This month, our prayer group challenged us to share our story — to find someone and tell them why we have chosen to follow Jesus. I decided to share mine here, with all of you. On this platform, ” A Journal of Love.”
This is my story. This is why I choose to follow Jesus and refuse to compromise my faith!
In short: Because, I believe, He truly does make; “beauty from ashes. (Isaiah 61:3)”
This verse reminds me that something positive and hopeful can rise even from tragedy or pain.
A Father’s Loss and a Seed of Faith
My dad’s death had a profound impact on my life. I was only four years old — far too young to understand what death really meant, only that my Boom-Boom (that’s what I called my dad) wasn’t coming back. I remember feeling sad, confused, and angry all at once.
Growing up in a rough neighborhood, those emotions followed me. I never started fights, but somehow I always found myself in them. I was quiet and reserved, which made me an easy target, but it didn’t stop me from standing my ground. I was determined to make it home safely every day, and as a child, it often felt like I was “fighting my way home.”
In my young mind, every fight became a way of fighting the people who took my father from me — as if somehow, by pushing back, I could fix what was broken or make sense of a loss that was far too big for a little girl to carry.
I was born and raised in Chicago, spending my summers in New Orleans and Mississippi with grandparents, great-grandparents, cousins, and extended family. It was there that I began to see life through the lens of love, family, and faith.
My mom introduced me to Jesus, and together we found a church home. At the age of eleven, I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior and was baptized. I loved being part of that church family and soon I would joined the choir — my very first act of worship in community.
Young Love and Growing Pains
As a teenager, life began to unfold quickly. I started dating in high school and had three boyfriends (over the years) — the third of whom would eventually become my husband. I was sixteen when we met, he was seventeen, and I fell hard and fast.
In that season, We got pregnant (My boyfriend/soon to be husband and I) – and choices were made that I later wished I could take back! I carried shame for a while, as a result of that decision. But even then, God was writing redemption into our story.
We got married young, and those early years were not easy. But everything Changed when we decided to put God first.
Rededication and Renewal
In my early twenties, I rededicated my life to the Lord — and that changed everything (Romans 10:9). From that point forward, I made a commitment to love, serve, and obey His Word.
I began studying Scripture, spending intentional time in His presence, and building a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. He became my everything — my healer, my hope, and my very best friend.
As my faith grew, so did my desire to share it. I started by writing letters to friends and family. Those letters eventually became this blog — “A Journal of Love” — a space where I could encourage others through words of faith and hope.
Ministry Through Music and Writing
My passion for the Word led to writing a book and releasing a music CD — both titled “Near the Cross.” Each project reflected my love for Jesus and my longing to share His message with others.
Over the years, God opened doors I could have never imagined. I’ve had opportunities to share my testimony and minister in song around the world. I’ve met incredible people who share my heart for Kingdom impact — fellow believers dedicated to seeing lives changed by the power of God.
My prayer is that every song I sing, every word I write, and every message I share will be rooted in Scripture and inspired by the Holy Spirit — all for His glory.
My Daily Choice
Today, my life is anchored in the choices I make every day:
- I choose joy instead of sorrow. (Psalm 30:11)
- I choose faith — “to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)”
- I choose relationship over religion. (John 15:4)
- I choose to worship Jesus in “Spirit and in Truth! (John 4:23-24)”
- And, lastly – I choose to love Jesus, my husband, our family, and the beautiful friends He’s placed in my life.
God has taken the ashes of my early pain and turned them into a story of grace, love, and purpose. And I’m still in awe of what He continues to do. I am inspired to write and to point people towards Christ.
This is my testimony! This is His story — written through my life. And, To God be the glory!
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