The term Jesus uses for this is “Redemption,” and this has been the theme of my life.

When I was 12 years old my birthday fell on Sunday. My legalistic, controlling mother made sure that I understood I should “walk the aisle,” on this day. We were at my grandparents’ church where my mother had walked the aisle, so this compliant child obeyed. Following the service, my mother insisted I be baptized that afternoon, since we were out of town and would need to return home. She knocked down the pastor and all of the deacons like bowling pins to accomplish her goal.

I often use this date when asked about my salvation experience. My mother was totally unaware that Jesus and I had somehow formed a relationship when l was much younger than 12 years of age. I am an only child from a dysfunctional and abusive family. My mother controlled my father, me, and many workplace people, as well as churches as we moved through life.

We literally moved almost every year because my father’s jobs did not produce the results that my mother desired. So, as an only child, having to start over every year in new schools, new churches and new neighborhoods, I kept bringing the old abuse and criticism along which made for a lost and lonely little girl. Jesus gently stepped in and became one constant in my life.

Fast forward a few years… my freshmen year in college… this pitiful, love-starved girl had one miserable boyfriend after another. So one night I told God, “I’ve had enough! Jesus, I just want to date you. I want to focus on knowing you.” The next night, a handsome, Godly young man, a fellow music major asked me out. Well, it was to church so I should go… right?

Three and a half years later, we were married. God brought His unconditional love to me through my husband, the first time I had never had love withdrawn when l messed up. Redemption.

Fast forward another 3 years and I brought home a teeny tiny (5 lb 5 oz) human who was dependent upon me for his very life. I had no siblings, no experience with babies. Back onto my knees I went begging God for His wisdom to accomplish this overwhelming task.

Three more children later and I became a walking encyclopedia on A.D.H.D. (God’s wisdom). The diagnosis that is so common now was brand new and frightening back then, so my name and phone number was available in the school office for parents who worlds were upended by the letters A.D.H.D. attached to their child. Redemption.

Fast forward again. Two of our 4 children left home within 3 days of each other, one for the Army and one for college, as did many of their friends who began email relationships with me. They needed a Mom and chose me. Redemption.

A few more years and I have 2 daughters-in-law whose stories growing up greatly resemble my own. They call me Mom. Jesus redeemed my soul from hell. He is continually redeeming me from daily sin to himself. But the gift that keeps me thanking Him continually is this, He takes my suffering and it becomes someone else’s survival guide.

He makes all things work together for good, for those who love him and are the called according to His purpose. So, I ask you… Are you redeemed?

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4