Turn Your Darkness Into Light
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” John 8:12. (NIV)
Today, Christians, young or old, male, or female, rich or poor, famous or unknown, forget the fact that Jesus brought peace into this world. We are sometimes led by our own hearts, ways, and emotions which at times lead us into depression or even worse, for we take our lives in our own hands. This reminds me of my own situation in 2002, when I consulted a neurologist about a stiff neck and tightness on my shoulders. The doctor was very friendly; we had a long conversation about my family, and I began to sob uncontrollably, for I couldn’t bear the pain that caused the destruction in my household. The doctor told me I was depressed and prescribed the medication and advised me to take one pill every day for one month. After filling the prescription, I drove to work, and went directly to my friend Belinda, a prison minister, good preacher, and prayer warrior. I told her that I needed prayer—that I was depressed. I felt as though my emotions were flat, like my brain was completely void. I felt like I was on the verge of a collapse.
Belinda prayed over me using the Bible verses and advised me to continue praying using certain Scriptures she gave me to take home. Looking back, I know that this was the day I totally surrendered my heart to the Lord and Savior and He took me in His arms. I prayed the Bible verses Belinda had given me over myself and my Lord and Savior delivered me out of the schemes and wiles of the devil without taking one single pill prescribed to me!
Several years ago prior to my retirement, I prayed that once I stopped working, the Lord would help me to completely surrender myself to Him, that He would use me as His servant for the rest of my life; for over the years I learned the true meaning of the Scripture found in Matthew 9:37–38, Jesus said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” So, I prayed, “Here am I, Lord, please use me as Your servant.”
In 2010, the Lord brought a stranger into my life, a faithful woman who knew the Scriptures very well and also had the experience in prison ministry for over twenty years. Her name is Carolyn W. May, and with her help, I was able to serve the Lord in the women’s prison. God blessed me to lead some of those precious ladies to dedicate, rededicate their lives to our Savior Jesus Christ and give others the assurance of their salvation. God also blessed Carolyn and me to teach the Bible at the men’s prison on a weekly basis. I thank God Almighty for giving me such a privilege to serve Him.
Jesus turned my darkness into light and made me a productive child of God. The word of God is so powerful when you believe and pray faithfully using Scripture that fits your situation. You will see the miracles and wonders, for the Bible promises us, His word will not return to Him void but will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent (Isaiah 55:11).
In February of 2018, God put the thought in my heart to start the ministry on a website. At that time, I had no idea how to start, where to begin or whom to contact; in fact, I knew I was not worthy to start a website, so I didn’t take it seriously.
In mid-July as I was walking alone in the park and meditating on the Word of God, He spoke and said, “Start the ministry on a website, sell T-shirts.” At this point I felt the urgency, so I contacted my son and asked him to help me set up a website as it was imperative that I obey God. On the following weekend, July 21st, he and his wife came home, and he spent long hours searching until he purchased and registered the domain, “Touch my heart ministries.org.” On the same day, his wife promised me that she would have her brother do the web design for the ministry. What an amazing God! The Lord supplied all the needs…. It was the most joyous day of my life.
In 2018, I didn’t know how to get the T-Shirts done, but my heart desired to reach out and pray for those who are depressed, lonely, or despaired and uplift them with His words as I was uplifted in 2002. Whenever I hear about suicidal death due to depression my heart grieves. This began when I heard about the suicide of Robin Williams (the actor and comedian) in 2014, for I liked him very much ever since I saw the movie Popeye. Again in 2018, Chef Anthony Bourdain’s death brought me tears, for I loved his show, “Parts Unknown.”
There are others who have taken their lives including veterans and police officers. It truly hurts my heart whenever I hear of such deaths. This is why I named the ministry, “Touch my heart.”
Dear friend, if you or someone you know is suffering from depression, share my story with them. Pray for them as I pray for you. Pray that they may not turn to alcohol or drugs, for this will only temporarily mask the pain and eventually leads to destruction. Only God is able to heal the deep, crushing wounds in your heart. Seek Him, He is our Healer, Wonderful Counselor, and He loves you more than you can ever imagine or understand. I have experienced and tasted it in my own life! He is always available every moment of our lives. Turn your heart toward Him and talk to Him…. He is waiting on you.
Do not let the devil overtake your God-given breath of life. Do not be ashamed or afraid; be strong and courageous, and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, for there is HOPE in Him. The Bible says: “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him” (emphasis added) Nahum 1:7. (NIV)
I pray and cry out to You Lord Jesus, “You touch many people’s mind and heart through this ministry and save their lives.” Thank You my Lord and Savior.
I surrender this service to Lord Jesus Christ in glorifying His name, for it is He Who commanded me to start the ministry on a website.
(For your information: To be better equipped in this new endeavor, I took a Life Coach and Empowerment course and received the certificate from Life Empowerment and Entrepreneur Inc. in 2019.)