There is a song that Sister Carlene and many others have sung that resonates with me. It is called 

“You Don’t Know My Story.”  

There’s another song that my grandma used to sing, and it is called “Don’t Let the Devil Ride, for If You Let Him Ride, He Wants to Drive.” 

When I started thinking about what I was going to say, it occurred to me that the devil had been riding with me ever since 1978. But when I read, study, and listen to the Pastor and many other leaders teach about Daniel, David, Saul, the woman with the issue of blood, the Hebrew brothers, Job, the woman at the well, Jesus, and so many more, I realized that God was there with me at the beginning of my hardship in 1978 and He is still here with me today. 

I also realized that there may be someone who is going through some of the same things I have gone through. So, if God wants to use me to tell my story to help someone else, then I feel no shame, because God is worthy. 

I was abused, and if you have ever been abused, you know it plays on your mind. From it, I received the spirit of rejection, insecurity, lack of confidence, and low self-esteem. I felt like an outcast. 

I know these things carried into my adulthood, but I also know that we fight not against flesh and blood. So, I finally gave it over to God, and He has given me the ability to show grace and mercy to others. 

Years later, I dropped out of high school. But because of God, I have a high school diploma. 

Years later, my children were taken from me. When I asked for help, I didn’t receive any. But now I understand that it was bigger than man and thanks to God, my children are back in my life. 

After that, I developed a substance abuse disorder. At first, I just wanted to numb myself, but before I realized it, it got out of hand. Yet because of God

—hearing my cry—

He delivered me. Now I’m no longer bound but set free. Twenty-one years free! 

Later, the devil attacked my health with renal failure. I had to go to dialysis for 10 years, but because of God and His delivering power, I’m dialysis-free.

 A year later, COVID-19 attacked my body. I couldn’t breathe without oxygen, and I couldn’t walk without assistance. But because of God, I’m breathing on my own, and I can walk independently.

 So, no one can tell me that my God is not real—because He has been my comforter, my deliverer, my friend, my healer, my provider, my Savior, my way maker, my miracle worker, my promise keeper, and my light in the darkness. 

"Father God, for that I say thank you!"

To Pastor Torre Park and First Lady Parker, thank you for allowing God To use both of you to bless others!