A part of my role on Team Live Original is to manage our social media. A few weeks ago, a sweet girl sent us a direct message. She asked for someone to write a blog on letting go of your past self and starting fresh with Jesus. My heart leaped as I read the words on the screen.

That was me… That’s my story.

I, too, remember the moment I let go of my past self and tasted grace. It happened in one conversation.

Let’s go back a few years to the last week of my senior year of college.

 My mom confronted me about my relationship with my (former) boyfriend, and my college lifestyle with the knowledge that I was most likely not living in the fullness of who God created me to be. So, she challenged me with one question.

Her question moved me to tears and at that  moment I realized my desperate need for Jesus.

The conversation that followed her question, sharing with them some of my poor decisions in college, was one of the hardest conversations I ever had with my parents. (I may share more details at a later time).

Knowing the pain of the information that I was sharing, I expected the worst response from my parents. I expected a punishment.

Assuming the worst, my mind wandered down the rabbit hole of dropping out of college, living at home, and a completely broken relationship with them. My mind was flooded with negative thoughts and I was terrified for my future. But the story turned.

My father responded “Courtney, it’s okay. I love you.”

Tears followed at the release those gentle words of my father. Hearing those words from my dad was like hearing from my Heavenly Father and the moment I experienced true GRACE. Undeserved, beautiful and free grace.

One conversation changed everything. In a matter of moments, I came out of the darkness and into the light. My past no longer mattered. The grace of the Jesus was living and powerful.

Our heavenly father says His grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). It’s incredible that when we feel so weak, His grace is enough. The grace I received that day pushed me onto a path of redemption

Out of the darkness I could now see a fresh start with Jesus. Catching glimpses of what my life could looked like living in the fullness and strength of Jesus. He had so much more in store for me!

I’m here to tell you that GOD can change you in a moment.

The day following the conversation with my parents, were my first steps onto the path of holiness. My heart had changed in an instant and I posessed a strong desire to seek a fresh relationship with Jesus.

There’s this Word in Galatians 5 that calls us to be free. We have to choose to step into that freedom and walk by the spirit (Galatians 5:16). It’s the promise that turns us from broken to redeemed, impure to pure of heart, shameful to joyful, anxious to peaceful, and so much more.

My desire for a pure heart pushed me towards the Word and Worship. It was no longer about finding my identity in a man, rather finding my beauty in holiness. When we pursue a relationship with God, we put on a new self and seek to become like Him (Eh 4:24). I believe this is true!

The path to holiness is a journey, it only takes one day and one decision to step forward to redemption The further down the path that you go, the more that you will be filled with our Father’s joy and gladness.

You too can have a fresh start with Jesus.

Maybe you’re reading this and looking for a fresh start with Jesus. Now let me tell you, this is a journey, one that I am still on today. Your journey may look different than mine, but it takes a daily “yes” to seeking your identity and healing in God alone.

Here’s are a few starting points:

1. Dive into the Word
2. Spend time alone with Jesus
3. Speak out lies
4. Cover yourself with the truth of the word.
5. Ask friends to hold you accountable and speak life into you on your fresh start