WEST POINT, Ala. — West Point’s Patton Fell is preparing to start her junior in August and in this interview, she discussed some of the challenges she’s faced in her life up to this point and how her relationship with God has helped her overcome those challenges.
“Towards the end of 2022, I started to struggle with bad anxiety. I didn’t tell anyone, because I didn’t want to be a burden to others. it continued and wouldn’t quit, and I couldn’t figure out why. In the middle of 2023, I started to question my faith. I didn’t feel like I was saved, and I didn’t feel like I had a true relationship with God. I decided to stay quiet about it, because I didn’t want people to think that I was faking being a Christian. My anxiety got worse and worse, but I felt like I could get over it myself. In November of 2023, I went to church with a friend, and his dad, who was the pastor, said this: ‘You can know who Jesus is but not truly believe in Him and have a true relationship with Him’. That was an eye-opener for me, and at that point, I knew I wasn’t saved. I knew who Jesus was, because I grew up in church, but I never fully surrendered my life to Him. So, on November 15th, 2023, I gave my life to Jesus, and it was the best decision that I ever made.” Fell said. “Ever since that day, I have had a peace in my heart about things I used to stress over. I have been a much happier person, and He has delivered me from all of my shame. I am now free from sin, and I have the desire to live for the Lord. Even though I know I will still go through hard times, the Lord has proven to me that He will always be by my side and will never leave me.”
Patton took away so much from that experience. She shared some of her favorite Bible verses and has been working to help out more people who are looking to find God in their lives.
“I learned that God will never leave my side, and He will provide for me, no matter what. In times of trouble, He will always be there, and He will protect me and my walk with Him. I also learned that He would give me strength when I need it, and empower me to do things for His glory,” Fell said. “2 Timothy 1:7 says, ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.’ In times of fear, this verse helps remind me that God has given me the power to overcome fear. Also, Psalm 23 has helped me remember that the Lord will lead me and guide me. I don’t have to worry about what is around me, because He makes a way for me,” Fell said. “I try to be a light to others and share what God has shown me from the messages at church to others who need encouragement. I try to give God the glory for everything He has done for me, and I try to make others feel loved by Jesus just from being around me. I try to do what He would want me to do in different situations, so others can see that He can, and He will, change the way you walk, talk, and think.”
Patton is a part of Mission Blitz at her church and has touched so many lives during her time there. She shared some memories from her favorite mission she has participated in while working there.
“My serve group built a deck for our DMD house. The Mission Blitz experience is always so incredible. You get to fellowship with new people and make new friends that love the Lord just as much as you do. My favorite part of Mission Blitz is always the message and worship. Every year, we get to see God move in ways we wouldn’t have thought was possible. This year, I got to see two of my best friends get saved, and it was so wonderful to watch them give their life to the Lord. Knowing that I will be going to heaven with my friends makes me so happy, because not only do I get to live eternally in heaven, but they will too,” Fell said. “My favorite mission that I took part in was helping a lady clean up around her house last year at Mission Blitz. We got to sit with her and talk about what God has done for her and her family. She had a granddaughter that was in a bad wreck, and the doctors weren’t sure she would make it. Sure enough, that little girl was alive and well, and we got to meet her the day we went to help. I loved this experience, because it helped me see that God was working and is still working, not just in my life, but other people’s life too.”
Patton wants to make an impact and help as many people as she can find God in their own lives.
“I try to help my friends and their walk with God or anyone else that needs it. Doing this means so much to me, because God has given me the opportunity to shine His glory and live for Him. I love being able to help others with the power that God has given me to use for His glory. It means a lot to me, because I know that one day, as these kids grow up, they will know the Lord and have a relationship with Him. I will get to see them in heaven with me. I also love knowing that these kids will be a light for the Lord and will help give God the glory for all the things He has done in their life.”
Patton gave some advice to those people that want to have a relationship with God but don’t quite know how to do that. She talked about some great role models that she looks up to and what she has learned the most about her journey so far.
“I would first tell them that they need to realize that they are a sinner, and they need to confess their sins to God. Then, they need to believe that God sent His one and only son to die for our sins. To build a relationship with God, you have to talk to Him, read the Bible, and do the things that He has called you to do. Once you are following Jesus, He will always be there for you through your difficult times, and He will always be right beside you. My advice would be to stick as close as you can to Jesus from the moment you get saved until the end of your life. He is the only way, and He loves you so much.”
She added,
“My parents have been my biggest role models, but I’ve always looked up to Marli Powell. What I like the most about Marli is that she is always smiling, and she is so loving. She never fails to brighten up a room anytime she walks in, and you can see that Jesus is within her just by how she does things. What I’ve learned the most about my journey so far is that no matter what, you are accepted by God, and He loves you so much. He will never leave you, and He will always be there for you. He wants the best for you, and He will always provide for you. You’re not alone, no matter what circumstance you are in, and you are always protected.”
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