“JUST AS YOU ARE”

I read those words somewhere and they reminded me that though I have many imperfections/problems, God still loves me just as I am.  This is after having learned about and accepted Jesus 30 years ago. 

My life has not reflected this though I came from a broken home, was sexually/physically abused.  On the streets, smoking/doing drugs before puberty then I began my long career in lock-up.  Then more of the streets, addiction/homelessness, by 19 I left Chicago, “looking for myself”, hitchhiking around the U. S., landing in Texas where I adapted to the Gay community and became a prostitute; soon after I was in trouble, on my way to prison.  11 ½ years later I got out only for history to repeat itself in my life.  98 days later I was back in trouble and on my way back to prison.  For a long time I lived in self-hate, going back and forth, mourning over my failed attempts at a Christian life and life in general.  But through it all I never lost my faith.  I never quit praying though I was a real mess.  I was still a child of God!

Those words, “Just as you are”, reminded me that God loved and accepted me every single day of those 30 years, “Just as I was” and He has a plan.  I quit beating myself up and gave it all to the Lord.  He never gave up on me like Satan tried to convince me time and time again.  Just that I’m alive and breathing is evidence of that!

When everyone and everything else in life has failed you know that, no matter where you are, what you’ve done, or what you’re doing, Jesus says, Come, just as you are”.

Thank you for reading this very short version of my Testimony.  I’m far from a Holy Roller but I know God’s simple truth and that is that His love is stronger than anything in the universe.  I share it now with you.

If you have any questions, comments or would just like to write, please do.  I’d love to hear from you.

Take care.