My Faith: For my early childhood, I was a Christian, because that’s what my parents were. Though I understood I was a Christian, I never really knew why, and we never talked about it, went to church, or even read the bible. My parents used the Awana program at a local church as a night off from parenting, and I was introduced to scripture and invited to ask Jesus into my life. Though I didn’t really understand it, I went home one night, and once snuggled on the top bunk of my bed, I silently asked God into my heart. I imagined Jesus and the children forming a protective ring around me, and didn’t understand much else.
I began saying prayers every night I was awake enough to do so. We didn’t continue the Awana’s program very long, so it wasn’t until middle school when I attended a Christian-based event. My friends and I signed up for the local Christian Camp, where we learned more about Jesus’ role in our lives and how to be saved. I again re-accepted Christ in my life, from what I understood of Him. I wanted to live with God in Heaven and do good things in the world.
Then my mother was diagnosed with brain cancer. I was in eighth grade. I didn’t know anything about cancer, or what it could do. I remember going outside, sitting in a plastic deck chair, looking up at the sky, and silently asking God why. Why are you doing this to me? Why are you doing this to my family? What did I do? If I am really good and obey my parents, will you take it away? This is a mistake, right?
My heart was broken.
If you have been witness to cancer, you can understand what a long, painful, and horrible event it is. I was 12, and my brother 9. We watched in silence, never talking about the impending truth. We helped her when her hair fell out, and we bought her wigs, and bandana’s to cover. We helped her when she couldn’t walk anymore, we pushed her wheelchair around and got her in and out of bed. We helped her to the bathroom in the middle of the night and changed her bedding. We helped her dress and undress, and shower. We helped her cook, we did the cleaning. My dad worked full time and hired some housekeepers, and care providers, when it got really bad. After a year-long battle with this disease, my mother died just before my eighth
grade graduation.
I was messed up beyond belief. I couldn’t understand why I needed to be so worried about obeying God if this is what I got in return. I was so angry. I hated my father for not saving her. I hated everyone who was in my life at that point and didn’t do anything. I hated myself for not being able to fix it. And I was angry at God.
The pastor from the church my parents attended (after my mom got sick) came to our house after she died. He sat in my room. I don’t remember a word he said. He handed me a student bible. He said I could keep it. This was my first bible. I tossed it among the destruction in my room. I didn’t open it for 5 years.
My anger continued into my high school years, I went from straight A’s to C’s, D’s, and Failing. Most of the time I didn’t even show up to class. I got involved with the wrong crowds, which led to numbing my anger and numbing my pain with alcohol and marijuana. My childhood dream was to play basketball for the U of O, but I didn’t go out for the team because I couldn’t pass a drug test. I made friendships, but never let them grow close enough so I wouldn’t be hurt if something happened. My life was a complete mess. I didn’t recognize myself.
I finally started clean-up, when I was told I wasn’t going to graduate. That seemed to be a good enough reason to start getting my act together (at least in the area of education). I knew I couldn’t focus on school if I continued this lifestyle, so I prayed to God for the strength to focus on getting out of high school. My grades improved to A’s and B’s, and though I was on the right track, I still didn’t have my act together spiritually. I still prayed every night but needed serious guidance on how to deal with my anger, and what type of life I needed to live.
Then, a year into college I met a Christian man (my future Husband) at my work (we worked with people with developmental disabilities with severe behavior disorders). He talked about the importance of the Bible and talked to me from a place I needed to be talked to as if God worked through his every word. I was intrigued and revived about my spirituality, I began to read my bible. I started in Genesis 1:1 and learned more things than I could imagine. I kept a record of all the questions I had, and would ask this man at work about them. Every day, as I read and prayed I grew closer and closer to God. I gained more understanding about my mother, and how and why I was created. I again re-dedicated my life to Christ, I do this often as my understanding of Him grows, and when I find myself off the path from where I want to be. Though I accepted as a child, as I understand more I rededicate my life path to God.
My husband and I have been married now, for four years, and have two children. I am an Awana leader at our church, which by no intention, turned out to be the church that funds the camp I went to as a child. The lessons I create and share are created using the Bible I was given when my mother died.
It wasn’t important what that pastor said that night, his words, his demeanor, his attire, I remember nothing except his handing me a Bible. It was only important that he was there giving me God’s word. For those of you teaching and bringing God’s word to people, remember that you only need to be there for God to work through you. His word is perfect, His plan is perfect, and he will touch their hearts at the perfect time. Just be there.
-Valerie McClintick (2006)
Comments (15)
What an awesome testimony. I am going to share this wwith my son who is going to college to be in the ministry. God is Good.
My favorite verse, one of the first I learned is Romans 8:28.
My upbringing was similar to yours: we were Catholics but didn’t know the Lord. We went to Mass sometimes but did not know the Savior. Bible reading was not important.
I went to VBS sponsored by a baptist Church. I don’t remember accepting Jesus then, but I remember the testimony of His Glory over the teachers and the missionary stories. Funny how God will act in each one of our lives according to our very personal needs. Years later I became a missionary and have experienced the Power of the Holy Spirit and His Glory. :) Oh, God is soooo good!!!!
