So you can guess what happens over time…homes are built over these invisible sinkholes and if the conditions are right, the ground can open up right underneath homes, businesses, roads-you name it! A seemingly normal home can be swallowed up without any warning.

When I look back at my high school years, I was kind of like a home built on a sinkhole. My facade looked good, but inside I was cracking, burdened by the weight of my sin. I was desperate, fearful, and angry, and it felt as though the earth beneath me would pull me under.

I had grown up going to church and reading my Bible, but somewhere along the way, bitterness replaced hope and I began to blame God for my circumstances. I wanted to do things my own way, believing I could fulfill the longing in my heart through other relationships. However, I quickly discovered that the people and things I was putting my faith into were insufficient. Nothing seemed to heal the wounds deep within me.

I can not tell you at one point everything changed, because it was not a moment, but a journey of surrender. There were many people who pointed me to Jesus and helped me work through my pain during this season and I was surprised to discover that God was not angry or disappointed in me, but rather, He had open arms. God longed to have relationship with me-the real me-and forgiveness was not something I needed to earn. And as it turns out, God had a plan for my pain.

Over the years, I have had countless opportunities to encourage youth and adults in their faith journeys whether that is in the workplace as a teacher or in my various roles of ministry. Now, I get the joy of raising four amazing children with my husband, teaching, speaking, and writing about the incredible things God has done!