REDEMPTION

written by Aleyah Cork

I was pondering on the word redemption, the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for clearing a debt. More like God giving me a second chance, 2020 is my year of redemption. College was and still is a life-altering experience for me. College is about self-discovery. I learned a lot about myself during my three years at college. During my first semester, I was not so focused on the academic aspect of college. I was more focused on my social life. I was away from my parents, and I was on my own. I got involved in a relationship that I had no business entertaining. Due to my lack of focus, I ended up on academic probation after my freshman year and lost my scholarship. My GPA was very low, and my grades were terrible. I also went through a depression and suffered from anxiety.

But God! God saved me. He healed me and delivered me from the spirit of depression and anxiety. I worked hard the following year to get my grades and GPA back up, and I got my scholarship back. The process of healing was long; it did not happen overnight. But it was worth it because, during the process, God fulfilled His promise by never leaving me nor forsaking me.

Looking back to 2019, my relationship with God grew stronger. Focusing on Him, myself, and school. The scripture I continue to live by is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God has a plan for me. My journey through college: the failures, the successes, the tears, the heartache, and the pain is MY TESTIMONY. The more elevated I became in my relationship with the Lord, the more my faith was tested.

All 2019 I battled with self-sabotage, negative self-talk, self-doubt, and fear of vocalizing my worth. I was in another relationship that I again had no business entertaining. This time around, I did not allow this relationship to last as long as the previous one did. My obedience to God was tested, I knew this relationship had to end, but I was afraid of letting go. I did not want to be alone. God used this boy to show me how I am supposed to be treated by a man. He only gave me a glimpse. However, I allowed this glimpse to prolong and go on longer than it should have. We had no business being in a relationship, but this was just another test for me.

Not only did I learn about myself while in school, but I also learned about myself while attending church and getting involved in my church. More importantly, I learned WHO’S I was. I joined the dance ministry, and I also shared my testimony over the pulpit. God has stretched me and took me outside of my comfort zone. Dancing on the praise team is my ministry. When I dance, I am dancing for God. It is how I share my story; it’s how I express my gratitude for Him. God has brought me through so much; he deserves my praise.  

Some of the battles I fought last year and the year before, were in places I should not have been. In 2020, I cannot afford to go to certain places. God is giving me a second chance. Pastor Steven Furtick said, “God will not strengthen you for a battle he did not call me to fight.” This is my story, this is my testimony. I can not keep allowing the enemy to keep me in bondage to my past. There is another Strong Sister somewhere that needs to hear my testimony. I am her answer. This is our year of redemption!