On Eagles Wings - Ron Hutchcraft Ministries

I hid a lot of what I’ve been through because I grew up in a Christian family. My mom raised me in the church when I was younger, and I thought, “Oh, I know Jesus.  I know who this guy is. I can just believe in Him and that would be fine.” But I wasn’t sure of what direction I was going.

When I was in middle school, I was challenged a lot with my traditional beliefs. I had a puberty ceremony done on me, and I went through the whole deal of talking to the gods of this world and trying to get those blessings upon me. I was searching for something more, so my mom allowed me to search my own ways.

I had friends, who were into the Native American church, and she allowed me to go see these ceremonies done and see what they’re all about, but I could not find anything more than what I was raised in. I was partying and doing stuff behind my mom’s back. It hurt me a lot to lie to her face about what I was doing, then go to church on Sunday and play that little “I’m the good Christian girl.” I was lying to myself over all.

When I went to Warrior Leadership Summit, they challenged me to actually tell my story; to stop living that lie—that double-sided life. They made me want to change and to actually challenge my belief in God and what He actually means to me.

God has blessed me tremendously! I go to a Christian university and it’s mind-blowing that I can actually be there from a little reservation to living in the city and at a university.  I was a slacker in high school and I ‘ditched’ a lot. But I came through it and God has helped me this far, and I think He could help you.

God has changed my heart. I had a lot of judgment of people, and now I see everybody needs love. When I see homeless people, or when I see people who are living in poverty, I used to think, “Oh, I’m better than that. I at least have clothes on my back”, or “I can afford a new pair of shoes.” But now I think, “I love you all the same.” God has made me more compassionate. He has taught me grace, and He has given me His mercy.  It’s just amazing and unexplainable how He provides for me. As for the future, I think I’ll be going back to my reservation to do youth ministry or work in Christian radio.