“It would be easiest to explain my walk with Christ through a series of miracles. I received my first miracle the minute I was born. At only 2 pounds and 8 ounces, God gave me a second chance at life. I was born into a family with no passion or desire to succeed. As a young child, I had no dreams of becoming a college graduate or even a high school graduate. Being the first in my family to accomplish anything that represented success seemed impossible. I was not originally raised in a Christian home and I only ever heard of Jesus in two instances- when it was used in vain or when someone was drunk. That was it. While I didn’t know much, I believed.
I can remember God in several instances long before we were put in foster care. I had been in trouble for days and I couldn’t remember the last time I had been allowed to eat. I was writing in a journal that my grandparents had gotten me. I literally felt like I was going to starve to death and I remember saying “God if you are really up there, please let me have something to eat.” Immediately after that I heard footsteps down the hallway and my sister snuck in our room with a piece of cornbread and that became my first memory of a miracle. God remained in my life the whole time although during these events, I didn’t recognize it. God was with me through every beating, every moment, everyday. I asked Christ into my heart at a vacation bible school at eight years old-the only time I can remember going to church as a young child. I said my prayer but that was that just that. I didn’t know what to do with it.
Another miracle came shortly after I turned 10 years old, my siblings and I entered the foster care system. While it was one of the best things that ever happened in my life, it didn’t always feel that way. We went through two failed adoptions before my sister and I were taken to Cherokee Estate. By the time I came to Cherokee Estate, I had given up…on everything. I had no hope at finding a home, being loved and finding a family was the last thing on my mind. Everything I said or thought was negative.
Cherokee became my second chance at life and a fresh start. It was the first place I had ever been in where someone took care of me and I owed nothing in return, people who loved me for me…in every flaw and every weakness. I was where I needed to be. The best place for me, a place that I felt safe and right at home. Most of my most cherished memories can be linked back to Cherokee Estate. Wearing makeup for the first time, getting dressed for prom, learning to drive, graduating both high school and college- all memories I will forever share with Cherokee Estate.
It was then that I began to see God’s plan and to learn the lessons that he wanted to teach me. One of the hardest became forgiveness. I realized after so many years that I had never forgiven my birth mother. It was a lesson that took almost five years. My bitterness and anger was holding me back. It has been through God’s grace and mercy that I have became who I am today. I have been blessed with so much and no matter what I went through if God can be so merciful to me to change my entire life from a life of misery to a life of victory…then I could show the woman who gave me life that same grace and mercy to God so graciously gave to me.
I now work full time for youth homes and hope that I love my kids in the same way that I was loved. I have gained so much…including the woman I chose to be my mother. Not the woman who gave me life, but a woman who gave me much more. A woman with patience and strength that is impossible to measure. A woman who gives her whole heart in everything she does and looks fabulous doing it. A woman who showed me the true meaning of unconditional love. A woman I look up to everyday and can only hope to become half of the woman she is.
I am still learning everyday. God teaches me and I have to remind myself that my plan is not always His plan for me but His plan is simple. It is not enough to hold my ticket to heaven- I realized that the way I spend my time, money, passion and resources, matter and they are to be used for one purpose- to extend the Kingdom of God. That is my goal. To show others grace and mercy that was given to me.
Cherokee has not just changed my life. They have given me a life I thought I would never have I will never be able to adequately show my gratitude to Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, their loving staff, and their loyal supporters for all they have done for me. I will always be proud of the young lady I have become through the love and support of such a wonderful organization.
I am here to tell you that I no longer believe in chances but in a carefully crafted plan from my Heavenly Father. Every part of my life has been planned and prepared perfectly for me. For that, I am thankful and I am blessed.”