CHOSEN FOR PEACE: CREIGHTON’S STORY

By Creighton Johnson

Today I give you the story of Creighton, in her own words.
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For as long as I can remember, I have been searching for something. I searched in nooks and crannies that should have scared me, but I pressed on. Further and further, losing myself to this world. I was raised Christian but I had long ago given up religion, claiming hypocrisy in the church. Eventually I found myself broken and addicted. Thankfully, I got sober and it was then that I was introduced to a God of my own understanding; something bigger than myself. 

I have a friend named Candace. She cut my hair and is my dear friend. She would talk boldly about Jesus and how he saved her. I’d listen, interested, but then I’d leave the salon chair and walk out the door back to the God of “my” understanding; the God I was comfortable with. Years passed, but Candace’s love for Jesus stayed the same. Later I would find out she prayed diligently for my salvation and to know Jesus as she did.

One day Candace invited me to a mom’s group at her church, and although still skeptical of religion, I had the day off and decided it would be good for my children to be around other children. So I went and that’s where I met Angie. I was uncomfortable and shy – but Angie wasn’t. She was steadfast and confident. She hugged me and that’s about all I remember from that first day. 

I went home and told my husband I’d like to go to church this Sunday. There was a little pushback but he decided it couldn’t hurt. When we got there, suddenly someone was next to me, hugging me. It was Angie. My first instinct was to be freaked out, but for some reason I felt … welcomed! She even made plans to meet with me the following week.

We met and she ordered me a Bible and Bible study book. I was in awe someone would care about me this much so soon to do that for me.We dove in … and I immediately became overwhelmed. After all – I work, I have two kids, and I have a sobriety program to maintain. How could I possibly have time to study the Bible with Angie now too. So I did what I do best and I pushed her away – kindly. 

After that my husband and I started attending church less often, and before I knew it we weren’t going at all. About two months passed, and I realized I was craving the sermons that spoke to my heart. I was craving the Word of God! My husband and I decided to return to church.

Guess who was there, like she had been waiting for me all along … Angie! She gave me a big hug and we picked up where we left off. I remember thinking how amazing it was she wasn’t mad at me, and she still wanted to meet with me and offer her time to help me grow.

It was around this time God spoke to me and told me to give my life to Him. It was the most freeing, amazing experience ever. The Pastor’s wife, Erin prayed with me and then I had done it, I was a Child of God! How beautiful. I Immediately told Candace that day at church, who told me that she had been praying for me for years. She said the angels in heaven were rejoicing. We both cried. 

Angie was so happy for me, and we got busy. We studied and I asked questions. If she didn’t know the answer, she found the answer. She is so wise and thoughtful in her responses. I feel safe to ask my questions. I know now I don’t have to know anything right away – I just have to make a beginning. With Angie there, I feel safe to explore the Word of God, She exposes me to resources and I am falling in love with studying the Bible. How amazing that one woman would freely give of her time to help me find my footing and share the Gospel with little ol’ me. 

Then she explains to me that it is my duty now too. And I realize the magnitude of what she is saying. She is simply doing what she is CALLED to do. How beautiful.

What I love about Angie is that she never pushed me. She saw that I wasn’t ready yet and she stood in the wings waiting, knowing God would bring me back to her. When I wasn’t ready, she got busy. She reached out to small groups at our church and added my husband and me to the prayer lists. She had the church praying for our salvation. God found a way. He brought me back to her and my husband and I both found saving faith. It’s through observing Angie’s actions that I not only get to be discipled but I learn how to disciple others. 

I am so grateful for this journey I am on, and for all of the moving parts and people involved.

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Angie here … is this not an incredible story?
When I asked Creighton to tell me about something crazy that has changed in her life, she said this:

“I’m trying to think of the craziest thing that’s changed, and I would say peace – peace in my life. Peace in my children’s lives, peace in my marriage. It’s not perfect, but it’s a lot more peaceful, but I don’t know if that relates back to the story or not.”

Creighton, sweet girl, it absolutely does! There is peace where chaos used to reign. Peace where there was fear, dissension. Peace where there was confusion and resistance. I see every bit of that peace in you now, all the things that were absent when we met. 

Friends, as you might guess, there’s more to come. Our BIG GOD is all over the lives of my new brother and sister, and I can’t wait to tell you the next part!

Grace and peace,

Angie