I was born into a Christian, hard-working family in northwest Alabama. I am seventy years old.
Several years ago, unemployed and unable to find work, I suffered a mental breakdown. I became progressively deeply depressed and alcoholic. In addition, I gained weight by at least five hundred pounds. Then, someone dear to me died. That day I appealed to God.
“Please help me Lord Jesus, I repent! I surrender! Please rescue me and my family! Please take over my life!”
After offering this plea, I knew I was free from alcohol and had been given control of my appetite. From that simple prayer until now (almost eleven years as of this writing), I have lost about three hundred pounds without medical assistance and continue to diet by His grace. Furthermore, I do not desire one drop of alcohol. Before that prayer, I could not diet for one day and I could not stop drinking for two.
On my strength, I could never have imagined dieting successfully for more than a decade. This was realised only by the Lord Jesus taking hold of my hand and gently, patiently walking me back to Him daily. Through the Holy Spirit, He is always present and never leaves. In this way, He continues to heal lifelong trauma effects from early childhood. Christ guides my life through prayer, Bible study, church, fellowship and witnessing (as my health condition allows).
The light of Christ’s word in the Holy Bible guides my steps. He constantly empowers fighting the good fight of faith allowing endurance of lifelong clinical mental health problems, rheumatoid arthritis, severe back pain and more. Without Him, my life would be empty of hope and perseverance.
I had known of Christ from an early age. Yet, I had never known Him personally. It took coming to the end of myself to turn my life over to Him. Since then, I have continued to change for the better even though chronic pain is ever present. Every day is a new adventure walking with Jesus in the light of His love, truth, wisdom, goodness and presence. He is the medicine and the cure for my growing happiness and well-being. The weaknesses of multiple illnesses are not only more bearable but are even helpful by increasing my reliance upon Him.
If you do not know Jesus, He is only a prayer away. He awaits you. Should you make that call, you will be generously rewarded. A wondrous and marvellous adventure incomparable to any other awaits you if you choose.
As it is written:
“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him—
[from 1 Corinthians 2:9 New International Version (NIV) Bible]
My heartful prayer is that you will come to know God the Father, Jesus as your Lord and Savior and the Holy Spirit as your personal and ever-present guide for your eternal life in heaven.
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