As a child, I was not raised in a church. I had no knowledge of what it meant to be a Christian. While growing up, no one stressed the importance of allowing Christ to lead my life.

By the time I was 17, I was impure and wrapped up in a lifestyle that would only lead to death. At the age of 20, I faced that fearful close call of death. All I remember in that moment was begging God to save my life. That day, I became a domestic violence survivor. But somehow, I still had a lack of conviction. 

Over the years, I carried a void. That void led to poor decisions, self-destruction and hurting people along the way. 

In year 2023, I was in one of the darkest places I had ever been. My home life was broken and chaotic. One day I came across a Scripture while on social media, Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." I took the invitation. 

Over the next few days I read the entire book of Matthew and worked my way through the Gospels. Walking with Christ, I've learned that he isn't looking for perfection. He found me in my brokenness. 

My sister invited me to come visit Sojourn. Walking through those doors, I knew this is where I needed to be to learn and understand the sacrificial love of Christ. I still fall short everyday, but it is the blood of Jesus that redeems me and sets me free. He is worthy of all praise.

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