Making decisions is difficult for me; I’m not sure why. I’m filled with doubt, constantly second-guessing myself. I laugh looking back at college when it came time to declare a major. I had no idea what I wanted to major in to build a career. It must have taken me most of three years, during which my major was literally “Undecided.” Eventually, I had to declare something, so I applied to the business school. I didn’t get into the business school at my university. So, I applied to the Hospitality Business School, was accepted, and have been in the hospitality industry ever since. Although there are times I wish my career had taken a different path, I know God placed me where He called me. I love the food industry and serving others. Hospitality is a gift of mine.

My faith journey is similar to my career. For so long, I was undecided in my faith. I believed in God but lacked faith and knowledge in His true amazing glory. My faith, or religion, was rehearsed, kept silent, and was based on an If/Then logic.

The awesome connection here is that it was the hospitality of our church group that helped bring me to accept Christ. Our church group poured love into me and my family week after week. It was through genuine relationships, prayer, conversation, and delicious food that my heart started to change. I wish I had accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior sooner. I wish it hadn’t taken me so long to decide. But it’s all part of His plan. My failures are now His glory. God has placed me where He called me.

I’m at an interesting but exciting part in my faith journey. I’m now asking myself, what am I willing to give up to follow Christ? Am I willing to die, meaning am I willing to give up the desires of my flesh and earthly ambitions to follow Christ? In John 5:8, Jesus said to “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” Am I willing to do that no matter the cost? Is my faith strong enough? I believe I’m ready to walk away from myself and follow Jesus. He has called me to follow him, and that’s what I want to do. I don’t know how, but I know He will show me. The transformation of my heart for Jesus has overcome the doubts, fears, and second guessing.

The Irony: I didn’t get into the “standard” business school, but I was accepted into the school of serving others.

The Result: I became fluent in the very language (food and relationship) that eventually broke down my own walls in faith.

Moving from If/Then to Even/If: Even if it costs me my earthly ambitions, I will follow.

My “Mat”: My old habit of second-guessing and the comfort of being “undecided”