“What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16 (NLT)

Giving my life to Jesus was the best thing I’ve ever done. When I repented of my sin and asked Him to save me, that was only the beginning. Salvation isn’t the final destination; it’s the key that unlocks an exciting, life-long adventure of faith.

My baptism became a marker for that moment. Baptism doesn’t secure your salvation. It’s simply a beautiful picture of a changed life before Jesus (going into the water) and after Jesus (coming out of the water). I experienced tremendous joy the day I was baptized, not only because of the change that was already happening inside of me, but my journey was just starting when I was 21.

Along the way, I’ve developed some good habits that have helped me walk in freedom — ones that I’ve shared with you, like journaling, reading Scripture, and cultivating community. But I’ve learned that following Jesus isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a daily decision.

Every day, I wake up and commit to following Him. Some days, I do a better job of following Him than others. Salvation doesn’t mean we’re suddenly perfect. It simply means we’re committed to looking more like Jesus every day.

I’ve found walking with Jesus is truly the best way to live, but it all starts with that first step. Have you taken that step? Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins? Have you asked Him to be the Lord of your life?

If you haven’t, I’d invite you to do just that. Your prayer doesn’t have to be polished or poetic. It just has to be genuine and heartfelt.

Once you’ve prayed that prayer, get ready for the greatest adventure of your life. Find a church where you can study God’s Word with people who are further along in their journey of faith. Carve out space to spend time with God through prayer and Scripture every day. Intentionally build a Christian community with other believers who will encourage you and hold you accountable.

Above all, believe that you don’t have to carry the guilt and shame you’ve shouldered for so long. God wants to take that weight from you. Give your heart to Him today. You’ll never be the same.

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help…” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)

In the past, I’ve really struggled with isolation. Ever since my parents divorced and my dad left, I’ve had a hard time trusting anyone. When I was a teenager, I tended to find myself in the wrong crowds. For the longest time, after finding Jesus, I didn’t even trust myself to make friends, afraid that if I chose the wrong crew again, I’d end up back in the old life I so desperately wanted to leave behind.

Thankfully, despite my own trust issues and all of life’s unexpected detours, the Lord sent me some incredible friends when I moved to Nashville. Friends who love Jesus and consistently point me to Him. Friends who are kind and thoughtful. Friends who love to laugh and don’t take themselves too seriously. Friends who bring encouragement and truth. Friends who are loyal and true. I never even knew friendship could be this life-giving.

A few of these friends are featured in my music video for “Left It In The River.” It was the first music video I had ever filmed, and I was nervous about being on camera. Having my friends there immediately put me at ease. In fact, there were times I forgot a camera crew was even in the room. These girls have been such a blessing to me. I think I’ve pursued Jesus even more, thanks to their example and encouragement. I hope you have people around you who make you feel that way.

A strong Christian community is a game-changer for growth and identity and has made all the difference for me. I’ve found friends at church, friends through other friends, and friends who are also making music just like me.

If you don’t have a circle of friends supporting you, encouraging you, and doing life with you, I’d challenge you to pray and ask God to bring just one or two like-minded friends into your life. I think you’ll be amazed at how He answers your prayer.

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

Journaling isn’t the only practice that’s helped me chart a new course for my life after my transformative encounter with the Lord. Honestly, writing out your feelings might be momentarily therapeutic, but the process of journaling alone won’t get you through your darkest night. I never pick up my journal without picking up my Bible first. And here’s why: My feelings can ride along, but I can’t ever let them drive.

Emotions are great indicators of where we might need help or what areas of our character need immediate attention, but emotions do not make good leaders. They will derail us pretty quickly. That’s why it’s important to allow God’s Word to guide us, because God’s Word points us to truth. Feelings often lie, but Scripture will always tell the truth — even if it’s the truth we don’t want to hear.

There’s something so powerful about speaking the truth. That’s why I’ve developed a habit of reading Scripture out loud over myself. There’s always a Scripture verse to combat the lies you believe and the confusing emotions you might be feeling.

When I’m anxious about the future, I read Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”

When I’m struggling to love who God made me to be, I read Psalm 139:14: “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”

When I’m battling shame from my past mistakes, I read 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

When I’m waiting for a breakthrough, I read 1 John 5:14-15: “And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.”

Working through my feelings on paper helps me untangle my emotions, but God’s Word is the compass that directs my path. I’d encourage you to allow Scripture to illuminate the next step of your journey.