Dates and numbers have always been important and meaningful in my life. April 24 is no exception. 13 years ago today at about this time I was sitting in a motel room on the edge of the bed crying hysterically because I couldn't see a way out of the mess I had made of mY life . CPS had taken my kids from school days earlier and my husband was in jail and I couldn't talk to any of them. I was too scared to call my dad and I felt so terribly alone , more alone than I had ever felt. The one person I knew I could reach out to because she loved me unconditionally was my sister, but she had died two years earlier. In that desperate moment I made the decision to end my life, to end the pain and shame. I didn't know how I was going to do it but I thought that was my only option . Then God in HIS love and mercy intervened prompting me to make a call to the HR department of Garland ISD. It didn't make sense , but a lot of times God doesn't make sense, because I didn't know anyone there . It was crazy but I called anyway and God placed an angel , named Mary , on the other end of that line who treated me with love and kindness and gave me a plan. The darkness almost won that day but HIS light broke through and the hopelessness left. In that moment I chose life. I have never again gone to that darkest place , not even when I faced prison or when Alexis died , events much more tragic and painful to me. God had me in the palm of HIS hand and since that day there has always been hope , if even just a flicker. So today I praise HIM for saving me that day and never giving up on me . I thank HIM for giving me eyes to see that it wasn't hopeless and that I was stronger than I thought even when I didn't really know HIM. He still loved me when I didn't even recognize who HE was. One of the most powerful moments in my life . Feeling thankful!! Don't forget there is ALWAYS hope!! 

Isaiah 42:3 He will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the dimly burning flame. He will encourage the fainthearted, those tempted to despair. He will see full justice given to all who have been wronged.