Introduction
During a time of extreme loneliness and sorrow, Jeanette turned to God in an effort to discover a sense of meaning. Immediately life became brighter. Jeanette found much more than meaning, including, as she put it, the doorway to a new life.Jeanette's true story is one of many uniquely featured testimonies from you, the members and visitors of this site. Each story reveals a life transformed by Christian faith. If your relationship with God has made a significant difference in your life, we would like to hear about it. Submit your testimony by filling out this Submission Form. To receive weekly messages of hope and encouragement from real-life stories of changed lives, sign up for eTestimonies.
Jeanette's Doorway to a New Life
I have been given a new lease on life through Jesus Christ and God. Jesus has shown me the "doorway to a new life" many times over.I first gave my life to the Lord in February of 2001. My husband had moved across the country for a job transfer and my two teenage children did the same. They went to live with their biological father after many years of having little contact with him or his family.
Our 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 3300 square-foot home - our adored castle - was now a vacant and empty place. I felt buried by my sorrows each night as I was there alone. It was on one of these nights that I was reading the first chapter of the initial book in the "Left Behind" series. I was so shaken by the scenario painted of the Rapture, I got on my knees and prayed to the Lord to give my life whatever meaning it should have. Anything at all would be better than what I was feeling.
Life Became Brighter
Even though I wasn't really certain what to expect, my life became brighter. I learned what a difference my own actions and words could make to me and others around me. This positive place became my new world, where I prayed in my own way, my own time, whenever and wherever I could.
I have become very solid and strong in my faith, one day and one need at a time. We have now been in our new home for 5 years. Since then we have two new grandchildren from my daughter who now lives near us. My husband's son and his family, and my mother have also followed us to this area.
The Testing of My Faith
However, my life since then has not been without sorrow. My son has died from cancer at the age of 22. Losing him was a huge test of my faith. It has left a hole in my heart that will never completely heal. Yet minute by minute I grow stronger in the knowledge that my son is now with Jesus, in our Father's hands, watching over us.
Two months ago my husband was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. Another blow! But somehow, whatever happens, I know God will help me to understand what I need to, and that I will move on in whatever capacity he brings me through. With all of the sadness, heartache, happiness and love in my life, I know I would not be the same if not for my love for the Lord. He is my way, my truth and my life. He is the path to live as I should, my doorway to a new life.
I have learned also that as parents, friends, co-workers and neighbors, we are meant to be caretakers and caregivers for each other. God has given us people in our lives to enrich us and also for us to embrace with his love. We all belong to Him; we are just here for the glorious, crazy ride that is life, until our lives really begin with Him in eternity.
