I grew up in what appeared from the outside to be a good healthy home but when you stepped behind closed doors there was the reality of abuse, depression, and anger. There was constant fighting between my parents. Over the years I battled with a deep dark state of depression. It controlled me and no matter what I did I could not break free from its hold. Every day thoughts of suicide flooded my mind. I knew if I didn’t get help I would end up taking my own life, harming someone else, or completely lose my mind.
In April of 2009 I cried out to God for help. Shortly after I cried out a young couple came to my door inviting me out to a new church close to my house. I accepted the invitation and went to the next mornings Sunday service. When I walked in the door I felt a calming peace come over me. Pastor David Murphy preached a sermon that spoke directly to me. In my head I was thinking how does he know all these things about my life? At the end of the preaching he asked if anyone wanted a changed life through Jesus Christ to raise their hand and mine shot up. I went to the altar and prayed a short prayer asking Jesus into my heart. Immediately I felt huge weights lifted off my shoulders that I didn’t even know were there. I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and joy. I knew I was forgiven and set free. A couple of days later I threw out a half a bottle of antidepressant medication that I had been taking for two years because I no longer needed it. Pastor Murphy shared with me his testimony about how he came to know Jesus through the murder of his good friend Spencer.