I am thankful for Odessa Bible Church, who offered the communion every week that drew me in to a relationship with Jesus at a very young age.

I am thankful for Fellowship Bible Church of Longview, who instilled in me a delight in and hunger for the Scriptures that has never left or abated.

I am thankful for Jim Foster’s Bible study in the FBC youth group for teaching me what a confession is and prompting me to seek one I could confess.

I am thankful for Grace Community Church of Waco, who met my hunger for the creed and for communion and who first taught me what the liturgical year looked like.

I am thankful for Antioch Community Church of Waco, who showed me how to walk with the Holy Spirit through depression and anxiety and who taught me the value of spiritual authority.

I am thankful for the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit of Waco, who welcomed me with grace and hospitality as I learned how to use the Book of Common Prayer and partake in the life of a liturgical community.

I am thankful for St. Andrew’s Church of Gainesville, who opened her heart to me and let me in so deep, for the friendships made and cemented there, and for the spiritual wisdom I gained through her teaching.

I am thankful for Dayspring Baptist Church of Waco, who taught me that I did not have to sign up for everything the church was doing to still be a part of the Body of Christ.

I am thankful for One Hope Presbyterian Church of Longview, who showed me hospitality and welcome in the waiting place.

I am thankful for the Body of Christ. I am honored to be a part of Him. The local church is the hope of the world, because that is where Jesus is, and He is our one Hope.

As we follow our Lord’s leading into the Roman Catholic Church, I pray with Jesus,

Make us one as You and the Father are One, Lord! May the walls we have built fall, and and may Your Church feast in friendship together.