I grew up in church. For me, this has been the greatest blessing of my life. From the support system I have received, to the family I have gained, to the gained strength in my faith, I am so thankful that I grew up going to church.

Every time the doors were open, I would be there. I do not know what it is like to wake up every Sunday and not be rushing to get ready and make it to 9 a.m. Sunday School. However, I would not have it any other way. The relationships I built by spending all those days there are worth more than I could ever express.

My church family is my family. From every milestone I have ever accomplished, they have been right there beside me. When I started elementary school to when I started college, they were always there to cheer me on. Even now, I get asked every Sunday how school is going or if I still enjoy my job. These people love and care about me and that feeling is entirely mutual.

The most important part about being raised going to church is how strong it can make you feel in your faith. Without the Sunday School lessons and sermons, it would be a lot harder for me to grow in my faith. I am constantly surrounded by people who want to see me succeed and want me to grow closer to God. Growing up in church has shaped me into the person I am today and I would not want it any other way.

From the countless Christmas plays I took part in, to every VBS I enjoyed and then began helping in, to every single Sunday School class I ever learned in, these moments made me into the person I am today and have shaped my life in the best way possible. I will always be thankful to my church and every single person in it.