My Testimony Of God’s Eternal Love

I came into this world prematurely on Friday, November 20th, 1998, spending nine fragile days in the NICU struggling to breathe. My father never held me — he passed away when I was only four months old, leaving my mother to raise my brother and me on her own. As a child, I was wild and defiant. I lied, I stole, I ignored authority, and I hurt those who loved me most. I had a stubborn streak that could rival a mule, making life chaotic for everyone around me. Life felt heavy, and I often thought God had abandoned me. I was lost, broken, and weighed down by my own choices. “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

I was an extremely anxious scared and angry person because I had yet to realize the weight of my actions.

Even in my rebellion, God’s hand never left me. Across the street, Mr. Leo Murphy, a WWII veteran, and Mrs. Pauline Murphy, a nurse, became like angels in human form — guiding me toward Jesus Christ and showing me a love I had never known. After Mr. Murphy passed in 2009, I continued visiting Mrs. Murphy daily. She shared her wisdom, her heart, and her faith. God’s plan was quietly unfolding: I needed guidance, she needed a soul to teach, and together, we learned about Him. Life’s lessons did not stop there. By March 2017, I found myself homeless, caught in the weight of my choices and my stubbornness. Yet, God never abandoned me. I joined the U.S. Army on my birthday, November 20th, 2017, and He placed people in my life to sharpen me: Cainan and Jen, and Rezel my now Fiancé . “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17 Through mentorship, friendship, correction, and accountability, I was slowly being molded by His hands. Every hardship, every mistake, every conversation became a brushstroke in God’s masterpiece, shaping me into the person He had always intended me to be. Community played a key role, keeping me accountable and teaching me the value of love, guidance, and fellowship. God also taught me the importance of loving my neighbor as I love myself (Matthew 22:39) and to walk in humility without judging others, for He reminds us that in judging we too are judged (Matthew 7:1-2). “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” — James 1:22 These lessons changed how I see others — with compassion, patience, and grace — just as I hope to be seen.

Today, I see God’s love in every scar and blessing. Even my stubborn streak has been refined, turned into perseverance, humility, and faith. My life is a canvas being painted by His hands, every trial and triumph shaping me into His image (Romans 8:29). “He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” — Psalm 23:3 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 No matter the mistakes, the losses, or the moments of doubt, God’s love is greater. He never abandons us. He uses people, trials, and even our stubborn traits to shape us into His image. Community is part of His design, encouraging us, guiding us, and helping us grow in faith. Loving others and showing grace, without judgment, is central to that journey. Even when earthly fathers are gone, God is the Father who never leaves, never fails, and whose love covers every pain and every loss (Psalm 68:5). This is my testimony — a life being shaped, a soul being refined, and a heart continually learning to walk in the unending, patient love of God, loving others as He loves me.

I was put at ease once I realized God has always been there for he is not slack concerning his promises to us.

No matter your past. No matter your mistakes. No matter how lost you feel, God’s love, mercy, and grace are greater. He never abandons us. He surrounds us with people to sharpen and guide us, He teaches through trials, and He redeems even the broken parts of our lives. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17 God’s love is unwavering. His mercy is endless. His grace is transforming. Even when our earthly fathers are gone, God is the Father who never leaves, never fails, and whose love covers every loss, every pain, and every mistake. I say all of this in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Thank you for your time! God Bless you all! WALK WITH THE KING!