I reunited with God in jail, but what I truly found there was only the beginning. In that place, He began strengthening my relationship with Him and showing me that my life could have a purpose beyond what I had known.
I was always a worrier, and the verse that pulled me in the most is Philippians 4:6–7:
Do not worry about anything, but in every situation, with prayer and supplication, let your requests be made known to God. And His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:6–7
When I was released from prison, I chose to go to New Creations, and I truly believe that God led me there. The ministry gave me the most beautiful and perfect stepping stones I needed to rebuild my life, find my footing, and learn what it meant to live through faith, love, fellowship, and accountability. The love I received there is something I believe everyone deserves to experience.
As God continued to work in me, He gave me a heart to serve. Now I try to help anyone and everyone I can, in any way I can. I don’t ever want to forget where God brought me from or take His grace for granted.
One of the greatest blessings has been seeing my whole family walking in sobriety and in the Word together. God has restored so much in our lives, and He continues to strengthen us every day.
I am not who I used to be, nor yet who I’m striving to be. I am still growing, still learning, and still being shaped by God, but today I know that He never gave up on me, and He never will. He met me in my darkest place, gave me people to walk beside me, and showed me that my past doesn’t have to define my future.
My life is a testimony of His grace, and I am so grateful for every circumstance along the way.
