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| Testimonies |
 Alicia(1 Timothy 1:15) This is a true saying, and everyone should believe it. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – I was the worst of them all. That was one of the first verses I came across after I turned my life over to Christ. But Paul had nothing on me…today I’ll give you the short version of my story. The story of a girl who was miraculously brought to life and given a gift she didn’t deserve. I was given to my grandma when I was 2 years old. My mom had a nervous breakdown after my dad divorced her and one day just left. My mom came back into my life when I was 16 years old and wanted to try again, so I jumped at the chance. The night before my 18th birthday her husband sexually assaulted me and when I told her she called me a liar and sent me back to my grandmother. Within six months I met a man and fell “IN LOVE” with him. I moved in with him and my life became a life of being beaten and cheated on. I had no idea what love was really suppose to mean and be like. I talked myself into believing he hit me and cheated on me beca.htm I was less than him and he needed more than I could give him. We had a child and he left us. I was devastated and directed my anger, hurt, and frustration toward my 1 year old daughter. I soon met another man and we had a son together. Shortly after my son was born, my daughter was placed in her father’s custody. In retrospect, her life may have been saved with this move but it created another would I wasn’t able to heal from. My son was born with Hirsprings Disease and was in U of M’s Children’s Hospital for almost a year. I was finally able to bring him home and within about two months my grandmother died and my boyfriend left us. I couldn’t take it anymore but my new boyfriend seemed to have the answer. I was introduced to cocaine and marijuana. It dulled the pain and made life a little more manageable. For the first time in years, I was “smiling”. I found that I had to .htm more and more to get high and it quit being fun. It took over my life and all I cared about was reaching a new high. My boyfriend sold drugs from my home and I could .htm for free. After 5 ½ years, the inevitable happened. My home was raided and as I sat there surrounded by police I started to care real quick. One Officer must have been sent by God to protect me that day. His exact words to me were “I can take you to jail and you will never see your son again…But I’m giving you a chance to leave.” I took his advice and left. I went back to school and received my high school diploma. I gave the valedictorian speech at the Adult Education Ceremony graduating with a 4.0 GPA but something was still missing. I remember bargaining with God telling Him, “Lord, if you give me a good job I swear I’ll follow you and teach my child to do the same.” Two weeks later I was making $1,600 a month working at a job I loved. I just forgot my end of the bargain. 9 months later I was laid off and homeless. I had no where to go and life was spinning out of control. I had almost had “it” you know “the American dream. The “it” everyone is out there looking for.” My son and I moved in with my 74 year old aunt. Having a 9 year old boy who makes the energizer bunny look depressed was too much for my aunt. On December 25, 2006, with no where to go and out of options my son and I moved into the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission. I know now the Lord was leading me but at that time I just thought my world was ending. A few months earlier I had prayed the “sinner’s prayer.” I was a “Christian”. Salvation was mine, but I didn’t feel any difference. I still cussed like a drunken sailor, lied threw my teeth, and my heart was still hard as steel. I had no idea all that was about to change. After a week at the Mission, I prayed “Lord reveal yourself to me beca.htm I can’t do this anymore.” God revealed himself. Through the staff, I realized God wanted to forgive me and God did love me but most importantly God wanted a relationship with me. He wants to take the hurt, pain, and sorrow from my heart and make me new. He wants me to receive the greatest gift ever given and all I had to do was receive it – free, clear, no-conditions or stipulations – it was mine and suddenly I realized the love and acceptance I searched for all my life was right there at the foot of the Cross. Romans 3:22 says we are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we can all be saved. No matter whom we are or what we’ve done. If it wasn’t for The Good Samaritan I couldn’t tell you where I’d be right now. I don’t even want to think about it. I can tell you, I found my Savior here as I was broken, lost, and in pain. The Blood of Jesus has washed me clean and given me eternal life and hope. Romans 1:6 reads YOU are among those who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ… These are MY Father’s words I am my Father’s miracle. Alicia was recommended to a transitional housing program through Mid Michigan Community Action Agency. She stays in close contact with several GSRM staff members and is continuing to grow in her relationship with Christ. |
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