I grew up in a family of eight marked by chaos and brokenness. My birth parents divorced when I was very young. Later, my mom remarried my dad I grew up with and stayed with him until I turned 18. After that, she married my stepdad, with whom she was until her passing five years ago due to cancer. I’ve grown distant from most of my family over the years due to the lingering pain and unresolved issues. Despite some family members living close by, including just down the road, the emotional distance remains a challenge. As a child, I was the weaker twin and faced various physical health issues. However, what truly made my home feel broken were the constant fights, yelling, hurtful words, and a mix of emotional, mental, and occasional physical abuse. These challenges shaped my life and still linger even today, with memories reaching back years, including the difficult time five years ago.

I grew up in church, but it was in that moment that Jesus, my God, truly stepped into my life—the moment I surrendered control and let go of the fear of being abused, manipulated, disrespected, disappointed, unloved, confused, and frustrated. I had kept my guard up constantly because every time I allowed myself to feel happy, the enemy would use my own family to hurt me—through words, physical actions, and spiritual attacks. But my God is faithful. He is a merciful and gracious Father who will never leave you or forsake you. Even when it feels like He isn't there, He is. The trials we face—no matter how painful or difficult—are meant to train us, refine us, strengthen us, and mold us into who He wants us to be. Through these trials, He shows His love and calls us to choose the right path. Yet, none of us—whether Christians, family members, or friends—are perfect. We are human, and God has given us the free will to choose between good and evil. That’s why we must repent of our sins daily and strive to turn away from them. It’s not easy to do on our own, which is why we need God. We must seek Him every day through prayer, worship, fasting, and immersing ourselves in the truth of His Word—the Bible, we are never alone.

My God will redeem you! He will restore you from the inside out!

As I grew older, my mother became more physical with me, but what kept me going was the unwavering belief that one day my God would rescue me from this hell. I dreamed of finding my soulmate and starting a family of my own. Life isn't easy, but it becomes more bearable when you draw strength from the Lord—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—every single day. In life, we all have stories to tell, powerful testimonies meant to be shared in the hope of inspiring and helping others. Every challenge we face is a test and a trial, shaping us for something greater.

When I was 29 and was blessed to meet my soulmate through a mutual friend I worked with, attended church with, and even lived with for a time. From the moment me and my soulmate met, we knew we were meant to be together. Just two months into dating, he proposed, and the rest is history. Fast forward, we now have four beautiful children—a story for another time!

What I want to share with you is something deeply personal. Over many years of trials and challenges within my family, God has worked in incredible ways. He restored my relationship with two of my siblings, and I’m so grateful for the healing He brought to us. He also gave me the gift of a final mother-daughter day—a day I’ll cherish forever. On that day, my mother apologized, repented, and made peace with God. She knew Jesus most of her life, but didn't live it. I find peace knowing she is in heaven today. This experience reminds me that Jesus is the only way to eternal life. It’s not about our good deeds, or avoiding cursing, or trying to “earn” heaven. He sees our hearts, and that’s what matters most. Our heart is our home with Him. But just like a home, our hearts need constant cleaning—and sometimes, a deep clean. That process isn’t easy; it’s hard work, it’s painful, and it requires complete surrender. But God is the one who can guide us through it. His Word is the manual that shows us how. Many of the messes in our lives are too big for us to fix on our own, and we need to give them over to Him. I was terrified to try and make peace with my mom before she passed, but God told me, loud and clear, to TRUST Him. So I did—and He worked a miracle. Now, I not only have peace about my mom, but I still have two siblings I hang out with and talk to regularly. God truly can do the impossible. Even when life knocks you down, and you feel lost and broken, take His hand. He’ll lead you, comfort you, love you, and restore you. Walk with Him. Trust Him. He will never let you go.