Ascend Apparel

I grew up knowing about Jesus and being around church, but I never really attended consistently. I was raised in a military family, constantly moving from state to state, and church was rarely a priority. I would go occasionally if friends invited me, but my faith never felt personal. Because of all the moving, I learned how to adapt quickly. I shaped myself to fit whatever group I was around. I became a chameleon—able to blend in anywhere, but never really knowing who I was. At 17, everything began to change. I started to truly learn what it meant to live like Jesus. I was exhausted from living in sin and seeing the consequences of my choices. I believed that every bad thing happening in my life—or around me—was God punishing me for my sin. Eventually, I hit a breaking point. That’s when I got involved in my local church and began reading the Bible for myself. Through that, my understanding of God began to change. I quickly fell in love with serving—whether it was mowing the church lawn, serving in kids ministry, or greeting people at the door on Sunday mornings. Through serving His church, I began falling in love with Jesus. Jesus didn’t just change my life—He gave me a new one. I now live with confidence, knowing my future is in His hands, and my greatest joy is pointing others to the same hope I’ve found in Him.

My faith in Jesus has had a powerful impact on who I am and how I live my life. Believing in Jesus has given me a sense of purpose and direction, especially during times when I feel uncertain or overwhelmed. Through prayer and learning about His teachings, I have found comfort in knowing that I am never alone and that there is always hope, even in difficult situations. One of the biggest ways Jesus has changed my life is by teaching me the importance of love, forgiveness, and compassion. Instead of holding onto anger or frustration, I try to follow Jesus’ example by being patient and understanding with others. This has helped me build stronger relationships with my family and friends and has encouraged me to treat people with kindness, even when it is not easy. My faith also influences how I care for my family, especially my little brother Frank. Frank loves to play basketball, and watching him enjoy the game reminds me to be supportive and encouraging. Jesus’ teachings inspire me to be a good role model for Frank by showing him what it means to be caring, respectful, and faithful. I want him to see those values not just in my words, but in my actions as well. Overall, Jesus has changed my life by giving me guidance, strength, and a clearer sense of what truly matters. My faith helps me make better choices, face challenges with courage, and appreciate the blessings in my life, including my family. Because of Jesus, I strive every day to grow into a better person and to live with purpose and love.