I was very blessed to have grown up in a Christian home. My parents saw to it that whenever the doors of the church were open, my sister and I were there.

One Sunday morning when I was 10 years old, I remember sitting in the service. I can’t recall what the message was about, but I clearly recall the pastor saying “It is not enough to be a good person, to enter the kingdom of God, you must be a forgiven person.” Having grown up in a Baptist church, I am certain that I had heard that sentiment expressed dozens of times, but for some reason, that was the first time I really listened to it. I knew without a doubt that God was speaking to me. As I pondered the pastor’s words, I asked my mother what it meant to be forgiven. She shared God’s plan with me, and I prayed a simple prayer giving my heart to Christ.

Since that day, I have found a purpose and a peace that sustains me. I wish that I could say my path has always been a straight one, but the times are many that I chose to walk my own way. But God has always been there with open arms, welcoming me back. He has been a constant companion: a source of comfort through the deaths of my parents, a source of encouragement through the bad, and a source of joy through the good.

What a joy to know that the Lord of the universe loves me! The good news is, He loves you, too!