"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." (Colossians 3:17, NASB) Although Tara Dawn Christensen has not always been called to what other people would consider "ministry," she has attempted to do whatever she does in the name of Jesus. At the age of five, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord.
Throughout middle school, high school, and college, God gave her the strength to reject some of the temptations of society, such as alcohol, drugs, and premarital sex. Many times, Tara felt that because she did not have a "story," like so many who share in the church or school settings, that God could not minister through her. After all, Tara had been a pretty "good girl." She never rebelled against God or her parents. She didn't have a radical story of God's saving grace from alcoholism, drug addiction, or a gang lifestyle.
This is not to say that Tara and her parents did not have their share of disagreements, but she never turned her back on them or on God. One day, as she and her mom had one of their "girl talks," Tara told her mom she was concerned about whether she could be used by God. Her mother said, "Tara, your story is about God's faithfulness and keeping power. There are many people with a different story to tell, which reaches out to others in similar situations, but your testimony is important as well because it encourages youth who may think they are the only ones in the world trying to live for Christ. You can challenge them to take a bold stand for Jesus and not to succumb to the pressures of the world." From that day on, Tara's perspective changed, and she realized that God has a special calling not only on her life, but also on the lives of every person who seeks Him. Whatever God calls us to do and whatever life we have lived to this point, it can and will be used for Christ, if we let Him.