Many elements of this story are based on true events, whether they were my experiences or the experiences of my loved ones.
Faith in Something Different
Prologue
I met God on a rainy July afternoon at the age of 6. I was sitting in my living room watching television with my mother. She handed me the remote and told me to, "Pick something interesting." So I took the remote from her hand and began flipping, on my way to Channel 58 where I knew my favorite show Tom and Jerry would be playing. While pushing the little red '+' button, I stumbled upon Channel 21, with a man who was speaking. He was reciting a scripture from what I later learned was the Bible.
"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 a hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
The verse that changed my life.
"Turn that garbage off!" my mother shouted at me. But from that moment on I was determined to learn more about this Man that he was talking about.
My mother was a selfish alcoholic who I strive to be the complete opposite of for the rest of my life.
So I followed my mother's orders, knowing that if I didn't the result would be more bruises that I would have to create stories of falling on the cement or hitting my leg on the kitchen counter for. She settled back into her chair and continued to read her library copy of Stephen King's The Stand, a copy that would not be returned. Did I mention she was also a thief?
That night I went to bed thinking about what I had heard on the television, and devised a plan to acquire information on the subject.
Every afternoon I waited for my mother to go to work so that I could sit down on our raggedy, 10 year old couch and turn on Channel 21.
My relationship with God began to grow.
Around the age of 10, where our story will begin, I discovered church. One of my friends asked me to go with her one Sunday, and I accepted. That day is one of the fondest memories I have of my childhood. From that point forward I walked the 1 mile to church every Sunday and Wednesday night. Church was my refuge, and the only place where I could express my love for Christ without being criticized.
As I grew older, my love and devotion for God grew with me, as did society's rejection of my beliefs. I faced many difficulties, especially through my teenage years. However, I did not let any of my struggles influence my morale. Only one thing kept me going: faith.
Some people have faith in their spouses or partners. Some people have faith in their future or their plans. Some people have faith in their hearts or their minds.
But I have faith in God.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
-Proverbs 3:5-6