Testimony Monday

My name is Desiree and I have always believed in God. As a child, I occasionally went to church with cousins. Since my teenage years I struggled with depression, anxiety, and had extremely low self-esteem. I was trying to fill voids with drugs, alcohol, and men. At my lowest point, I contemplated ending my life and was hospitalized for attempted suicide at age 19. I was given a Joyce Meyer devotional while I was in treatment and I was so excited to share with others how loved they were by God; however, I still struggled to believe it for myself.

At 21, I discovered I was 11 weeks pregnant and coming out of an abusive relationship. It was then that I decided that I could no longer live the way I had been. I found the closest church to my house and sat in the front row and wept the entire service. God showed me a clear timeline of how He has carried me through my darkest times and I could feel the chains of my past starting to break. I gave myself permission to let go of the shame and allowed room for God’s love. Jeremiah 29:11 has continued to be my mantra since I have been saved that day I cried in the front row.

My testimony is a constant reminder of how merciful God is and how He takes what was meant to harm us and uses it for our good. I continue to have days when I struggle emotionally but I know I have a Father who listens and I have surrounded myself with believers who are supportive prayer warriors. My daughter is 6 years old, healthy, and knows/believes she is loved by God. I could not ask for anything more and am blessed to be alive to share my story with others.