In June of last year, I entered a very difficult time in my life. In one month, I lost every source of income I had. In July I was served with an eviction notice, my lights were on the verge of being cut off, and there were nights when I did not eat just to make sure my two girls had more than enough. During this time my van was always running out of gas, and I struggled to make ends meet. I cried a lot and could not sleep at night. Even when I would fall asleep, I would wake up in a panic at the thought of not knowing what I was going to do while my two girls slept unaware in their beds. One day I felt like if something didn’t happen and happen fast I was going to lose my mind. I did the one and only thing I had left to do…..I prayed.
I began seeking God and being more consistent with my tithe. Every time I would wake up in a panic, I would pray and ask God to show me what He wanted me read in my bible. Each time God spoke to me so clearly with verses like
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
And Psalm 118:6
The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
The more I read, the more peace I began to feel about my situation. One day I got all my bills and put them in a pile together. I cried out to the Lord and told Him that I was ready to put it all in his hands. I could not fix my situations, and He was going to have to fix them for me. I gave up all control and moved out of His way so that He could take the lead. During this time, I continued to work hard in school and serve in my church. I continued coming to Building Hope and working with the students. I walked around with a smile on my face and praise on my lips because I believed that God was going to do the incredible in my life. He did just that.
On the day of Building Hope’s Open House, I found out that I could do a work study through Pitt Community College. Although it is a process that normally takes weeks to get started, I was able to start the very same day that I completed the necessary forms.
The day before I went to court for the eviction, I was able to pay what I owed in full. Even better, I found a beautiful town home AND I was able to pay my rent up 6 months ahead!
Everything was looking up and I was so very grateful for all that God was doing in my life. Then one day while driving down Arlington Boulevard, my van broke down. Normally I would have cried and been in a panic, but all I could do as I waited for the tow truck to come was smile and praise God because I knew that if he had already done all these other things that he would provide for me now. I had to catch rides and borrow cars, but I did not miss a beat the entire time I did not have any transportation. During this time I made my petition known to God, and I told Him that I needed a car without a car payment. I didn’t know when and I didn’t know how, but I just believed it would happen. One Sunday during a church service my Bishop, Rosie S. O’Neal, asked if anyone serving in the ministry had a specific need and if they did to write it down. She would be praying and believing with those who filled out the sheet. On December 18th I received a call from my Bishop telling me to go over to Walter Bolden’s car dealership to fill out paperwork for my new car. On December 21st I was driving off the lot in my 2012 Nissan Versa!
I am a living, breathing testament that when you trust God, He will provide for you. That is the kind of loving, caring and faithful God that I am glad to serve. And if He did it for me He will do it for you!