I am a Christian, meaning I believe in the one true God and that his only son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins so that I may live forever in Heaven. This was not always the case for me. I grew-up with an amazing family, along the Ohio River in a small town in West Virginia. My parents were committed educators, who strongly encouraged hard work and discipline. They were always there to encourage and support me and my younger sister. We regularly attended church, and I was basically a good kid, not doing anything too bad. I called myself a Christian, but inside there were many doubts, questions, and uncertainties. As I left for college, my “Regular Church Attendance Award” vanished too. Aside from the typical college debauchery, I was still a pretty good person but was definitely not a Christian. I was studying sciences, majoring in Biochemistry and headed to medical school. I was a “thinker”, attempting to understand all that science could explain of this world. Seeing vast amounts of information to support the ideas of Evolution only raised more questions of the Bible and Christianity for me. However, things then started to change in my life.
First, I met THE girl. This girl named Dana Dally, who fell for a small white lie to hold a flashlight for me while I fixed my car (a long story), said “yes” and we became husband and wife. Prior to us meeting, Dana had lost 2 people she was closest to, her father and grandmother. It was through her faith in Jesus that she got through that difficult time. Thus, by being her husband, Jesus was brought by default back into my life (or at least I restarted my claim for the “Regular Church Attendance Award”).
Second, I lost both of my grandfathers. For most of my life, I had the luxury of not seeing or dealing with death. My family was strong and healthy. My naïve mind did not expect death. Growing up, my 2 grandfathers lived within 25 minutes of me, playing strong roles in my early life. However, they were as complete opposite in nearly every other way. My Grandpa Dobbins was into music and education; studying microbiology and nearly going into medicine following his service in WWII. He was known to have a temper, but a severe heart attack in his 50s calmed him in the following years, showing the demeanor of patience I knew best of him. My Grandpa Wilson was a strong man, working as a carpenter into his late 60s. He and my grandmother raised 5 strong boys who all were good athletes,
committed to hard work. I still remember splitting firewood with him when he was in his late 70s. He could be tough, but I know the softer side of him as he aged as well. Despite their contrasts, the one real unifying trait I saw was their love and faith in God. When they passed, they were both ready and not afraid. They were strong because of their faith. Witnessing this brought me back to wanting this strong and unwavering faith.
Last, I finished my formal medical and surgical education. Despite the excellent training I
received from the professors at WVU and UK, starting to care for patients on my own was a little daunting. Over the past few years, I have come to realize that I can only perform this job with God’s guidance. Over these years, I have witnessed a number of healings that science could not explain. These healings, known best as miracles, have only strengthened my faith. Now I have dedicated my life to Jesus Christ, and in doing so, I have found a renewed commitment to helping each person I can.
Now I am at the point of growing my faith. Being a Christian today is not easy, as our society turns further away from God. I have found that the best thing to keep me moving forward is with daily time reading the Bible and praying. I know I have a ways to go, but I hope that I can become the person God wants me to be, and I hope and pray that for everyone as well.
If you have any comments or questions, then feel free to contact me.