It’s about His glory – Laurén
When I moved to Naples four months ago, I was praying for a church that would stand on biblical truth and be deeply committed to making disciples. Before even arriving, I started watching Pastor Alan’s messages online, getting a feel for the ministry. What stood out to me was the church’s dedication to preaching God’s Word and its mission to glorify Jesus Christ above all else. I knew this was the kind of place I had been praying for—a church that not only believes in the Bible but actively lives it out through discipleship and community.
Prior to moving here, I had been in Texas, where I felt disconnected from the kind of mentorship I longed for. I was searching for a place that would help me steward my gifts and grow in my faith, and this church answered that prayer in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It’s a place where everyone—from all walks of life—comes together with one purpose: to glorify Jesus and make disciples. This sense of mission has truly been a huge blessing in my life.
Growing up, my parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and a desire to honor God in everything I did. I poured myself into achievements, from breaking state records in high school to earning a Division I scholarship to play softball. But in the midst of all this, I found myself seeking validation through accolades. I had to learn the hard way that my worth isn’t found in what I accomplish but in who I am in Christ.
I had to learn the hard way that my worth isn’t found in what I accomplish but in who I am in Christ.
In college, I faced a series of injuries that pushed me to my limits, but I didn’t understand why it kept happening. Later, I found out that the brain tumor I had been unknowingly battling was causing my bones to become brittle. That was a wake-up call for me. It was a shock, especially after months of unexplained health issues. But as difficult as it was, it became a time for me to lean more fully on God’s strength. I had to shift from a mindset of striving for personal achievements to embracing a deeper reliance on God. For years, I had been pushing myself to the point of exhaustion, but I hadn’t fully surrendered my efforts to God. I was doing it all in my own strength.
The Lord has been faithful through it all. When doctors couldn’t explain how I was healing from a condition that should have left lasting damage, I knew it was the work of Jesus. He is still a healer today. My vision, which had been severely impaired by the tumor, has been completely restored. The doctors were baffled. I wasn’t—this was the power of God at work. It was an incredible reminder that no matter how impossible things may seem, with God, all things are possible.
This season of healing has deepened my faith in ways I never could have anticipated. Going from a high-performance athlete to someone who struggles with basic tasks like walking or seeing clearly has been humbling, but it has also shifted my focus. I’ve learned to prioritize eternal things over the temporary successes and struggles of this life. Now, I focus on seeking God’s presence daily and trusting Him with my future, no matter what comes.
Through all of this, God has surrounded me with people who have supported and mentored me. From my parents who laid a foundation of faith, to coaches and mentors who encouraged me in my walk with Christ, to my church community now, I’ve seen how God’s timing is perfect. He places the right people in our lives exactly when we need them. I’m so thankful for the godly men and women who’ve helped me grow in faith, especially during this challenging season.
What I’ve learned through everything—especially through my diagnosis and healing process—is that it’s not about me and my performance. It’s about God and His glory. Life is short, and we don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we can trust that God’s plan is always good. In every season, I’m learning to rely on Him more deeply, and my heart’s desire is to glorify Him, no matter the outcome.
When we face challenges, it’s easy to be consumed with fear or doubt. But what I’ve come to realize is that with Jesus, we can never truly lose. Whether He leads us through healing here or calls us home to be with Him, we win because He’s the one who has already overcome the world. That perspective has made all the difference in my life.
with Jesus, we can never truly lose.
As I move forward, I continue to pray for boldness to share the gospel and trust God with every part of my journey. This season has shown me that life is about more than the temporary achievements or setbacks we experience. It’s about living in light of eternity and glorifying God in everything we do. And that’s the greatest blessing of all.