# @hopewdm on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd-IetkRWsC
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/71170452-hopewdm-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/c633270753.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-10-01T23:52:22.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** HOPE (@HopeWDM) — https://gondola.cc/HopeWDM

## Caption

Before Hope, I looked for love, approval, and identity in places that could give me none—academic achievement, fitness, pageantry, relationships. I made a lot of not-so-great choices throughout my teens and early 20s and wasn’t even sure I believed in God, despite my parents faithfully taking us to Sunday school and church. Yet, in his kindness, God chased me down during and after my time at Iowa State (this was pre-Kairos, Hope’s College Ministry!). 
 
The seeds started to bloom when my cousin suggested I check out Hope during a rough patch. Before moving to Minnesota, I went to a few services and remember being captivated by the conviction in Pastor Mike’s preaching, which I now know was the Holy Spirit. 
 
When my first marriage unexpectedly fell apart, I decided to move back to Des Moines so I could attend Hope in person after listening online off and on for years. I was at a total loss and remember fully surrendering to God at that point. Little did I know, I would meet my now-husband, Jon, the first time I walked back through the doors at Hope! 
 
Over the past 10 years, my heart and life have been transformed not only by weekend services but also in ways between Sundays! I met some of my closest friends through Alpha (do it if you haven’t!). I consider my fellow Worship Team members family. And I am in awe of how God has met me in so many other ways when I just showed up—be it a class, prayer opportunity, or worship night. 
 
God has reshaped my heart and flipped any previous misconceptions about him upside down. I love hearing about people who go from not believing to putting their whole trust, hope, and life in God, because that was me. 
 
He’s always working, but in the past few years specifically, God has been talking with me about who I am and how he uniquely made me. I’ve also been discovering the beauty of depending on him for every little thing, my love of prayer, and that joy and contentment are always available to us through him. I am constantly grateful that he kept running after me so we could do life side by side.  
 
Jennifer C.
#HopeWDMStories

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## Credits

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## Tags

hopewdmstories

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