Overcoming Identity Crisis
My Testimony
My Testimony
For many years I was having trouble finding my identity. As a teenager, I was trying to find myself using drugs and alcohol. I just wanted to know who I was and feel good about myself. But it made me make bad choices. My risky behavior brought problems with the law. Finally, On July 4th 2001 (Independence Day), I was arrested for my third DWI and sent to jail on Sept 1st, 2001.
Found Jesus while in jail
I continued to rebel while in jail and refused to accept responsibility for my behavior. Until, one night I went into a Bible study for a cup of coffee and some snacks, I heard some testimonies of other inmates and their new relationship with God. The same God I blamed for all of my problems.
A Fresh Start
After attending the Bible study a few more times, I was told by its leader to stop blaming God for my problems and accept responsibility for my poor choices. To give God a chance to prove His love for me. While praying for Him to come into my life, I felt a wave of freedom and peace come over me that forced me to open my eyes and grip my seat. I truly felt the Holy Spirit enter my heart and remove from me of my pain and addictions.
24 years later
On September 1st 2024, I was 23 years sober and counting and owe it all to Our Lord Jesus Christ. His love for me is sufficient when my own love is not. What I used to see as a mess, He saw as a masterpiece. Our Creator yearns for a relationship with us no matter where we are in life and how much we think we've failed. He wants to show the power of His love in you and through you and wants to have a Fatherly relationship with you. So, what are you waiting for? Give God a chance to Love you the way you're intended to be loved, and deserved to be loved.
Francis Pare'
My identity is in Christ