Sometimes, when we see a person on stage we ASSUME that they must’ve lived a charmed life. They were probably born with a “silver spoon” in their mouth. WRONG!!!

In my case, my dad GAVE ME UP when I was two years old. When he divorced my mom, he actually claimed that he had NO children, even though I was toddling around on the floor. (OUCH! That hurts!)

How Could This Happen To Me?
When I was in grade school I was molested. I didn’t know what to do, so I just kept it inside for a WHOLE year.

Finally, when I did tell my best friend…she told EVERYONE else and I was ostracized. No birthday parties. No friends at lunch.

This must be all MY fault! At just eleven years-old, I felt like my life was OVER!!!

Then At Thirteen, I Was Raped
My parents didn’t know. I was CERTAINLY NOT going to tell them, because I know what happens when you tell.

Thankfully, we moved. This time, I decided I was going to do everything RIGHT, join all the school activities and be NICE to everyone, no matter what!

Even the boys started noticing me and I enjoyed all the attention. FINALLY…somebody liked me!!!

So At Seventeen, I Was An Unwed Mother
Did you know that high schools frown on having PREGNANT cheerleaders?

I was ALONE again.

Then, I met a guy who paid very close attention to me. I thought he really LOVED me. But turns out, he was a drug addict and he just became more ABUSIVE.

A herniated C7 and a broken rib later…I realized I’d really FIXED MYSELF up!

Well, The Damage Is Done!
Great job Nicole…you’ve damaged YOURSELF! I can’t believe I did that!! How STUPID can I be?

Remember, whatever the enemy tells you is absolutely NOT TRUE!

In fact, God says:
“Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.” Isaiah 61:7 (NIV)

Only Human!
God sees WHO He called us to be, even when we can’t see it. God knows we’re not perfect..we’re just HUMAN.

That’s why, BEFORE we were ever born He sent Jesus to die on the cross for sins we hadn’t yet committed.

I never thought, in a million years, God could use someone like ME.

Thankfully, we are not DEFINED by our past…we are PREPARED by it.

God didn’t make no JUNK! That’s bad English, but GREAT theology!!!

Prayer For Today
“Father God, thank you, that before You created the universe You knew ME and all the trials that would help prepare me for my God assignment to serve You. In Jesus’ name.”