Christianity Oasis Forum

[Sylvia]

Before I tell you my testimony I have to remind some younger people who read this how different things were when I was growing up. We had 3 channels on TV. No computers. I grew up in a Christian church where my Mom was organist. Christian churches back then were very strict. Christ was preached but if you had a problem with a sin you were too afraid to tell anyone. Because people like that couldn't really be Christians in the first place. My sister rebelled. I was too shy and scared to. I went to a Bible College that was even stricter then my home church. It was small.
I was engaged to a guy for two years at college who shortly before the wedding called it off. I went to work in a Christian church in another state with a broken heart. I met another guy who walked the walk, talked the talk and even carried a Bible to church and I was on the rebound so I married him without really knowing him long. 3 weeks into the marriage he admitted he wasn't a Christian and only did it so I would be interested in him. But I was taught all my life that divorce was a sin and you had to stay in the marriage no matter what so even when he started leaving me for months at a time and several times left me pregnant I took him back. I took him back 10 times in 5 years. He had many other women, and he beat me and the kids. He was an alcoholic and drug addict. I also didn't feel I could go back to that strict Christian home church of mine with everyone whispering about me. Finally the pastor there wrote me a letter stating God had laid my name on his heart. My parents had disowned me and he offered to take me in if I wanted to come back home. At the same day I got the letter my husband said he was leaving again. I was also pregnant again. I prayed for God to help me and asked my husband if he would pay for a bus for me and the kids to go home. He did which was a miracle in its self. I got home and my parents did take me in but my Dad would not speak to me for 3 weeks. He also would not go near the kids.
Finally I got welfare and my own place, it wasn't until I prayed and told the Lord how truly happy I was that the following week I met my husband at church. He had gone through the same thing as I had and was left with a little girl. We have been married 26 years. Four children and five going on six grandchildren. Through the years God has gotten us through my oldest son overdosing on pills and booze and almost dying. My youngest son being diagnosed with bi-polar and schizophrenia. I also took care of my parents until they died. After my Mothers funeral I had a gran mal seizure from all the stress and now am on disability. The seizure medication I ended up having a reaction to which has left me with a condition called Ataxia (imbalance problems) I have panic attacks and for awhile got really depressed and started drinking. I am now 3 1/2 months without alcohol. God has opened up a ministry for me of designing and printing greeting cards for sick people. I thank God that He said "I will never leave you nor forsake you" Hebrews 13:5 PEOPLE FAIL YOU, AND YOU MIGHT FAIL YOURSELF BUT GOD DOESN'T! AMEN!

[dubya]

wow Sylvia, what a testimony God has certainly brought you through a lot. Hang in there sis, you are among friends, hope to see you in chat sometime.

God bless

[splash]

Sylvia thanks for sharing your story with me. You've been through so much yet still I hear you praise God and speak of his love for you and yours for him. That's an awesome testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit. Congratulations on giving up the drink, I too am an alcoholic and know how tempting it can be to turn to drink instead of Christ when times are bad but the difference is that drink never satisfies it has always left me more thirsty and more unhappy than I was before but Christ is the Living Water that quenches my thirst once and for all.

[realtmg]

Sylvia, Your testimony touched me and as you know, we have something in common. It thrills me when people reach down within themselves and share themselves with others. It helps you and it helps others. I am proud and thankful you are seeking God's will and have come to share here at Oasis. There are many here that are willing to listen and help which includes me. I suggest you do the COOL Study and you will begin to find freedom. I also enjoy what you share in the chat rooms. I think you will find yourself thinking that God opened a door to find us here as He did me and many others. Thanks again for sharing and wanted you to know that it blessed me. Keep seeking HIM daily. Proud of you. Luv ya. Real