A Journey through my past

Last week I spoke at the Dallas International Street Church and as I drove west on I-30 it was as if I was taking  a journey through my past  because I pass so many landmarks of my youth.  I had to exit before I approached Bucker because there was a bad wreck. The sound of sirens , the sight of police cars, firetrucks, and ambulances always takes my breath away reminding me of Alexis. Saying a prayer for all involved I looked around the stalled traffic on the service road and saw I was at the Mesquite Inn and Suites.

Immediately I went back in time to the insanity of my addiction and how gripping it was. The motel appeared the same as it did back in 1999 with the blue roof and white stucco walls . I thought back to the last time I was there. The last and only time I was at The Mesquite Inn DEA agents stormed through the door of the room I was in wearing full gear and throwing me to the ground with a gun to my head. They were after my friend and arrested him for manufacturing BUT after interviewing us both they let me go. I didn't deserve it , I knew what he was doing and I had even brought him supplies but the agents didn't know that . My friend said I didn't have anything to do with it. They searched me and my car . After finding nothing I was allowed to leave. Shaking with fear I drove away but almost immediately took for granted the huge blessing I had just received , that near arrest with a rifle at my forehead was not enough to scare me straight because before I got home I was trying to find a new dealer. As the memories of that day washed over me I remembered the bondage that imprisoned me and I thanked God for freeing me. In that moment I felt the presence of the Lord so strongly and felt HIS power to go share my story . That is why I love sharing HIS grace because at one time I was so lost but HE invaded my life after I finally answered HIS call breaking the chains that had bound me for so long and healing my life . He can do that for anyone no matter who they are, where they're from, what they've done or what they do if they will only allow him in. The nervousness I felt left in that instant and I knew HE was with me ready to speak through me to bring hope to the hopeless and hurting. He is no respecter of persons.

The rest of the drive I listened to "The Stand" by Hillsong singing these words "So I'll stand. With arms high and heart abandoned In awe of the One who gave it all. 
So I'll stand My soul Lord to You surrendered All I am is Yours"

I was humbled as I finished my testimony and Pastor Karen closed the service. She said "You may have been through some hard times but this girl (me) has gone through so much and look what God has done " The audience agreed . We were all so different but yet the same . And then I was approached and encouraged by many who had listened . My heart was so touched I just hugged them and prayed .