BREMEN, Ala. — Cold Springs High School’s Anna Medina is preparing to start junior year, and in this interview, she discusses her faith, starting with her decision to get baptized.
“God has meant more to me than I can even put into words. Honestly, the way He has suffocated me with joy and just so many levels of peace and comfort is so indescribable. It’s something that every human deserves to feel, and I wouldn’t have the kindness and compassion that I have if it weren’t for Him and His glory,” Medina said. “He has changed my life so much. I didn’t grow up with a strong Christian background, so I kind of had to find my faith on my own, and I had a much different path that I could have gone down. I could’ve let all that I’ve been through turn me into a completely different person, but I really just gave it all to God and fully leaned on Him, and He changed my life and my spirit for the better. I have this brightness about me now and this light. I’m honestly just overflowing with His love, and I have so much gratitude. I have received so much wisdom from His word, and it has truly been my armor and has given me so much confidence. I actually just made the decision not too long ago to get baptized on August 3rd, and I’m beyond excited.”
Anna added,
“It’s the best decision anyone could make, and I know how hard it is, especially at a young age, to have that confidence, not only in yourself, but in the future, and there’s so many what ifs. I honestly wish everyone could just feel the calmness that comes with knowing God is in control. Growing up with the security of God is something I wish I had, because the wisdom that He teaches really is the stepping stones for life. If everyone could love Jesus, there would be so much more positivity and just community. One thing I’ve really had to learn is that people are human, and they are going to mess up. People are going to hurt you, but God loves each and every one of us as His own. If I’m lucky enough to receive His love, then I can learn to forgive and love others the way Jesus loves me. I honestly think if more people thought that way, we wouldn’t feel so much negativity.”
Anna shared a Bible verse that is particularly special to her.
“One of my favorite verses is Psalms 28:7. This was my maw maw’s favorite Bible verse, and she always highlighted it in my Bibles. She recently passed away, and I was blessed to be able to just surround her with the Word of God. She really made an impact on my faith,” Medina said. “It’s never too late, and there’s never a ‘right’ time to find God. God doesn’t require perfection. We don’t need to clean ourselves to have a relationship with God. He meets us with open arms right where we’re at. God loves me the way I am, and He hears my pain and sees my imperfections and wants me to bring them to Him. Because of that, I am made new, and it’s never too late to find that, because everyone needs that comfort and love, no matter what age. There is no better way to receive it than from our Lord and Savior.”
She wants to help spread the Word of God to others and she mentioned a few of her own Godly role models that she looks up to.
“It’s so important, and honestly, there’s no higher calling. The fact that God looks at me and says I’m worthy of spreading His word and His love is the biggest blessing I will ever receive. If I can bring the presence of God to even one person, then it was worth my whole life. There is no greater joy than serving God, and why wouldn’t I want to share that? Bringing someone to God, especially someone young, will fulfill you in so many ways, and everyone is deserving of that love. It is important to spread that relationship, and share His word,” Medina said. “A few of my favorite Godly role models are my small group leader, Krystal Agee, my church friends, and definitely my grandparents. They mean the world to me. It’s really important to have someone to lean on when you are struggling, especially with faith, and to have that connection is something I’ve prayed for a long time. They keep me connected to my relationship with Jesus and just the kindness that they show inspires me every day.”
Going to church and spreading her faith through prayer has completely changed Anna’s life. She shared some advice for anyone who is either struggling or new when it comes to having a relationship with God.
“I just joined the community of my church. Going to church every week and spreading my faith through prayer has been amazing. I will say, though, I play softball, and last year, I was the only girl in my grade to get all A’s. I honestly hung onto my faith through that school year, because calling on God gave me the motivation and the drive to really just apply myself in so many ways,” she said. “Don’t give up. Faith requires setbacks and determination, and even though you may feel like everything is failing, just keep trying. Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop crying out to God, because He hears you. He left the 99 to find the one, and He seeks out the broken. You’re not alone, and He’s with you always. Find Godly friends and let go of worldly ways and desires. Surround yourself with good community, because it matters so much. Find someone you can talk to and be vulnerable with about your faith. Most of all, come to God with a pure heart. He wants you to be honest with Him. You don’t have to play a role. He knows your heart, and He loves you unconditionally.”
Anna loves praying, reading the Bible, and listening to worship music throughout the day, and she has already learned a lot during her walk with God.
“I definitely love praying and reading the Bible. I also really love listening to Christian music. I play it almost all the time, and when the world gets crazy, I just tune it out, and worship Him and call on His name for comfort,” she said. “I’ve learned that the closer you get to Jesus, the more that the devil tries to interfere. It takes strength and perseverance to trust in His plan. You can’t get through the tough times if you don’t learn to let God in and let Him have control.”
Copyright 2025 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
