“I was a stay at home mother of two, and just struggling to get by emotionally. I had a wonderful life. My husband worked full time, I was able to spend my days with my beautiful children with a roof over our heads and a kitchen full of food. We were blessed, but I was also suffering from depression and anxiety. On top of that, I felt bad that I felt bad because I had such a wonderful life! How could I complain? I knew that staying home with children was not what I was meant to do. I was meant to work, to help others, and to be part of a community. I wasn’t actively pursuing taking care of myself to meet my needs, and I was also an introvert. So, I didn’t try to get involved in anything that didn’t involve sweatpants and the comfort of my own home.
About two months into attending the Duluth Vineyard, I saw a short blurb in the program about them needing an executive administrative assistant. I nudged my husband and said, “I feel like I need to apply for this.” We talked about it later that day and he agreed that it would be a good idea. I knew we didn’t financially need this job and just lifted it up to God. If He wanted me to have this job, then he would help make it happen. I did everything in my power by applying for the position and giving my best effort in the interview. After the interview was over, I felt at peace. I knew I had done my best, and that if I didn’t get the job, then it wasn’t meant to be. The next day, I received the phone call and they were offering me the job!
I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but Jesus did. He knew that working at the Vineyard was going to open so many doors for me and my family, that the community I’d be a part of here would increase my faith, multiply my love, and help me to know him better. He knew that working at the Vineyard would gently push me out of my comfort zone into the zone Jesus knew I really needed. About two months into working for at the Vineyard, I was able to get off of my anxiety and depression medication. I prayed more often, read my bible more often, and started incorporating Jesus into our daily rhythms at home more naturally and all because I wanted to… not because I felt the obligation to do so. The Vineyard has saved me in a way I had no idea I needed saving. I’m still learning how to listen to Jesus, and to trust that he knows what is best for me. It’s hard to give up that control, but when I do, I am so happy that I did it.”
—Megan DellaRossa