sacraments and EYM are a good way to start! :)

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