Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

My earliest memories as a child are filled with the pain of running away from my mother, who subjected me to physical and emotional abuse from the age of six. Each day was a battle for survival, and at that time, I couldn't understand the depth of her cruelty or why she was so relentlessly harsh toward me.

My father, an alcoholic, was largely absent from my life. When he was around, his presence only served as a negative example of what I should never become.

There wasn’t a day that went by without thoughts of ending my own life. But deep inside, there was a voice urging me to hold on, to believe that something better was waiting for me.

At the age of 14, I encountered a stranger who would change the course of my life forever. This Christian man spoke to me about God for the first time, offering me a message of hope and reassurance. He told me that God was there for me and that I was not defined by the pain and darkness I had experienced.

I began attending church, meeting new people, and learning about God’s love and grace. Along the way, I made many mistakes and faced numerous setbacks, but with each challenge, I grew stronger, wiser, and more determined to live with purpose and faith.

Over time, I discovered a resilience I never knew I had, and I continue to learn and grow from the experiences that once threatened to break me.

Instead of waking up feeling crushing loneliness and agonizing confusion, I woke up feeling hopeful, yearning to learn more.

I continued seeking out opportunities to talk, to learn, to serve, and to give back to my community. I gave my life to God, and today, I do the same with an open heart and an open mind. 

I hope my journey of transformation can serve as a beacon of hope for others who feel lost, disconnected, or trapped in their struggles.