Anyway, I have a question for you… it’s a question I often ponder on…. Do you think your life would have been the same if the BAD things had not happened in your life?
If your mother had not died of cancer, do you think you would have ever known Jesus? Would you be where you are today?
I ponder often about such things… many of the BAD, really troublesome times I had in my life where the ways that God used to bring me to Him. I don’t believe He caused them, but I believe in Rom 8:28.
Thanks for sharing your testimony. Praise be the Lord Jesus Christ for the wonderful work He has done in your life. :)
Thank you for sharing your testimony. It touched my heart and it encourage me. Praise God!!! for everything his done in your life and the beautiful transformation. You have wonderful talents and you are using them to honor God and help others like me. I happened to find your website by chanse but I know is the Lord who was trying to help me find something that will help me as a Religious education teacher at my church. I tend to get disorganized and be searching for something the night before class. I hope I will get more organized and be able to get a good night sleep before the new day comes and there ready to teach the kids. This will help me get material ready for fun activitys. I feel the Lord is bringing me encouragement through your page that is why I found it. I am looking forward to find out more about it. Thanks a million!!!!
Your testimony is wonderful, thank you for sharing! It brought tears to my eyes.” And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
He puts every person we come in to contact with in our lives for a purpose!
Thank you.
Dear sister thank you for sharing with us. I’m a nurse and I’ve just finished work. The Lord has spoken to me through your words. I came away from work feeling low and just wanted to give up. even though I know that the Lord wants me there. You have encouraged me!……thank you.
The Lord gave me (again and again until I would listen!) these words when I was going through a very painful time.
Isaiah 43:1-4 finishing at the begining of verse 3. I had to go half way across the country to a christian camp for His words to really sink in. They sang these verses from the front of the meeting and it was like He was singing them to me. I was so aware of him. Thank you again…Sue x
What beautiful words. I am a homeschooling mom of 7 and I recently lost my mom. Although I was blessed to have her for 74 years, her death was a complete shock to me and has been devestating. She lived 1/2 mile away and helped me every day with my children ( 3 of whom have CP). I have been angry and depressed these past two months…..it has been very hard to deal with. I am a Christian and have always felt that my faith was quite strong, but this has rocked my world. You encouraged me to dig deeper into my faith – thank you.
Thank you for your extreme honesty. I stumbled on your website in search of crafty ideas for my 3 precious girls. As I was navigating around your website, I thought to myself, “wow, this woman is super talented. I wonder how she manages.” Well, with the help of our Lord I’m sure! I was extremely touched by your testimony. May the Lord continue to shine through your gifts and talents. Thank you for being so willing to share who you are and your God given abilities.
TO God be the glory for what He’s done in your life. Never forget His Mercy and Grace edureth forever. Continue to move forward in him. Very inspiring!!! God bless!
Pray that your testimony will bless many more by bringing them to a better relationship with the Lord.
I have in my heart of making a website to post ideas about school and of God.
I am a preschool teacher working at a Christian school, and am so blessed to work in an environment that we begin each day with a moring devotion and prayer! I wanted to thank you for sharing so much with others, I found your web site while looking for new ideas for my class, and I wanted you to know that I “shared ” it and the easter egg bible verses with all of my prayer sister’s (teachers). I have been praying about another issue and after reading your testimony God has once again “kmoth” (“knocked me over the head”) and I will be doing what God has asked. Thank you for being a vessel for God’s message!
P.S. Do you have a way that we can share with you idea that we have used that have worked!
What a great testimony! I love how God can redeem any of us who are willing to call on us. It doesn’t matter how far we’ve gone or what we’ve done, His grace is enough! I’ve been following your activities and such for a while, but I had no idea about your story because I never took the time to look. Thanks for being a blessing and sharing all your labors and hard work with us. We are truly grateful.
-Melissa Harrison, http://www.allforhimblog.com
thank you so much for sharing your testimony with me it has touched my heart as i am a backsliden christian and i have 10 grandchildren and a 10 month great grandson im partially disabled i stopped going to church as i got to the feeling god wasnt speaking to me anymore and all my life my mother said i would never amount to anything good but one time someone prayed for me and told me that god said i would be a great woman of god but because of some of the things in my f\mily life i turned away from god iv been a sunday school teatcher youth fellowship worker ilove to do crafts and make cards i help out a couple of times at a dementure group where i have now got people making crafts themselves instead of going to sleep i do believe this is from god i dont think this was a co insidence me finding your web site i believe god lead me here if you would like me to send you some cards or putb them on facebook i can add you as a friend so thank you again will you pray for me for god to guide me to whate he wants me to do god bless you and your family and your good work love in jesus veonica xx
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Everything under the sun praises the Mighty God, He keeps you in His hand,
” When He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10
it must have been painful, but eventually peace and rest in Him.
Hello I love your testimony. You are touching eternity to bring glory to God.
Please continue to spread God’s word.
Tiffany Carroll