eNewsletter 07-21-10 What A Life Change!

Published on July 21, 2010 by TBC eNewsletter

What A Life Change!

Just a couple of weeks ago, we enjoyed  the first of our two summer baptisms. Our lakeside baptisms are one among everyone's "favorite" events of our year -- lots of folks, lots of food, lots of fun and family time, and true stories of lives changed. As each person goes down into the water, his or her "how I came to Christ" story is read aloud. What a variety of ways the Lord uses to draw people to Himself! This past month, one of those stories was especially poignant. We'll let you hear the story from Teresa Brown herself . . .

Interestingly enough--in view of what followed--I grew up going to church, and my Mom married a man who was a part-time pastor at a local church. But even so, I never really understood or knew who the person "God" was. I knew He loved me and died for me, but that was as far as I got.

In college, I had four good friends. Two decided to become Christians and joined Campus Crusade for Christ. But my other friend and I went the opposite direction. I remember having a desire to go the way of Christ, but thinking that if I did, I wouldn't be able to go out and party and have fun. That was the beginning of my end. I partied my college life away with drugs, alcohol and sex. I had major Dad issues and anger was a part of my everyday routine.  Life continued down this destructive path for me. All the while, I heard my Mother trying to tell me to talk with God, but I didn't pay attention to her.

By age 31, I was into my third marriage--obviously, I was looking for something to fill the hole in my heart--and I had an 8-month old daughter. My husband lost his third job and moved away to take yet another job. In this other city, he forgot his wedding vows. When I discovered it, I hit rock bottom in my life.

I was alone in Atlanta, Georgia, with no family, a huge job and a one-year old daughter. I moved into an apartment with my dog and my daughter, opened up my phone book and let my finger fall on a church in my area. I went, and it was here that I finally put my trust in God. What was going to happen with my marriage? I did not want to get divorced, but my husband continued to violate my trust and our vows. I was stuck. Someone said, "Why don't you ask the church to pray about your situation?" I was like "You're kidding, right? Why would I want anyone else involved in this mess, and what could prayer do anyway?" But I asked anyway. Within two weeks I received a letter, and I had my answer--not at all the answer that I wanted, but it was God answering my prayer. Wow!

But my life continued to crumble as I tried to manage my huge job, barely, and a child in a big city. God was gracious, and I was laid off at the same time my apartment lease was running out. So I packed up and moved home. I was a mess. I found a job and started attending church, finalized the divorce and started a new life. But this time, I was doing it differently. God was going to be a part of my life and whoever was in my life had better be willing to go on this journey with me or they weren't going to be a part of my life. I turned everything over to God. I asked Him to give me grace and forgive me for not trusting in Him. I asked for His guidance and wisdom in all I did. Most of all, I asked Him into my life as my Savior. Oh how wonderful that was! I remember having lunch with a friend who was a Christian woman. She had this "peace" about her and I thought "I want that" and "that" was her peace coming from knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. Whatever I had to do I was going to have this peace in my life.
 
I do have this peace in my life today. I trust God, although I often try to take back the controls, and of course that is when my life gets messed up. But now I can recognize when this happens, and I quickly step back. I am no longer angry like I used to be. My Dad and I have healed our relationship and are very close. I can now call my mom and have normal conversations instead of crisis calls.

I want the world to know how much I love this God that has saved my soul and given me the whole world through Him. I still have so much to learn, but I know He is with me always. Now God has blessed me with a wonderful Christian man who is the best father to my daughter that any woman could ask for. God blesses my family each and every day. I never feel as if I am doing enough to say 'thank you, God' for all He has brought to my life. Without Him, I truly don't know where I would be today. God is so good.


What a story of a life that’s been transformed because of Christ!  You’ll want to mark your calendar for August 22nd at 6:00 p.m. – and come prepared to hear other great stories that’ll have you saying, “Thank you, Lord, for your amazing grace and for individuals who respond to You.”