CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman senior basketball player Rachel Hoffman is so grateful to have God in her life, and He has changed her life in so many ways.
“God means a great deal to me, because He loves me, protects me, and most importantly, He believes in me. I’ve always known God has been with me through the good times and the bad times, and He will continue to be by my side, no matter what I go through. That’s why He means so much to me. People will come and go in your life, but the one true person who stays with you until the end is God. He also means so much to me, because He forgives. He is amazing in every way, and I’m truly grateful to have Him in my life. It seems like I’ve known God my whole life, because I grew up in church. I don’t know a life without Him, because His grace, presence, and mercies have always been with me. I can’t imagine a life without knowing the goodness of God.” Hoffman said.
One of Rachel’s favorite songs is one that her mom sang to her and her other siblings when they were babies before they went to bed, and she leans on a certain Bible verse to help get her through the day.
“One of my all-time favorite songs is an old hymn called Because He Lives. My mom sang it to me and my other siblings every night before she put us to sleep when we were babies. It’s meant a lot to me, and it’s always the first song I recommend when anyone asks. A Bible verse that I love is Deuteronomy 31:6: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.’ I love this verse, because it tells me to stay strong, because God will always be by my side.” Hoffman said.
She wants to help people of all ages have a relationship with God, and being a role model for little kids in and outside of school and sports is so important to her.
“I think it’s very important. Everyone of all ages should find God at some point in their lives, and it’s also very important that we as Christians should help them. You’re never too young or too old to have a relationship with God,” Hoffman said. “Little kids look up to us all the time, and we should make sure we are setting a good example for them in and outside of school and sports. Not only can we show them kindness and love, but we can also show them how important it is to have a relationship with God. It’s always been a goal of mine to influence a boy or girl’s life by introducing them to God and teaching them how wonderful He is.”
Rachel’s Godly mission came on the basketball court, and her Godly role models have meant the world to her.
“My favorite Godly mission has been to let others see Christ through me by being an example of showing love and giving my time. I think I have used basketball as a mission field. Knowing that little girls look up to me, I tried to handle myself how Christ would want me to,” she said. “My parents have always been my biggest Godly role models. They have taught me to live a life transformed by faith in Jesus Christ and have guided me to become a Christian myself. They remind me of the little things, like saying a prayer every night before bed, reading my Bible, and being kind to others.”
She shared a very special life-changing event that she took part in when she was very young that changed not only her life but so many others as well. She used her relationship with God as a platform in school and in sports.
“One of my first life-changing events was when I got baptized at First Baptist at six years old. Even though I was young, it was still a big step in my life. By me giving my life to Christ, hopefully others will see Him through me and want to give their life to Him also. Getting baptized provides a powerful testimony that inspires and strengthens the community of believers,” she said. “In school, I choose to live my life in a way that is pleasing to Christ by glorifying Him, and it may not always be the popular opinion. In sports, before home games this past season, our team would have devotions, and pray with each other, which brought us all closer together.”
Rachel gave some advice to those people who are struggling when it comes to having a relationship with God. She has grown a lot during her walk with God, and she has taught so many different kids a lot about Jesus Christ, and that has been the biggest blessing in her life.
“My advice would be to never give up. You might have your doubts and struggles, but don’t give up, because He is listening, and He is there for you. A big part to building a relationship with God is to pray. Prayer is communication with God, and communicating with Him allows that relationship to grow over time. Just keep believing and praying, and your connection with God will be strong,” she said. “I think my relationship with God has grown over the years. Ever since I started working with kids of different ages and in different churches, I believe I’ve been able to connect with them, and teach them about God. I’ve been able to tell them how important it is to have God in their lives, and how He will always love them. Being able to teach these kids something so beautiful is so important and is such a blessing.”
She has taken away a lot during her journey so far.
“I have learned that I am not alone, and that God will always be by my side, and provide me with peace. I have learned to stay strong in both my faith and in life. I have also learned how to transform into a loving and kind character, which can help me become a better person.”
