I was six years old the first time I attended Sunday school, however I'd always had an awareness of God. I didn't know who He was but I knew that there was something that protected me.

The early years of my life were turbulent. My father was an alcoholic and drug addict. My parents and I moved often. There were times of extreme poverty and homelessness when we'd stay in campgrounds in a tent. My father took me into dangerous situations. Yet I was never harmed. When I was around five, Christians from a local church in Folly Beach, SC heard about our little family and began to care for us. They brought holiday meals and gifts at Christmas time. They showed the love of Jesus to us and my mother responded. She became a Christian, and our life greatly improved.

My parents separated and divorced a few years later. Shortly thereafter my dad was finally able to find sobriety. He worked hard and became successful. Before long he had his own business and home. My younger brothers and I would see him on the weekends and sometimes he'd take us on special holidays.

I grew in the church. I considered myself a Christian, but I could not say that I was actively pursuing God. All along the way there were Christian men and women who believed in me and poured into my life. I was eighteen when I began passionately seeking the Lord.

In May of 1997 my father took his own life. My own life fractured and fell apart. I was angry and heart-broken. God became the focus of my anger and hurt. I did all I could to kick and push Him away, I drank heavily and was involved in an unhealthy relationship. Only God would not let me go. May 5, 1998 I came to church after I'd been drinking. As I stood while the congregation was worshipping, God allowed me to feel His heartache for me. The pain was horrible. I cried and asked for His help. It took a little while, but I turned back to the face of my Jesus. There was no looking back.

God has done amazing things in my life. I've received healing, revelations, and many, many blessings. I can hardly believe Father God's love and grace as I learn more about His nature and character. I am humbled that He has chosen me and will use me. I am humbled by His forgiveness of my sin.

God once whispered to my heart "rejoice as the story unfolds". The next chapter of my life is beginning to unfold and I am so thankful that you are a part of my story. Will you rejoice with me?!