I grew up in a small farming community where everyone knew who you were and who you belonged to just by your name. My family spent a lot of time serving at Roseville Christian Church. If the church doors were open, we would be there, whether it was Sunday morning, Sunday night, or Wednesday night. My grandfather was an elder, and later my dad served as one too. My mom, sister, and I played music for services almost every Sunday. We also regularly served at the local nursing home, leading worship services for the residents. Attending church camp was the highlight of our summer, whether we were attending as a camper or serving as a camp counselor, we loved being at church camp!

Surrounded by Christians, we were immersed in the teachings of Christ and witnessed faith lived out every day. Growing up in a small community, where names carried legacies and the church felt like a second home, rooted me in faith and service. The walls of Roseville Christian Church, the familiar pews, my mother’s music filling the sanctuary, all those hours spent serving at the nursing home and camp—these experiences shaped the relationship I have developed with Christ.

Each gathering, every act of service, and each familiar face reminded me of my identity in Him and the accountability of being part of His family. The consistent witness of those around me has indeed left a lasting influence. In high school, my best friend asked me to go to a movie on a Sunday night when I would normally be at church. Even though I knew what my dad’s answer would be, I asked him anyway. When he said no, I was really frustrated. In today’s world, my dad’s response may seem kind of strict, but my father’s answer wasn’t just about that one Sunday night—it was about preserving a commitment he knew would guard my heart in Christ. He understood that small choices often lead to larger patterns, and he wanted to protect me from a series of small compromises that could lead me further from God’s path. My father was guarding my journey so that my character would remain strong.

Looking back, I see how God used my family’s commitment to church, worship, and service as an anchor. It kept me grounded and gave me the strength to discern right from wrong, even when I was tempted to compromise. My family’s example was like a silent sermon, showing me what it means to keep Christ at the center. That foundation has helped me stay anchored through some of life’s hardest days.

Life brings hard and discouraging times to all of us. What or who do you turn to in those moments? Do you find it easy to compromise? My encouragement to you is to keep striving and drawing near to Christ by putting Him first. How? By consistently showing up at church, surrounding ourselves with our church community, serving, praying, and reading the Bible. Keeping Christ at the center of our lives not only blesses us but strengthens those around us as well.