My Spiritual Journey: From Seeds of Faith to Servant of Grace

Early Days

I was born into humble beginnings. My father was raised Catholic, and my mother was raised Protestant. At just 19 years old, my mom brought me into the world—and into a season of poverty and uncertainty. But even in those early days, God was already writing my story.

One day, while my mother was overwhelmed and in tears, there was a knock at the door. Standing there was a woman named Dorothy McNair—sent by God at just the right time. Dorothy would go on to become my spiritual mother, mentor, and lifelong friend.

Dorothy knew deep sorrow. She had lost both her husband and young son in separate tragedies. In the wake of her grief, she devoted herself to full-time evangelizing. That day at our door, she offered comfort to my mother and care for me—and, in a leap of faith, my mother entrusted me into her arms.

From that moment on, my spiritual journey began.

Dorothy became my guide into Scripture, prayer, and ministry. She read me children’s books containing Biblical accounts, and some of my earliest memories are of listening to the stories of King Solomon, Moses as a baby, and the faithful mothers of the Bible. Even as a toddler, I was learning what it meant to walk with God.

Dorothy taught me to memorize Scripture—like Revelation 21:4—and I eagerly joined her in her evangelizing ministry, often ringing doorbells on tiptoes and sharing the good news with joy. She made me beautiful dresses, often hand-sewn or found in thrift shops, and I felt proud to serve alongside her.

She wasn’t just my spiritual teacher—she nurtured every part of my life. She’d take me to the park to marvel at tadpoles, birds, and trees, always pointing me back to the Creator. Rainbows became reminders of God’s promises. Back at her simple home, she made grilled cheese with tomato and mustard, tomato soup with melted cheese, and root beer floats with one perfect scoop of vanilla. After lunch came “school time,” where she taught me to read, write, and create—always nurturing my gifts.

Dorothy didn’t drive, so other women in her congregation would transport us. Sisters Christina, Juanita, Valentine, and many others became like family. I learned snippets of Spanish and witnessed the beauty of community and faith lived out daily.

Not everyone understood or supported this path—especially my father, who once dismissed Dorothy out of concern that I was becoming too devoted. But no one could replace her, and God made a way for her to return. I believe without a doubt that He placed her in my life for a divine purpose.

Growing in Faith

At eight, our family moved, and my parents had another child. Even from a distance, Dorothy made sure I remained connected to a spiritual community. I continued to grow spiritually, and  at 15, as my walk with God improved, I chose to be baptized.

On that very day in 1992, my now-husband whom I had known since we were eight, was also baptized. We didn’t know it at the time, but God was aligning our stories even then.

Throughout high school, I structured my life around faith. I participated in work-study programs to allow more time for ministry. After graduation, I moved to Texas to serve as a nanny for a family, attended college, and even learned sign language to translate sermons for a deaf sister. Those were years of purpose and spiritual passion.

Marriage and Motherhood

At 21, I returned to Pennsylvania and married my husband. God blessed us with five sons over the next decade, and our home became a place of love, laughter, and deep learning. But like many families, we also faced trials that tested our faith.

Our first son nearly died at birth, but by the grace of God, he survived. Our second was misdiagnosed with Down syndrome—we refused to consider terminating the pregnancy and rejoiced when he was born perfectly healthy. In 2006, after the birth of our fourth son, I experienced a hemorrhage that was life-threatening and spent several days in the ICU before stabilizing. I entrusted my life fully to God—and He preserved me.

A New Awakening

Around 2016, everything changed. After years of devotion to a particular Christian sect, I began to sense something was wrong. My heart was stirred to search deeper, and God led me to some information that had been published by a prior leader in the organization. This material answered so many questions that had been building and bought clarity to my ever-growing concerns over things that I had been taught and always believed to be true. Through prayer, Scripture, and reflection, I came to realize that my loyalty must rest in Christ alone—not in any human organization.

It was not an easy decision to leave the group, but I knew it was the right one. My husband, our children, my mother, and extended family also made the decision to seek a more personal relationship with God trusting in Christ alone as our mediator.

In 2017, my husband and I renewed our vows and exchanged crosses—symbols of our redemption through Jesus. In 2018, we were baptized again—this time as followers of Christ alone. Our children chose to be baptized too. It was a beautiful chapter of rebirth.

Storms and Restoration

But life didn’t suddenly become easy. In 2020, we faced more unexpected challenges. Several of our children began questioning God’s existence and attributes. My marriage also went through a painful season. I felt lost. For a time, I even turned away from God.

Yet, in the wilderness, He found me again.

As I sought answers for my children and cried out in prayer, God met me. He restored my hope, my faith, and my purpose. He showed me that His love is bigger than my fears and His grace is stronger than my doubts. He began healing our family in ways I never imagined.

Today, the cross I wear - a gift from my husband - reminds me daily of the power of redemption. I am a new creation in Christ, not because I have it all figured out, but because I trust in the One who does.

Moving Forward in Grace

As a Marriage Coach and servant of God, I now use every lesson, every joy, and every heartbreak to help others. I understand the pain of disillusionment, the strain of marriage, the doubts of children, and the quiet strength it takes to keep believing.

I don’t speak from a place of perfection—but from a heart transformed by grace. I believe God uses our stories to bring healing, and I know He’s not finished with mine.

I walk forward not as someone who has arrived, but as someone who is continually being renewed—daily, by the love of Christ.

To God be the glory.