My Heart’s Story…Part 1

Today I am here to tell you a story of my past, and I hope it will help you in your life. I hope this blog will make you realize God is our ultimate refuge and strength. He is the one that brings us out of our darkness and into the light. My prayer today is that, no matter what you are going through or what you have been through, you will look at my story and see God at work. He is the one who can change your life.

This story of mine begins when I was nine years old (crazy right!?!). My dad resigned from his job, and being nine I didn’t think much of this event in my life. I just assumed my dad would find another job and everything would be okay. God had other plans! My dad eventually found a job in Arizona. My family went into complete shock. We were leaving the state, a WONDERFUL church family, friends, and everything we had ever known.

From that moment forward, I started building walls around my heart. I blocked out emotions and love. I no longer “cared” what people said, did, or told me about moving to Arizona. I didn’t want to feel the pain, hurt, anger, or sadness of leaving my home. For two long years I lived like that. I lived in darkness and pain without knowing it! On the outside I looked fine. I thought I was great. I was certainly doing better than the rest of my family!

With all that being said, if you may be going through something similar, hear me say this: I needed to wake up and realize what I was doing to myself! I was living in darkness and not trusting and surrendering my life to God fully. Because of this, I had regrets. So what can you do? Let God do the hard work for you! Open up your beautiful heart and let it shine for God. You are worth more than you know. You are beautiful and loved by the King, the Creator of the universe, who sent His Son to die on the cross for your sins.

For the people out there who know someone who is going through a tough time like this, please share this with them and encourage them! I was forever thankful when my family  showed  me where I was and got me thinking about the path I was on (stay tuned for next week’s blog).

Thank you to the ones who are still reading! I know this is more intense and personal than the last two posts, but I believe God has given me a story to tell. Please know, too, that even if you haven’t been through something “dramatic,” God can still use you. God has overcome darkness (John 1:3-5)!

Alyssa Rasor