My Testimony
My Testimony
For many years I was having trouble finding my identity. As a teenager, I was trying to find myself using drugs and alcohol. I just wanted to know who I was and feel good about myself. But it made me make bad choices. My risky behavior brought problems with the law. Finally, On July 4th 2001 (Independence Day), I was arrested for my third DWI and sent to jail on Sept 1st, 2001.
Found Jesus while in jail
I continued to rebel while in jail and refused to accept responsibility for my behavior. Until, one night I went into a Bible study for a cup of coffee and some snacks, I heard some testimonies of other inmates and their new relationship with God. The same God I blamed for all of my problems.
A Fresh Start
After attending the Bible study a few more times, I was told by its leader to stop blaming God for my problems and accept responsibility for my poor choices. To give God a chance to prove His love for me. While praying for Him to come into my life, I felt a wave of freedom and peace come over me that forced me to open my eyes and grip my seat. I truly felt the Holy Spirit enter my heart and remove from me the pain and addictions.
24 years later
On September 1st 2024, I was 23 years sober and counting and owe it all to Our Lord Jesus Christ. His love for me is sufficient when my own love is not. What I used to see as a mess, He saw as a masterpiece. Our Creator yearns for a relationship with us no matter where we are in life and how much we think we've failed. He wants a relationship with us. Give God a chance to Love you the way you're intended to be loved, and deserved to be loved. A love only a Heavenly Father can give.
Francis Pare'
My identity is in Christ