I grew up in a large family that did not attend church. I loved school because I excelled there. I did not feel good about myself apart from getting good grades. I played softball and sang in the school choir. I dealt with several instances of molestation which added to my low opinion of myself and how others saw me. I felt alone, ugly and not worth much.
Although my parents did not attend church, they allowed me to visit any church with any friend. I went to a Catholic Church, Pentecostal Churches, Baptist Churches, etc. throughout my childhood. As I listened to each sermon I began to learn little bits about Jesus. I got a Bible and began to read. I was confused and did not understand why I was becoming more and more uncomfortable during invitation times of the services.
One night when I was 12 a song on a TV show began to play…
Were You There
By: Negro spiritual
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?
Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?
The Lord used that song to show me that I WAS there, in the heart of Jesus, when He died for me and that He wanted to forgive me of my sins and give me eternal life with Him.
From that moment Jesus has given me a peace that I cannot explain. Even when things go very wrong in my life, I KNOW He is with me. He guides me and loves me no matter what. Through the years He has given me a love for His Word, Worship, and Praise. He has given me a confidence, not in myself, but in Him. He is in control and knows just what I need.
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus"Romans 8:1Please see our website at http://www.aboundingjoy.com
