But we had to celebrate and be happy, because your brother was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.
[ Luke 15:32 (GNT)]
Mary Jo says:
My story begins years ago when I first began struggling with being Bipolar. I fell away from God and into a life of terrible sin. I knew I was doing wrong, but could not turn from the temptations that stood before me. Eventually, I found myself on an ER gurney, waiting for admittance to another psychiatric unit. My perspective on life drastically changed.
It was decided I would go home to Iowa and stay with my Dad and stepmother, Barb, while I worked to regain stability. Shortly after my arrival, I popped in the Gaither Vocal Band Reunion DVDs Dad gave me. I found myself in tears at the Vocal Band member’s testimonies. It grabbed my heart and made me take a good look at what had become my life. I realized the downhill spiral that awaited me if I continued living the life I’d been living. Watching the performances and watching as the men bared their souls made me want a personal relationship with God.
One early morning I was walking through my church’s sanctuary. I had just finished cleaning the prayer room. “Gentle Sheppard” began playing on my mp3 player and I was lightly singing the words. Half way up the aisle Gloria Gaither began praying in the middle of the song. Something told me to stop and I looked down at the pew I was standing next to. With my finger I began tracing the carving of the cross on the end of the pew. “If only you could help or want me God”, I thought to myself. That was all He needed to hear! At that exact moment I felt two of the strongest, yet most gentle arms embrace me. I began sobbing. With every tear that fell, more pain, anguish, shame, guilt and fear left my body.
Eventually my sobs quieted and then I felt something guide me to look at the simple red banner that hangs above the sanctuary entrance. Through tear filled eyes I made out the words, “Those Who Walk With God Always Reach Their Destination.” I’d found my way back to God. He touched me. He showed me that He loved me no matter what I had done. Daddy’s little girl came back to the Father.
The following days were so full of energy. A sudden urge to read Scripture was upon my heart. I began writing Christian poetry again. I was drawn to Christian radio and television programs, as well as all Gaither Homecoming DVDs or tapes I could find. The church gifted me a large print study bible and Pastor Bailey opened his personal library to me. I devoured book after book. I wanted to know all I could find out about God, The Holy Spirit and The Lord, my Savior Jesus Christ.
Easter Sunday I joined the church. I spoke my statements of faith with my Dad, in his choir robe, standing next to Barb. Easter Sunday was the perfect day for me to join since it was the official beginning in my new life. A new life of being dedicated to serving God had begun. As we finished with the profession of faith, Pastor Bailey instructed us to take our seats. When I took a step down off the altar I had to look up. There before me, hung the banner and the words I will never forget, “Those Who Walk with God Always Reach Their Destination”. It cemented that through all walks in life we MUST have God with us.
I’ve discovered that no matter what you have done, you are still a child of God. He loves you. I have spent years searching in all the wrong places for true love. It’s funny; I left Iowa searching for myself, trying to find me. And, it was when I returned to Iowa that I not only found myself; but also the personal relationship with God I’d always craved. I was home! I have found Him.
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Circle of Prayer
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Story posted on Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 and is filed under Sadness, God's Love, Your Stories, Struggles, Overcoming sin. | No Comments »
I spent 20 odd years on and off the streets, in numerous addictions, and a continual victim of domestic violence, co-dependency, and in sexual immorality. Through it all I always heard from others about how strong I must be to survive all the things I have survived. Two years ago I was broken in every sense of the word. I rededicated my life to Christ and Thanks to Him, I have overcome all that afflicted my being.