4695 Lexington Turnpike, Amherst VA

Today, my daughter and I set out on a journey that led us down the winding roads of the Virginia hills, and our destination was Midway Baptist Church, the 123rd church on this walk of faith to visit every church in my city.

The drive itself was a worship service, as we alternated songs of praise in the car, she picked one, I picked one… and tears streamed down her face as the lyrics spoke to her heart. It was in that moment the Holy Spirit reminded me, we are the church. Whether in the car, in a sanctuary, or on a quiet road, His presence fills the space where His people worship.

When we arrived at Midway, we were greeted as family, hugs, smiles, handshakes, and warmth from every person we encountered. This is not a large congregation, but it is a mighty one, full of love, joy, and the presence of Jesus.

I was reminded again that the size of a church doesn’t determine its strength, faithfulness does.

The service began with worship that felt both simple and holy. A gentleman lifted up his guitar and led us in hymns with a sweet bluegrass sound that stirred my soul.

The congregation sang with sincerity, and I joined them, my voice blending into the chorus of praise.

Children laughed and ran around the sanctuary, their joy filling the room like little echoes of heaven. Soon, they gathered at the front for a children’s message, bringing their coin offerings with tiny hands and open hearts. Sitting together in a circle, they learned about sacrifice and the importance of following Jesus. My heart ached that I didn’t have coins in my pocket to join them, but my spirit was full just watching their innocence and joy.

This church family is also deeply rooted in mission, they are collecting donations for Park View Community Mission and filling their wonderful blessing box to care for neighbors in need. That’s what church is all about, loving God and loving people.

Then came the sermon, and Pastor Todd delivered a message I will never forget.

He spoke on the cost of discipleship. With passion and conviction, he reminded us that following Jesus was never easy, not in the days of the early church, not today. In the Bible, following Jesus meant leaving everything behind, and the truth is, it still does. There is always a cost.

Pastor Todd told a story from his childhood, when he had saved for months to buy a Swatch watch. But when he finally made it to the counter at Belk, he didn’t have enough, he hadn’t counted the cost. He tied that childhood moment to the words of Jesus, have we counted the cost of following Him?

Jesus said plainly that the road is narrow, that discipleship means taking up our cross, that we must be willing to lose the world to gain Him.

And Pastor Todd pressed the question into our hearts… are we willing?

Are we willing to pay the price?

Are we willing to give up comfort, popularity, pride, and self for the sake of Christ?

Then he said something that struck me deeply, “Cheap grace is no grace at all.” Those words sat heavy in my spirit.

The truth is, discipleship will cost us something, sometimes everything, but what we gain in Christ is worth everything. Jesus is worth everything.

As I sat there in church this morning, I thought of my own life, the years of abuse, the scars, the broken places that almost destroyed me. And yet here I was, alive, redeemed, breathing, worshiping.

The cost has been heavy at times, but the reward, this nearness to Jesus, this new life, this journey of healing makes every sacrifice worth it. God has taken my brokenness and turned it into testimony. Every scar has become an altar of praise. Every tear has watered the soil where His grace grows.

Discipleship is not about numbers, appearances, or performance. It’s not about who follows us online, how big our platform is, or how polished we appear to be. Jesus is not looking at our image; He is searching our hearts. And His call to us is clear, follow Me.

I left Midway Baptist Church with new friends and family and gratitude in my heart. For the hugs, the kindness, the prayers, and the reminder that though discipleship costs much, the reward is everything. Thank you, Midway Baptist Church, for being a place of love, of truth, and of grace.

This visit will stay with me, and I encourage everyone to experience this beautiful family of faith. I cannot wait to see where the Holy Spirit leads me next, but I know this, God is healing me, shaping me, and using even the darkest parts of my story for His glory!