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| Life Stories |
A I remember that afternoon in May of 1969 like it was yesterday. I sat on the floor of my
closet tying on my tap shoes like I’d done so many Wednesdays before. Mom was patiently
waiting for me to come to the car so she could take me to my dancing lessons. I had a
reputation of running behind, but Mom knew something must be really wrong this time.
She found me with one shoe on and one shoe in my hand, sitting cross-legged on the closet
floor in a puddle of tears. Thoughts of all the selfish, sinful things I’d done were running
through my mind and overwhelming me with guilt and shame. In Sunday School, we’d been
studying salvation in a way that made sense to me—so much so that I was overcome with
awe of a Savior who could love a sinner like me. And He died for me, too! The truth and
wonder of it almost overtook me, but it gave me comfort and hope as well. I cried tears of
repentance and joy as I asked Jesus to come into my heart and be Master and Lord of my life.
Little did I know that this timing was all in His plan. The next six years of junior high and high
school were full of heartache and pain. Many a lonely night I would lie in my bed staring at
the butterfly curtains in my room and thinking so little of myself and hurting from the teasing
of my peers at school that day. Sometimes I would wish that God would just take me to
heaven to be with Him. On those occasions, as the streetlight shone through the curtains, I
could make out the gentle face of Jesus in the butterfly pattern of the curtains. Immediately,
my soul would be flooded with peace and hope and the courage to make myself go back to
school the next morning. As each day passed, and I leaned on Him more and more to help me
and guide me, difficult situations in my life began to work out. I made new friends and
salvaged old friendships and even began to date a wonderful boy who is now my husband 28
years later! Jesus filled my loneliness, He healed my pain, He proved Himself to me over and
over, never failing!
Now, so many years later, He allows me to use my painful experiences in a way that helps
others without causing harm to myself. As a wife, mother, friend and therapist, He uses the
gifts of encouragement and mercy to help me empathize with those who are in turmoil. He
blesses my life with so many rich experiences every day. He continues to give me the same
peace, hope and courage that He gave me when I was that teenage girl. He’s waiting to give
them to you, too—and so much more! Your Savior is waiting for you! Thank you, Jesus,
thank you!
I grew up in a family that attended church regularly. I spent my early years in Sunday School,
Vacation Bible School and even had lots of Bible training when, as a young adolescent, I
went through my church’s confirmation classes. I am thankful for my mom who always
believed going to church was important. I always remember believing in God.
God began to work in my life more personally when my mother became very ill with an
aneurysm when I was in the eighth grade. When I found out about it, I felt God calling me to
pray for her. I felt He was telling me everything would be alright. He gave me such a peace
through that very difficult time.
It was during my high school years that I learned there was more to a relationship with God
than I knew about before. I began attending a non-denominational Christian youth group
called Young Life. Through weekly meetings and other opportunities to talk to the adult
leaders, I began to see that they had a much more personal relationship with God. I learned
about who Jesus was and how much He loved me and how He died for me on the cross so
that I could have fellowship with Him. Even though I had believed in God all my life, I knew I
was missing something.
In the summer of 1972, when I was on a Young Life trip to Frontier Ranch in Colorado, I
invited Jesus Christ into my heart as Lord and Savior. From that point my life began to
change as I realized that God was interested in me personally and had a plan for my life. God
gave me a peace and joy that I had never known. Through Bible study and fellowship with
other Christians, I have learned to seek God’s will in the choices I make. I truly believe that I
would not be in Harrisonville, MO today if I had not made that decision to follow Christ.
God gave me new direction and has been guiding my steps ever since. I know I have not
made all the right decisions, but He continues to teach me and guide me even if I have taken a
detour.
One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not
rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make
straight your path.” There have been many challenges and difficulties along the way, but
God is so faithful. If I keep my eyes and focus on Him, He always brings me through every
situation.
God has opened doors for various ministries over the years and given me many opportunities
for service. I am so thankful for the abundant life He gives.
First Baptist Church, Harrisonville, Missouri
| First Baptist Church 504 W. Wall Harrisonville MO 64701 (816) 380-3733 hvlfbcsec@hotmail.com |
| LeeAnn McKee |
| Barb Bohannon |
