My name is Grace and I am
a believer in Jesus Christ who struggles with anger, resentment and
bitterness. During my childhood I saw people
I loved being beaten and killed. My aunt sold me to a man for $100. I became
pregnant but had a miscarriage at 8 months.
My heart began to fill with revenge and hatred. I spoke to no one and
chose not to have friends.
I was 18 when I met my
husband a few days after our daughter was born my husband was diagnosed with
bone cancer. We were devastated. My
husband was deported to Mexico and I joined him 7 months later. We had a second
daughter. I thought things were settling down but I was wrong. We agreed to
have a gentleman come live with us as he said he was having a hard time making
ends meet. We agreed that he would pay rent to help us out. He stayed with us
for four months; when he left he still owed us some money. My husband became seriously ill and I had to
contact the man and request payment as I needed it to pay for medicine. He
agreed to pay and so I went to meet him. Upon arriving back home with my
children the police arrested me on kidnapping charges. My husband was also
charged with kidnapping. Our girls were
taken by DIF (social services) but fortunately my family was able to bring them
home and care for them. I found myself
in prison full of hatred, resentment and bitterness. I constantly had revenge
on my mind.
One day someone shared with
me about the Celebrate Recovery program offered in the prison so I decided to
join. I learned about forgiveness and I knew that I needed to forgive as God
had forgiven me but it was not easy to hear this. I don’t focus on “why did
this happen to me” anymore. I know without a doubt that God was with me through
it all. He allowed it because He has a plan and purpose for my life. He gives me the strength I need to face each
day.
Principle 8 really touched
my heart because says: "Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good
News to others, both by my example and by my words. Happy are those who are
persecuted because they do what God requires." Through this Principle I
understand that if I give my whole life to God I can be used by Him to bring
hope to all those who have gone through situations similar to mine. I'm working on surrendering my life and my
will to my Heavenly Father every day. Through Celebrate Recovery I am gaining a
deeper relationship with God and gradually my heart is being emptied of the
anger, bitterness and revenge and it’s being filled with faith, hope and love.
Now I know that God cares for me, my husband, my children and even my legal
situation, I have peace that can only come from God.
Thank you for your support
and prayers and thanks for letting me share my story with you.
God bless you.
*names have been changed
to protect their identity*
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