By Courtney Engel
As the youngest of five siblings, my childhood was somewhat chaotic. I learned quickly that life can throw unexpected curveballs, and for me, that curveball came in the form of a devastating loss. When I was 8 years old, my family and I received the news that my dad had been taken from us in a tragic car accident. In an instant, my whole life felt like it had been turned upside down.
Growing up in the church, I was familiar with the concept of God, but it wasn’t until I was in the seventh grade that I truly grasped what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In the midst of the chaos, I found an escape in seeking a deeper understanding of my faith. I really began to comprehend the profound significance of God’s love and grace.
Mississippi College, in the heart of Clinton, became more than just a place of academic pursuit for me. There I found likeminded people who shared my journey of faith, and I found encouragement, support, and a sense of belonging that helped me navigate the unknowns that come with being a college student and trying to figure life out.
I credit a lot of my spiritual growth to the past three and a half years of being in college. I believe that I am becoming more of who I am meant to be in Christ. The Lord has been so faithful to help me see the beauty and significance in the identity He gave me.
My journey of faith has been a continuous process of growth and transformation. I’ve faced the reality of having to rely on God as a father, a friend, and a provider.
Today, as I reflect on the twists and turns that have shaped my life, I am so thankful for the journey that has brought me to where I am today.
Courtney Engel will graduate from Mississippi College in May with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language. She will also be getting married in May and moving to Kauai, Hawaii, with her husband!
