I grew up going to Catholic and Protestant churches and observed a lot of hypocrisy among people of faith - including my own family. I got into a lot of trouble as a teenager. I rebelled and wanted everyone to know that I used drugs and alcohol. I loved all the attention I got from my peers.

However, I always knew I wanted more out of life. I became pregnant at age 17 and this rocked my world. In a way, it saved me, because I wanted to be a "good person" for my child. I started to achieve, becoming president of my school's student body, being nominated for prom queen and graduating with highest honors. I also received scholarships and many colleges wanted me to go their school.

I felt good about all the accomplishments, but I still longed for truth and for God. I went to different churches, including the Jehovah's Witness, and allowed members to teach me about God. At this point, however, things were getting worse in my life. I was hitting rock bottom emotionally. I remember crying myself to sleep, asking, "Where are you, God? Is this it? Please help me find you."

At the age of 20, I was at a courthouse in Fullerton when a woman named Tequila Cortez approached me with an invitation to her church. I told her "thank you, maybe I will go." I thought of attending this church service, but I lost the invite and we had not exchanged phone numbers. However, Tequila had planted a seed, and God was making it grow.

Two years later, when I was 22, my sister became a disciple of Jesus Christ and I noticed a genuine change in her. She invited me to a Women's Day event hosted by the Orange County Church of Christ. I was reluctant to go, but I did. I was truly inspired that day. I knew I had found something great ... something real ... something that I never experienced before despite numerous church experiences: I felt God's presence.

I knew that this is what I was looking for, so I asked my sisters' friend how I could become part of this church. We studied the Bible together, applying the Scriptures to my life. And on Dec. 6, 1998, I submitted myself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Then, at a church service, I saw Tequila Cortez - the Christian who had invited me to church in that courthouse two years earlier - and I realized that God had truly heard my cry for help. I am grateful for all the women who have taught me the Bible and how to follow Jesus Christ and who have been in my life throughout the years. They have helped me to become the woman of God that I am today.