No more guilt and shame

I did not know anything about eternal life growing up. I was the oldest of five children and always felt like “assistant mother” – carrying the burden of responsibility to care for my siblings. Our parents’ marriage was tumultuous and I often prayed that they would divorce so there would be peace in our house.

I grew up into a rebellious teenager, looking for love and making some very poor life choices. At 18 I became pregnant and was coerced by a relative to have an abortion. Now, in addition to feeling unloved, I had guilt and shame.

Several years later, someone shared with me how I could be sure I had eternal life. This was a new concept to me, but it was wonderful to hear that not only could I be with God in heaven when I die, but that He loved me and was willing to forgive me for all my sins, here and now.

Now I am happy knowing that whatever happens in my life, there is someone who truly loves me and I don’t have to search for love in all the wrong places. The guilt and shame of my early life are gone.

My parents made it through those difficult years (they, too, know they have eternal life) and now we have a happy, loving, family relationship.

The best part, though, is knowing that after we die, we will all be in heaven with God for eternity.