Life was great for me. I grew up in the perfect family and had no need for God, even though I grew up in the church. When I was ten I went to church camp just like every year, but somehow I knew it would be different. I grew up singing in church and one day my mom, who also sings, and I clashed over something. I ran off crying because I knew the fight between my mom and I was really between me and God. I began crying out to God and my music minister, Henry, heard me. He came over and helped me through the questions and doubts. After about an hour in 100 degree heat, I prayed at Camp Lela to receive Christ as my Savior. I agreed to give my life to him but I still struggle with it. I’m not perfect, although I try to be. But I have a hope that no one can take away from me.

I’m in college now. Everything is different than it was just six months ago. I began freefalling this summer into God’s arms. I’ve learned to trust God no matter what. After all, he’s the one who keeps this stinkin universe spinning! Who am I to question him? I worship God not because I have had a perfectly peachy life. Believe me, it’s quite the opposite. At age 13, I was called to the music ministry. I still don’t know where that is going. The next summer my perfect world fell apart. Here’s the story:

After my 8th grade graduation (which is a big deal in my town), my mom approached me before softball practice and told me that my dad wouldn’t be living with us for a while. I never had tested my faith before. Never had a reason to. My dad had cheated on my mom with at least 13 other MEN. Talk about a bombshell. I GREW UP IN CHURCH!!!!! What was happening to my life?

Fast forward two years….

My junior prom was gonna be awesome! My parents were working things out and God had been so good to us. I had the most beautiful dress that my aunt was making. My mom and I decided to meet her in OKC. (she was from dallas). We were in Hancock Fabrics in Norman getting the last little detail for the perfect dress for the perfect night, in exactly one week!! Oh I couldn’t wait! Then the phone call from my dad… my 22 year old brother had a stroke. WHAT?!! Old people have strokes! Not Twenty somethings!! My mom was a wreck and so was I. The ride to Tulsa on I 44 was the longest hour and fifteen minutes of my life (yes, we were speeding.. bad.). I sat in that hospital for over thirty hours not knowing if I would be an only child the next day.

After all I have been through, I can only give the glory to God. My brother still struggles and is forever altered. He’ll never lead a normal life and will never leave my parents house. The hardest part of it all? Signing legal papers this past summer stating that when parents can no longer care for my brother, I will be the primary care giver. I love my God, not because he’s made my life easy, but because he has shown me the way out when there wasn’t one. He has seen and wiped away every single tear. He never abandons me. Even when things went wrong, he was right there reminding me that he still holds me. I hope that whoever reads this won’t remember that I had a good story, but that you’ll see that no matter what life and Satan throw at you, God is there protecting you. He is STILL on the throne, no matter what. I don’t know where I would be without my God. I have this unexplainable love and passion for the one who gave His life for me once and would do it all over again… What more could you ask for?

1. Tyler Says:
   April 12th, 2009 at 8:36 pm

   I’ve recently become a Christian (Jan 25 2009), and I was just baptised today. Lately I’ve been trying to set an example for my non-christian girlfriend, and today I got her (and some friends) to come to my church to watch my baptism. Anyway, I’ve been trying to share my testimony with her and I finally just laid it all out today, and I think I’m actually getting somewhere. Your story inspired me further with the great faith you’ve shown in the trials you went through. Since Christ entered my life, it has been incredible.

2. Naquan Says:
   June 22nd, 2009 at 3:02 pm

   Praise to God. I pray that as God continues to reveal himself to you and show you the path He’ll have you to walk…that others (including your girlfriend) will see the Christ in you and want to be saved as well. I pray for your strength. Praise God for salvation and for new life. Welcome to the Body of Christ my brother.