Let's Not Forget Our Roots

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him

will not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (NLT)

I have been invited to attend a celebration at the church, I attended as a young girl. The celebration will entail it’s Seventy - Fifth year of service to the community of Port O’Connor, Texas.

One of my fondest memories was sitting in the pews, made of a dark wood with my dad.  I watched him intently open up his well- used King James Version Bible, and pointed out John 3:16. It was my first verse. I listened as he read the scripture and I followed along with him, as he ran his fingers across the old page, reading the words. God’s words. Like, for many, this verse has become permanently imprinted in our spirit. Oh, I love that memory.

The idea of revisiting this seasoned building caused me to think back about my roots, and where it all began for me. I was quite young when I first began attending POC First Baptist. My parents were married in this church and we continued to attend in the years we lived in this small south Texas town. The community was small, so we got to know our neighbors well. I have fond memories of the Pastors of the church. I remember attending Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at this church. I recall sitting along side my Grandma Helms, listening to her singing, Amazing Grace, with the rest of the congregation. I remember observing my first Lord’s Supper in this church as a young girl, curious to what it all meant. I was Saved and baptized in this church. This is where I first came to know the Lord.

We all have a story as to where we first began our walk with the Lord. We all have a testimony. Our Christian walk; my Christian walk changed and has grown from the first time I heard the verse, “For God so loved the world,” and my walk continues to change and grow tremendously from that summer when I first became a born again Christian. I was at the tender age of nine and finishing up another session of Vacation Bible School, when I heard Jesus calling me.

Let’s not forget our roots. Let’s revisit  and embrace that moment when we first became a child of God. Remember the passion and excitement, the eagerness to learn more about Jesus.  And as we continue to learn, change and grow, our passion for God should be increasing. We should be thirsting for His Word, our song should have another chorus, our excitement should be uncontrollable. Our souls should be rejoicing.

One thing from this experience, I have come to trust God’s tremendous love. He sent His son, Jesus to die and cover my sins. God promises that for all those believe in His son, Christ Jesus, shall not perish but will have eternal life.  

God loved me from when I was in my mother’s womb. God loved me when I was two, nine and through my young adult years. He continues to love me, even as I change and grow. We change, but HE remains the same.  He desires us to know HIM as much as He knows us. He wants an intimate relationship with each of us.  Those roots, those memories of when we first became HIS should be growing deep and strong and anticipating more.  Don’t forget that moment.  Don’t let life’s pressures or circumstance take that  from you. Don’t lose your passion for Christ. Embrace it and know that the day, you gave your heart to Jesus, your life has been forever changed!!  You are HIS - FOR EVER MORE!!

For I Am With You

For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” (Acts 18:10 NLT).

I dreaded as I knew it was coming, as he already told me of his plan. He reminded me of the secret when he said, he would come to my room that evening. My heart pounded with fear, as I waited. How would I be able to stop this? What could I do? I didn't have any answers, I just felt numb and knew that his power was greater than mine. 

 A family friend, that had become very close to us, perhaps too close became intertwined in our home. This man fooled the adults in my life, and regardless of their oblivious insight, this man held me emotionally and spiritually captive for years, by using manipulation and threats to sexual molest me.  That evening, while my siblings and I were under his care, he told me that he would be coming to my room after my brother and sister had fallen asleep, I took his word for it. At this point, there was nothing to convince me otherwise. Every act he had mentioned thus far, he managed to carry out, so why wouldn't this be any different? And nothing had changed in me to stop it. I was felt helpless and afraid. I had no voice. 

Many years have gone by since he took my childhood. The innocence and carefree attitude that I once possessed, is no longer part of me. Although, it was challenging and discouraging, God held his promise to get me though the turmoil. The Lord has given me the courage and strength to overcome this abuse. The chains that once kept me captive in fear, have been broken free. 

Although, I overcame the emotional pain from enduring the abuse, I often thought about that night, when that man came into my bedroom. How was he able to succeed and get away from leaving any physical damage to my little girl body? There were no evidence  that would show that a grown man had just raped a young child. There was no blood. There was no pain. There was no tears. I don't recall making any noise or whimpering. In fact, I lay as still as I could, waiting for him to finish. Outwardly, no one would be able to tell, that I had been violated.

For years, I tried to piece it together, to make sense of it. and finally concluded, this was this man's craft. He was a skilled child molester, and knew exactly how far to go, so that no trace of evidence was left. I classified him as to being a "pro". He was cunning enough to know his limits, when to stop and how to ensure he could get away with this act. 

For years, I gave him the credit. Yes, he was getting his directions and insight from Satan. Yes, he knew what he was doing and how to make sure there would be no ties to him. But the fact remains that I was never physically harmed from this act of violence. This man deserves no credit!

Just this week, it hit me. I am woman in her twenty sixth year of marriage, which has been healthy. I have had two children, who are also healthy. I have never had any physically liabilities due to my body being misused at such a young age. It really hit me, what really happened that evening when I was raped. Or perhaps, the bigger question WHO was with me that evening?

Jesus deserves the credit!!

I know without a doubt that I was not alone when this occurred. I know without a doubt that Jesus put Himself between me and this man to protect for any lasting physical damage that could be caused by a rape. Jesus took the abuse in my place. Jesus took the rape, so that I could grow up, marry and have children.  I give God all the honor and glory for my family; my husband and my children, where I have shared being a parent for twenty five years.  

 Jesus protected me that evening and the countless other times, this man raped me and abused my body. Jesus ensured, that I would not only become emotionally healthy, He ensured my body would be healthy as well. Jesus promises He is with me, then and now. I belong to HIM!!