A series of wrong choices and behaviors led me to criminal charges and prison time at a minimum-security work camp in my state. But rather than revisit all that in detail, I would rather share my story about what the Lord has done in my life since that hard season. Since I was released from prison, God has led and guided in ways I could have never even imagined!
When I was first released, the Lord gave me a good job at a factory and even a promotion before 90 days. Then I began a second job: cooking at a homeless shelter part-time. I enjoyed that so much because the Lord has given me such a heart passion for cooking and baking.
The Jesus Community Center is owned by a group of ladies who know the Word more deeply than anyone I had ever met! They helped motivate my heart to want to know the Lord more through His Word.
After a few months, God started convicting me about my job and using my giftings with cooking and baking, urging me to use them for His glory. I felt Him leading me to start my own business. I chose to yield to Him, and that “yes” to Him was the gateway through which He has brought an abundance of provision into my life.
I gave my notice at my good and stable factory job to start my own candy-making business. At the time, I was living in a halfway house owned by the Jesus Center, and they graciously allowed me to use their kitchen to start my business. Not long after, a friend I had worked with called me and said she wanted to bless me with her car!
I have stayed close to God since my release from prison, and He has been faithful to stay close to me. James 4:8 is a true testimony Scripture for my life: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” The Scripture does not say that He may draw near; it says He will. My life is a strong witness to that truth.
This past year, I moved into a very nice apartment with the help of my dear friends at the Jesus Center. I didn’t even have to show my ID; that is how good and powerful God is! It is because of Him alone that I get to live the life I have been given today.
One of my mentors told me that God hastens to perform His Word (Jeremiah 1:12) and He truly does. I keep Scripture on my walls and in my heart. Every day is not perfect and I definitely am not, but He has made me new and is perfecting me every day.
I have what I prayed for and planned for 3.5 years in prison, and even more. My life with the Lord is an amazing journey, and I am beyond grateful and blessed that He chose me of all people.
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