I grew up with very little exposure to religion. I attended a Christian Science church for a year or so but don’t have recollection of what was taught. The idea of organized religion was a turn off. My God was money and things. The mention of God, Jesus, church and the Bible made me want to run and hide. Who is God and what can He do for me? The Bible, sure I’ve seen them in hotel rooms and have heard a few stories about Moses and a burning bush… But how can that help me? And Christ, something about dying for our sins. Huh?

Going through life without a spiritual connection can eventually take a heavy toll when things get tough. I have gone through some major storms in my life with the past five years being the toughest yet. I’ve been through three divorces, addiction, custody battles, family splits, financial devastation and recently the loss of a beloved friend to suicide. This is more than a human can handle without the reliance on God. I didn’t know it was possible to have a relationship with Christ and that I could call on Him in every time of need and He would be there. People don’t have the capacity to do that. They will eventually let you down. Though not always intentionally, it will happen. God will never let you down.

There was a time in 2003 I experienced some low points and had feelings of not wanting to live. I knew these thoughts could lead me away from my sobriety and I finally had the tools I needed to not slip into old habits. I had learned to call on friends for support. I connected with an old friend who became my coach. We formed a strong committed bond and met every Tuesday for over two years. This man was a blessing to me as we worked not only on my recovery but my spiritual walk. He introduced and led me to Christ as I know Him today. My coach found a way to enlighten me like no one has ever done before. He took the religion out of the equation and taught me the gospel straight from the Bible. I learned that Christ did not come here to teach religion but to teach us to love one another. Religion is man-made and creates separation and a “my religion is better than yours” attitude towards it.

I was baptized in 2003 and began absorbing the written word in the bible. I thirsted for His word and sought to find healing in Christian based self-help books, worshipping through song, and attending scripture based seminars and workshops. I found the answers to every life struggle are in the Bible and can be applied to live your life in truth. Friends who knew me back in high school have a hard time grasping my transformation twenty years later. I’m usually met with shock that I am the person I am today. Quite frankly I am shocked too but know all things are possible through Christ. My priorities today are God, Family and Friends!!! Through my continuous study of the Bible with the guidance of several well-known teachers, my life continues to be enriched beyond measure. Well, today and everyday I put on my armor equipped with the helmet of salvation, the shoes of peace, a belt of truth, an invisible breastplate and shield that repels attack from the enemy and a double edge sword of God’s promised word that is the truth and the truth will set you free.