This story of Redemption is from the heart of Amy Woody,
Missions Ministry Assistant at Warren Baptist Church
When I was a little girl I was always taught right from wrong. As I grew up, life would knock me so far down that anyway up looked good. I am a walking witness that we are saved by God’s grace.
At age five, I saw my mother weep when my father left. This was my first memory of hurt. At the age of 10 I had my first taste of death–the loss of my mother. So around my grandfather’s 75th birthday, I moved in with him. He did the best he knew how, but I took advantage of him in many ways.
I was just on my way to “out of control” during that time. Constant feelings of anger, confusion, abandonment, and always feeling ashamed consumed me.
I felt desperate to figure things out, to figure life out … but it always ended in selfish, destructive actions. I would do anything to numb the pain that I felt deep within my soul. It was like a nightmare, and I was the star. God if you are real wake me up from this slumber!
A friend invited me to her church for the 1000th time, and I finally caved so she would leave me alone. I felt Christ’s love, compassion, and healing words coming out the pastor’s mouth. My heart started beating rapidly and my palms started sweating—I met Jesus for the first time when I was 16, but He did not become real to me until later. I was running scared! Deep down I knew He was the answer to all my questions, but I was not willing to give up the pain and hurt I knew so well.
Two months after my 18th birthday I found out I was pregnant. How did this happen? What was I going to do? Now, I look back and see through my sin to God’s shining Grace. That child, my son, saved my life! He woke me up from a life I was so ashamed of and gave me the desire to live again. My life had to change quickly with this small bundle of joy relying on me, but how?
Over the course of several years, God strategically put people in front of me—planting seeds, pouring a watering can of grace and offering an encouraging cup of goodness. I look back and see God’s hand in my life, a blanket of protection and provisions.
God saved me from myself, and I am grateful for it. I was saturated with a sin- filled life. I recognized my need for a Savior, and He rescued me! I am by no means perfect and have many struggles in life, but I know that life in this world is temporary. His grace, mercy, and unfailing love are what I live for now. I daily lay my family’s life at the foot of the Cross. I will one day be with my Father in heaven but until then, “As for me and my house we will serve The Lord.”
The Lord is so good!
I am married to my husband Tom, and together we have 3 boys. Corbin is almost 19, Emery is 12, and Spencer is 9. It is by Grace I have been saved, and to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
This quote from the book, Rising Strong, gives me courage and confidence when I am feeling defined by past sins.
“But I know that it takes more than courage to own your story. We own our stories so we don’t spend our lives being defined by them or denying them. And while the journey is long and difficult at times, it is the path to living a more whole-hearted life.” – Brené Brown
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
