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...THE LORD JESUS CHRIST WALKS WITH ME. | ||
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April 8th, 2001 I grew up in a violent environment, drug and alcohol use was rampant, I was both a victim of sexual/physical abuse at the hands of several family members. I still have very vivid memories of the abuse. However, the abuse that my mother suffered in the hands of my father was very violent and actually haunts me more than anything that I myself endured. During my teenage years I like all teens went through the rituals of youth, but unlike many teenagers, I was a chronic runaway who started using drugs when I was 11 yrs old. I was into gangs and drugs during my “pre adolescence”. I subsequently ended up marrying a man very much like my father. I endure 14 years of abuse both physical/sexual at the hands of my husband. It was during this time that I was spiritually bankrupt. But all of this was to change when I became pregnant with my fifth child. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer-when I was four months pregnant. An abortion was the only alternative. According to the Doctor there were several tests that needed to be done that would put me at risk for miscarriage. The Doctor wanted to schedule me in for a biopsy right then. So, I had a space of 10 minutes to decide if I would have this baby. I sat there for what seemed an eternity. But I believe that it was then that Jesus let his presence be known to me. I can’t explain the feeling that came over me but I remember simply looking at the Doctor and telling him in a calm voice that “no” I would not have an abortion and “what other options did I have?”. He said that the biopsy was necessary and would I agree to have it. I said yes, at which time he proceeded to give me paperwork to sign, relieving him of liability if at any time during the biopsy I miscarried. I knew then, as I know now that I had nothing to fear. I carried my daughter 8 months and when she was born she was perfect, I named her Yolanda. After that encounter I started to pray more and to strengthen my faith. I under went treatment for 1 year. My husband continued with his abuse of myself and the children. But I prayed to God to heal my body. And that if I could have my health back I would change my life. 1 1/2 years after I was diagnosed I left my husband and moved to a different state to finish my treatment, I had finally left my abusing husband. Its been 8 years since I last saw him, I have been in remission for the last 7 years, and during this time I graduated degreed and am a Substance Abuse Counselor/Rehab Coord. My oldest son is a missionary and is being groomed to be an ordained minister. I know first hand about the power of God, and Jesus Christ. And when people comment on what made me surmount all the difficulties that I have had to face, I simply tell them that one day I, along with my child faced the possibility of dying. It was then that I prayed and asked the Lord to forgive me for my sins and to give me strength to beat this disease. You see, I wanted to be there for my children. I did not want them to grow up without a mother and even worse in the same environment that I grew up in. Well the Lord answered my
prayers and gave me life, and as a result I turned my life over to the
Lord. I know believe that I am an instrument of the Lord. So, I walk
through life and have no fear because I know now that the Lord Jesus
Christ walks with me. |
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