I've got a testimony...

I grew up in a church home. Like literally, my dad (also an artist) was a pastor and had church in our basement every Sunday for everyone in the neighborhood to attend.

I remember him staying up late on Saturday nights preparing for his sermon, getting up early Sunday morning to buy donuts for Sunday school attendees, and blasting Gospel music throughout the house to make sure we were awake and ready.

He also painted scriptures on the wall of the basement, and hung hand-painted signs outside our home for big occasions, like Christmas and Easter, reminding passersby of the meaning of the day.

I remember my mom was the secretary-- typing up all letters and announcements to send out to the community, organizing fundraisers, field trips, Gospel Fests, and answering any calls pertaining to church business.

This was all in our little Englewood community on the south side.

At a very young age, I also learned that their commitment to God started not to long before the time of my testimony.

The short version is that I was involved in an accident when I was 9 months old. Glass cut me in multiple places around my head and face. As a result, I was pronounced dead.

After 3 hours of crying and prayers, and ultimately acceptance, my parents decided to let go and leave my bedside.

The EKG went from flatlined to active, and that was the start of my 2nd chance at life.

This was a story I heard over and over as a kid, with my dad referring to at it at least once a week at church, and something I had gotten so used to. People called me a miracle baby. He still shares the story every time he preaches.

It wasn't until I got older that I could really understand or appreciate that this was in fact my testimony and a miracle.

God has been blessing me my entire life, with everyday being a new chance to live, and not just exist.

I don't know why I'm sharing this now, but I just find myself especially inspired to. In these times there are is so much to be worried about, and we literally can't even predict the next moment.

Remember that faith in God is something that we can continue to hold on to.

The Bible says:

Psalm 27

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—    whom shall I fear?The Lord is the stronghold of my life—    of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me,  my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek:that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. 5 For in the day of trouble    he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.

God Bless You!

-Liz