7th grade was my life-changing year. 13, braces off, Jesus in! And a new school ahead. Bless my mother’s heart she found a small Baptist one across town –Dekalb Christian Academy.
I was a public-school-kid out of water! And the lone Episcopalian to boot.
I had never heard of “sword drills,” “honor systems,” or “memory work.” My teachers fascinated me because they knew our names and our parents. They watched us at lunch and cared if I was fitting in. Needless to say my previous middle school had been impersonal and chaotic.
This K-12 included Bible class and from day one I was hooked. We memorized Psalm 139 slowly over that whole year. The 1st verses I’d ever learned. I still remember them today – in KJV, completely beautiful and poetic. I remember reading those verses over and over wondering if they were really meant for me.
To know and be known… by God no less. Personally, intimately, down to my every word and thought before they ever happened? It overwhelmed me and drew me in. These teachers really believed it and told us we could too. Could they have imagined the hope I put in their faith?
I wanted so much to have what they had… what all the kids there seemed to have. I knew it had something to do with the Bible, so I began my quest and haven’t been disappointed yet! Secrets and treasures from 38 years of digging only spur me toward more.
God is the God of Psalm 139, He knows me!
ForGlorySake! –Anna
1979
