Our Purpose Here In Birmingham

Over the past month I have really come to realize the purpose of us living in Birmingham. When we first moved here over 5 1/2 years ago we both thought we had moved here for Phillip's job. We were eager to get back into the southern region of the United States where we would be closer to family and friends. We only expected to be here for two to three years and then be transferred somewhere else for work.

As we settled here I became convinced that we were sent to Birmingham not only for job purposes but also for the great Doctors that I had come to find. The few Dr's that I got to see seemed to fix all my issues and we even got pregnant and had Emma! It all seemed so easy and meant to be. Along the way we had our share of bumps in the road and thought for sure that God was done with us here in Birmingham and that we were going to close this chapter in our lives and move us on to the next chapter.

The first week we were in Birmingham as I was jobless and bored I decided to venture out and explore my new home. While exploring I came across this church that was rather large and looked very similar to the church I had grown up in back in Jacksonville. We decided to try it out the following Sunday and haven't left since. Each year we find ourselves becoming more and more involved. Joining a small group, getting involved in our MOMS group and developing deep friendships. Since we've joined the church we have had a pastor change and seen the church grow in amazing ways as well as the people. As we've gone along this journey we have found that we have grown firm in our faith and really understood what it means to be a Christ follower.

Phillip and I both agree that over this past month we've figured out our purpose here in Birmingham. We were not brought here for our jobs, our doctors, or to get us back closer to Florida. We were sent here on God's mission. A part of His master plan. All to get closer to Him. To grow our faith and stand firm in what we believe. To dive deep in to scripture and learn how to be servants of Christ.

We've gone through our fair share of trials and becomming pregnant with five babies at once really tested us. We stood at a crossroads and had to decide if we really believed what we believed or would we take the easy road out. Were we going to practice what we preach or be a hypocrite? Would we be able to stand at the pearly gates before God and have an account for the decisions we made in life? We prayed together and stood firm in our beliefs and had peace that only God could provide us. We are Christ followers to the core and we pray that we will be able to stand firm in His ways and desires for us everyday.

I can look back now and truely be thankful for each trial, each tear, each heartbreak because it has brought us to the place we are at today. It has brought Phillip and I closer together and we know that whatever life throws at us that it brings us together instead of seperates us. I pray that we can instill our children with these lessons we have learned but mostly instill the power of prayer and a relationship with Jesus.