By Cameron Seawright, Connectional YPD Affiliated Groups Chairperson
Why Me?
By Cameron Seawright, Connectional YPD Affiliated Groups Chairperson
During my elementary and middle school years, growing up different and set apart from my peers brought a lot of isolation, bullying, and anxiety. I often asked God and myself a question, “Why me? Why do I have to be the one who is bullied, treated less than, and, most importantly, left out of some things that came with school and social activities?”A few weeks ago, I was privileged to be a panelist on 16th Episcopal District’s webinar. Bishop Marvin Zanders, the Presiding Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District, entitled discussion “Why Me?”
At the Northwest Alabama Young People’s Division (YPD) Conference meeting in December 2017, I told myConference YPD Director of my desire to run for Connectional YPD Worship Director for the 2019-2023 quadrennial year. After sharing with her, I prayed about it, talked with others, and received support every step of the way.
In July 2019, I lost the election. The loss was my first loss at anything, and knowing the entire African Methodist Episcopal Church witnessed my loss did not help me at all. During my season of grief, in my own way, I left the AME Church temporarily. I did not attend Annual Conference or Connectional meetings and did not participate at my local church. From July to December 2019, I went through a mild depression. My grade point average (GPA) fell. I gained over 20 pounds. I lost sight of God and the church. Why me?
My maternal grandma, Episcopal Supervisor Sherita Moon Seawright, kept telling me that, “Everybody is happy winning, but the challenge is how you react when you lose!” I did not appreciate her remarks, but she was right on point. I slowly embraced the fact that God took me through a season of grief and wilderness to get me ready for betterdays.
When I decided to attend a college in Columbia, South Carolina, I told God and my family I was going to leave theAME Church, step down from my Connectional position, and join a church I often attended while visiting South Carolina. Because I was only thinking about myself, I was ready to let go of my gifts, settle for less, and, most importantly, have my life go down the drain slowly. Why me?
While making my transition from Alabama to South Carolina, Pastor James W. Dennis, III, heard I was moving to Columbia. He met with me and invited me to join the staff at Pine Grove AME Church. For me, this was an opportunity to start fresh. Why me?
During the 16th District webinar, the moderator asked a question, “Do you feel like this is your purpose?” Well, after being bullied, embarrassed in front of mentors, peers, and family members, after going through a cycle of depression, and after experiencing church hurt, I made a choice to dedicate the time and effort to becoming the best version of myself. As a result, I found my purpose: to empower and encourage others to let their light shine; to preach and motivate my peers. I am convinced that if we are still alive, then God has more in store for us.
On July 4, 2021, Pastor Dennis introduced me to the Pine Grove AME Church family as the College MinistryCoordinator. On that day, I started walking in my purpose. On September 12, 2021, I launched Pine Grove’s first College Ministry service entitled “The Virtual Experience.” This worship service, aimed to attract college students, aired on Pine Grove’s YouTube channel.
Why me? I was born to a single mother. My father did not go past the 10th grade. My half-sister did not attend school beyond the 11th grade. Why me? I had a 1.0 GPA one semester that turned into a 3.0 GPA the next semester.Why me? After getting accepted into seven colleges, the college I chose, Benedict College, gave me a $5,000scholarship and a $12,000 grant.
Why me? Let me rephrase the question, “Why not me?” I am grateful and humbled that God chose me and gifted me with the skills to lead my peers. God chose me to empower others to do better, achieve every goal, jump over every obstacle, and fight every demon that comes against my life, health, and mind. I am glad God chose me!
