Chapter 1

The Early Years

Infant - 1994

Years later, in 1986, when I was 13 years old, I fell backward and landed flat on my rear, which caused problems with my lower back. I struggled with sciatic nerve pain that would shoot down my right leg, and on many occasions, I would bend over and be unable to straighten back up. I dealt with this for eight years.

In 1989, at the age of 16, I was in my first rollover accident. I had been instructed to drive my dad's old truck to school instead of my car. At the time, I didn't know there was “play” in the steering wheel or that this was an issue with the truck.

The truck began veering off the road. When I regained control, I directed it back onto the road, but the front left tire dropped into a dip, causing the truck to roll end over end.

I wasn't wearing my seat belt. Had I been, I believe my head would have been crushed because the roof on the driver's side was smashed down to the steering wheel. I wasn't saved at the time, and I knew I would not have gone to heaven.

Afterward, I gave my life to the Lord, and that began my journey with Him. I wish I could say that I stayed close to Him from that point forward, but I didn't. I wasn't discipled in my walk, and for much of my life, I found myself in and out with the Lord.

Then, in 1994, eight years after injuring my back, I was invited to attend a tent revival for the first time. I was still struggling with the back and sciatic nerve pain that had begun when I was 13. During that revival, the Lord instantly healed my back. After eight years of living with the pain, it was gone. I didn't have any more back problems for many years afterward, and the Lord continued to heal me of other things as well.

Looking back, I can see that Jesus was watching over me long before I understood the plans He had for my life. Even during the years when I wasn't walking closely with Him, He was still there. I didn't understand it then, but now I can look back and see His love, protection, and faithfulness throughout those early years.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

As an infant, I was born clubfooted, with one foot turned completely inward. I wore metal shoes with a brace between them to keep my feet straight. One day, my parents took me up for prayer, and the Holy Spirit straightened my foot.

Reflection

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