In the past 21 years, I have seen many things that I never expected to see. I have heard many compliments and insults. I have felt every different emotion that a human being can possibly feel. I've traveled to all kinds of places with many different types of people. I have broken the law, run from my troubles, and had bad intentions. I've made friends that I cannot imagine my life without, as well as attended funerals for people that I never imagined would be without life. I've had my heart broken, and I've broken the hearts of others. I've cried for help, and I've had my best friends cry on my shoulder. I know what it feels like to be lost, and I understand the joy that comes with being found again. I have done many things that I promised I'd never do, and while some of these unexpected decisions came with bad consequences, others opened doors that I normally would have walked right past. I've been everywhere and nowhere all at once. Through all of these ups and downs, there has always been one place where I felt safe and understood. This place is Alpine Baptist Church.
As soon as I walk through the front doors of my church, I immediately feel as if I'm where I belong. To be able to see so many warm, familiar faces brings so much comfort to my tried and tired heart. This is the kind of comfort that surrounds you and wraps around you like the blanket from your childhood. This kind of comfort, while both rare and beautiful, is often never noticed until it is unavailable and/or left behind. Some find this comfort in the way the morning sun shines through the tall windows of our church and reflects off of the solid white walls. For others, this comfort can be found just by deeply breathing in the scent of the classic country church. As for myself, I find comfort in the memories. Whenever I get the chance, I like to sit in the third row from the back. If I just briefly close my eyes, I'm taken back to the days when I was the little girl with long, blonde hair running out of Sunday School with chocolate all over my dress. I remember how Wayne's contagious laughter could fill an entire room. I remember being so young, and always wondering if one day I'd find a man who would look at me the same way Belton always looked at Iva. I remember the day Lisa passed away, and in this very building, Gail found the strength and support that she needed in order to make it through such a hard time. I remember the Easter egg hunts, tennis courts, beach trips, Fall Festivals, and the Sunday we brought Children's Church back to the pulpit. I find comfort in remembering how lucky I was to grow up in such an accepting and nurturing environment.
Because of all that I've seen and experienced at Alpine Baptist Church, I've grown into a 21 year old who believes in acceptance, tolerance, and equality. I believe that being beautiful on the inside is more important than being beautiful on the exterior. I know how it feels to be loved. I believe that it is perfectly normal to ask for help, as well as help those who ask for it from you. I know that there is power in prayer for all those who choose to believe in Him. I know that my future salary will never determine my future happiness, nor will it ever change God's plan for me. I know that it is okay to ask questions, as long as I know that I will find the answers to these questions the moment that I'm meant to. I will always believe that I would not be the person that I am becoming without the influence of this church.
The heart of this church is found inside each of it's members, and it stays with you forever. I'm proud to carry this with me everywhere that I go. As I grow older and begin a new chapter of my life somewhere else, I know I'll continue to find comfort in knowing that I always have somewhere to come to and find what so many spend their entire lives searching for.
Love,
Haley
