Imahia

pursuits to my diverse personal experiences, has been woven together to lead me to this sacred calling. Baptized as a Southern Baptist at thirteen, my path culminated in my joyful reception into the Catholic Church on Pentecost Sunday of 2023, a day of profound homecoming. This conversion was the beautiful and long-awaited answer to a powerful call to religious life that first stirred in my heart at 19, a call I initially resisted without the necessary guidance and support, yet one that God, in His infinite patience, never allowed to fade. 

My intellectual curiosity led me to the pursue Biomedical Engineering at the University of the District of Columbia and Electrical Engineering at the Community College of Baltimore County. These fields honed my analytical and problem-solving skills, yet I have found that my heart finds its truest expression in the quiet, contemplative rhythm of creative pursuits. As a self-taught crocheter, I have discovered a form of prayer in the looping of yarn, and I am currently expanding this contemplative practice by learning the arts of quilting and embroidery. These crafts are more than hobbies; they are a way for me to connect with the long tradition of patient, prayerful work and to create beauty that reflects the divine order of creation. 

My character was forged in the unique ordeal of a military upbringing. The constant relocation inherent in the life of a military child instilled in me a deep seated resilience and an unwavering self-reliance. This nomadic lifestyle was anchored by the foundation of a traditional, God fearing household. My parents, whose values were shaped by their own upbringing in rural Georgia, imparted to me a profound respect for nature, the importance of a strong work ethic, and an unshakeable commitment to faith and family. 

As a young woman, I was drawn into the dynamic and demanding world of city life in Washington, D.C., and New York City. I pursued a career as a plus-sized model and competed in pageants, achieving a level of worldly success and recognition. However, the glamour and accolades of this life could not quiet a growing sense of emptiness within me. I came to the life altering realization that my pursuit of external validation was a hollow substitute for the one thing my soul truly desired: a simple and authentic life wholly consecrated to God. This awakening began a profound transformation. I started the process of shedding the superficial layers I had built around myself, allowing the pure and unconditional love of God to fill me and become my guide. I consciously chose to live not for the approval of others, but solely for the will of the Lord. 

This journey of surrender and trust led me to my current work as a Certified Nursing Assistant, where I have the profound privilege of serving in hospice care, the emergency department, and intensive care units. In these sacred spaces of vulnerability and transition, I connect with people on a deeply human level. Caring for the elderly and the sick, especially those who are nearing the end of their earthly lives, is a ministry of presence and compassion. Their resilience and the depth of their faith in the face of suffering are a constant source of inspiration, offering a powerful witness to the fragility and extraordinary beauty of human life. 

I am confident that the rich and varied tapestry of my life has uniquely prepared me for this vocation. My upbringing as a military child taught me adaptability and strength in the face of adversity. My experience in the fashion industry gave me a unique insight into the human search for identity and worth. Most importantly, my personal walk with Christ has been a transformative journey of dying to self and rising in Him, a journey that now inspires me to live a life of sacrificial love dedicated to the worship of God and the service of His people. I am eager to offer all that I am and all that I have learned in service to the Church.

Will you say “yes”? Help lead more young people to Christ.