And Then it Happened!!!

In 1987 at the age of 21, I left my country of origin seeking a new life. As I boarded the airplane, I had mixed feelings; I felt free and scared. I didn’t know what to expect moving to a new country.

After a few years in a Canada, I was involved in the same old lifestyle; however, this time as a married woman it almost cost me my marriage. I chose to disclose very personal marital secrets which were ultimately related back to my husband. I eventually realized that a change in location doesn’t produce a change in lifestyle. Only by the power of God can negative habits be broken.

In 1994, during a Sunday night service, the Lord spoke to me through a preacher who neither knew me nor my past. At first, I was scared because I knew the person I was and the life I was living, but for me that night was different. Just as God stopped the apostle Paul before he went any further – God also stopped me.

In 1995, God began to change my life and my desire to gossip decreased. With much prayer and supplication and reading good books, He subsequently completely changed my life. I felt different. I even ended a few relationships that were triggers for my gossiping tendencies.

The intimidating yet freeing thing I had to do was make amends with a few people I had hurt in the past, which also included my church family. I had to ask for forgiveness.

The beauty of the gospel is that no matter the life we live, God’s forgiveness will make us into a new person. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new”. (KJV)

I really do feel free! You might be wondering if I have gossiped since my transformation…yes, I have. Now, however, when the Spirit of God convicts me, I choose to obey. I choose to think before I speak. I choose to consider whether my words will benefit the hearer. I choose to use my words to encourage others and speak life. I choose to resist the devil knowing he will flee.

Believe it or not, there are a few who haven’t embraced the changes in my life and still remember me as the ‘old Debbie’. That’s okay because I know who I am!

A common misconception is that going to church makes one a follower of Christ. Incorrect. We must repent of our sins, deny ourselves and make the conscious decision to follow Christ.

Today I live not to please men, but to please God. So, no matter what is said about me, I know where God has brought me from, and where he is taking me.