Kathryn Montoya

I have thought about making my long story short, but then you wouldn't have the whole picture of where I am coming from and when it all began. I was called to this life as a young teenager, but spent years running away from it. Once I finally decided to give in and allow God to make me what He wanted me to be, I began writing the things down which He showed me. But now I am getting ahead of myself, so let me back up.

I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior at a good news club in my neighborhood when I was 7 or 8 years old. I was excited about Him and memorized every Scripture that I could get my hands on with great enthusiasm. As time went on my passion faded and I just did the "church thing", without any real relationship with Christ. When I became a teenager I began to search for a deeper relationship with my Savior and I began to study the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Saint Francis of Assisi gave up everything for the cross.Saint Francis was a handsome young man, son of a wealthy dealer in fine fabrics. Francis was a war hero at a very young age and very popular among the people. He went to church faithfully with his parents and followed all the customs of his day. As another war broke out Francis was sent off to battle. On his way something hit him that caused him to realize that this is not what life is really about. He came home in sort of a mesmerized state and his family treated him as if he were ill. After that, Francis spent much time in prayer and meditation.

He searched for His Savior in the depths of caves, the middle of forests and through the valleys. When he finally found his Christ he wanted to completely give up everything for Him. Finally, in a public square Francis gave to his wealthy, not-so-understanding father everything that he owned and literally stood there naked. He wanted absolutely no possessions to hinder his walk with the Lord. Shortly after, a poor man gave him a tunic to wear and Francis left the town that day with absolutely nothing. From that point on his walk with the Lord grew closer and closer. Many people came to know Jesus through his testimony and example. He never looked back, but always looked forward to what the Lord would use him for next.

I was so inspired by this story of a man giving everything up for the cross, that I could hardly believe it. Then I realized, he wasn't the first one to