Out of Darkness
I was raised a “Lutheran” in name only. I was baptized as an infant. My family and I went to church only a couple of times growing up, even though it was all meaningless to me.
I remember the one time I went to Sunday School as a young girl the church offered the class a “practice” communion of grape juice and crackers. I remember eating and drinking them, and sensing this peace in my heart that I later learned was the Holy Spirit.
As a teen, I dabbled in witchcraft. Then, as a Senior in high school I proclaimed myself an atheist and lived that way for a major portion of my life.
When my husband and I were married 25 years ago, the Pastor made me promise that I would one day become a member of that church. That promise came back and visited my memory often.
I suffered depression and panic attacks for which I sought counsel. My counselor asked me if I had a church and when I told her I didn’t, she encouraged me to start going.
One day, my brother bought me a sickly kitten for Christmas and it infected my adult cat, Tate. The illness formed an ulcer in his eye and after sewing the eyelid shut my vet told me he was 99.9% sure Tate was going to lose his eye. I was crushed. I went home and cried out to a God I did not know, “God, if you’re real, please heal Tate’s eye and I will start going to church.” Two weeks later, the vet removed the sutures completely expecting the worst. To his great surprise (I still remember the look of puzzled wonder on his face) Tate’s eye was healed!
All of these instances culminated in one point in my life where I decided to keep my promise and fulfill my vow, so I started going to church. I was a pew warmer for 6 years before one day during Bible study the Pastor asked, “Who was Jesus? He was either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord.” I went home and started studying the Bible in earnest, and the gift of faith God gave me flared into a huge flame. It was about 12 years ago that God drew me out of darkness into his wonderful light.
My favorite quote from Jesus is John 15:5 because it is so meaningful to one who never felt connected to anything, “I am the vine you are the branches, if you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing.”
The Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; one God – three persons, is a wonderfully good God!
Amy – 46 – Michigan
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This is a very powerful story! Although it was very sad that Tate became sick, I am glad that he did if that is what it took for your to pray! I like what you said about Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. I choose Lord. Thanks so much for sharing Amy!
Thank you for sharing your story. May you be blessed with even greater joy in your relationship with Christ.