We got married in September 2008, very young at 19 and 23, and as two very broken people. In August of 2020 we experienced one of the most heartbreaking devastations of our lives. It was one of the hardest, darkest times we’d ever been through.

The ONLY thing that kept us from ending it all was our faith in Jesus. It’s like He had been building us up and preparing us because He knew what was about to happen. God’s faithfulness always makes a way.

He was faithful when we were not. He carried our brokenness. But He could not have done that if we didn’t hang on.

We would not be a living testimony of his incomprehensible faithfulness if we had quit. We would never have experienced all that God blessed us with after our devastation. We wouldn’t have had the blessing of our 4th baby, and we would not have experienced the new level of intimacy with each other and with the Holy Spirit that we are experiencing now. The Lord heard our cry, and He is redeeming every tear. We just celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary with a magical vow renewal. We believe this is just the beginning of all God wants to do in our lives. “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.” (Psalm 107:2)

The movie started, and to my great surprise it was Spider-Man. Over and over the message seemed to be directed right at me: the theme that sometimes even the best heroes need a little help. As a single mom, that hit me so hard I felt tears forming. I was tough as nails; a single mom who was doing just fine on her own, thank you very much.

I did not get emotional, especially not because of church. So, I crossed my arms tighter and pushed it all down. Then came the final knock-out blow. The only bible story I’d always liked is the woman at the well. I related to it, and it was one I got. I understood that thirst for more, always looking for a way for your cup to be filled. I had spent a lifetime trying to fill it with all the wrong things.

I was always still thirsty, so, of course, what does Pastor Daniel reference? That exact verse. The Lord refused to let me fight it any further. Tears streamed down my face and I surrendered. “Fine, you win God. I’m listening.” And the prayer that came next: Did I need Him? Yes, I did. I wanted Him to quench my thirst. I didn’t want to be alone anymore. I wanted His love. I wanted that relationship. I wanted more. I wanted it all. I was thirsty and I needed everything I did growth track. I was baptized. I joined a small group, and made friends that really saw me, with all my flaws and sins and questions.

They were patient and loving and so kind. My son began going to Kidspoint and attended Kids Conference this summer. Lifepoint has changed my life. I don’t remember who I was before this, or why lever fought so hard to avoid this. I am happier and healthier than I’ve ever been. I am whole again. I found the things I didn’t even know I needed.

I experienced panic attacks that were all consuming, I couldn’t sleep because even when I did fall asleep my dreams were filled with nightmares. During the day it was all I could do to hold my head up…I was choosing to take steps of bold obedience, and here I was barely even able to function.

During Revival Nights, a staff member prayed for the peace which passes all understanding to cover me. He spoke of all the wonderful things God has done to fill my heart and mind again, and together we spoke the name of Jesus over and over and over. The peace and rest which came upon me was indescribable! Since then I’ve been walking with such joy, such renewed hope knowing that He is indeed taking me to new levels of growth in my walk!

The feeling of freedom from the torment is so amazing! The name of Jesus is more powerful than anything. As scripture says, “Whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”