This is a message that I am happy to share with all of you for a couple of reasons. Sharing the good news of Christ is something that we as Christians should be doing frequently, especially in this day and time, and with everything that is happening in the world around us. Other people sharing what God has done in their lives is one of the reasons that I am in the position to talk to you about His amazing love, and forgiveness. Without hearing their stories, I don’t know that I would have sought out the intimate relationship that I have with Him today.

1 Chronicles 16:8 “Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.”

A lot of people know my story of how I was rescued from more than 22 years of active addiction, as well as the anger, hatred, guilt, and shame that came with it. In early recovery, I always heard the saying that if I wanted to continue being sober that I had to share my experience with others. Well, I think that the same goes for being a Christian. If I want to continue living in God’s will, I need to testify about what He has done, and is doing in my life.

Daniel 4:2 “ It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.”

If I am being totally transparent, when I first started sharing my story, it was for selfish reasons. I liked hearing about how good others thought that I was doing. It was more about me, and less about Him. That was before I found salvation, and the absolute peace that I have found in Christ. It is no longer about who I am. It’s who He is! And now I believe that it is my life’s mission to tell others about God’s grace, and love.

Psalm 107:2 “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble”

I have been through a lot in my lifetime. I spent many years running from my past failures, and mistakes. It took me up until 2 years ago to realize that God wasn’t waiting to condemn me for my sins. He was there with open arms waiting for me to ask Him for forgiveness. I found freedom in one of the least likely places that I can think of. He met me while on my knees on the bathroom floor of my mom’s apartment. My circumstances haven’t changed, but I did. I am content with the life that He has given me. Everything that I have been through, including the deaths of my son and daughter is

part of my testimony. I had to go through what I went through to get me to where I am today, and to bring God the glory. Sharing my experiences has allowed me to shed burdens that I didn’t even know that I was carrying.

Mark 5:19 “Jesus… said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

This has gone in a completely different direction than I planned for it to. But I prayed for guidance, and this is where it ended up. If you are reading this, and you don’t know God, I invite you to get to know Him. Regardless of the situation, He is waiting for you with open arms. I don’t care what you have done, nothing can separate you from His forgiveness and mercy. All you have to do is ask. He loves you so much!