I was lost but now I'm found!

Before I received eternal life, I was filled with worry, guilt and shame. I struggled with addiction and was lost.

I was raised Catholic and struggled with concepts that I was being taught. I didn't think that they matched with what was in the bible. I felt a calling from Jesus from when I was a young child. However, my mother always told me to stay away from "those born again Christians" because they are a cult and will make you kill yourself. I had a desire to accept Jesus, but was afraid. When I was in college and away from home, my life was spiraling out of control. I crossed paths with Christians, but my shame, guilt and fear paralyzed me. I was unable engage with them. My father then began dating a woman name Rosemarie, who was saved. She became my spiritual mother. She shared her testimony with me and led me to accepting Jesus as my personal savior. Rosemarie was an answer to my prayers. Her testimony helped me to nail my guilt, shame and fear to the cross.

Prior to meeting Rosemarie, I struggled with addiction. I made choices that hurt others as well as myself. I got married to someone that I met at a fraternity party. I knew that I shouldn't have married this person, but I did it anyway. I felt so much freedom once I turned my life over to Christ and accepted Jesus as my personal savior. I realized that there was nothing that I could do earn my way into heaven. It was such a relief. I felt so guilty and dirty - thinking I would never be able to get into Heaven because of what I had done. Learning that Jesus accepted me as I was - with all of my stains, filled me with such love. Truly accepting that He died to pay the penalty for my sins is overwhelming and humbling. I felt an inner peace that I had never felt before and I am filled with gratitude.

Now that I have eternal life I don't fear death. Issues of this world don't consume me like they used to. I know that this world and it's problems are temporary. I am promised an eternity of peace and love, worshiping God - no pain and no tears.

Recently, I was hospitalized with a heart issue. I was in the hospital for almost a week as the doctors worked to find what was wrong. During the entire time, I was at peace. I knew that God was in control. I knew that no matter what happened, I was going to be okay.

I know, that no matter what, I have eternal life. When I die, I will spend eternity in Heaven with my savior!