God is Faithful in Trials

Dove's Story

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Life is full of choices. When I was born, we lived in a school bus. My parents didn't have much money, so they read a book about living efficiently in a bus. We also lived in a van when I was ages 7 and 8. We always had food to eat and growing up I never felt that I didn't have what I needed. My parents raised me in a loving, Christian home. Our home was sometimes a little different than a traditional house. Sometimes we would go to soup kitchens and my memory is that everyone was so nice and friendly. This is a major reason why today, I choose to volunteer in community missions. I pray that my help may minister to children the way I remember being ministered to. My childhood has also influenced me to work really hard so that my family's needs will be met.

When I was young, I was sexually abused by a family member. Growing up, I was very insecure. I believe because of this experience, I sometimes felt that I needed to give myself to receive love. I didn't always make the best choices because of these feelings of insecurity. I have since realized that only God can give me the security I need. I choose forgiveness for this experience, and I am able to forget because of God's grace. God now has given me a wonderful husband, a beautiful son, both of whom I love very much.

Life is full of choices. I choose forgiveness, strength, perseverance and love because that's what God gives me.

One of my favorite verses is Hebrews 12:1 ..."let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

In my life, I haven't always chosen the right relationships and I feel this verse tells us to not be engulfed in sinful things because it entangles us so that we don't see God. God wants us to run the race of life with perseverance and to do what glorifies him.

Another verse I love is Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose."

I feel that what bad things happened in my life, God has worked for good. From my childhood experiences I have learned to rely on God for my security and to forgive because my life and this short time we have on earth is meant for the glory of God.