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Nothing touches the heart like a personal testimony. Especially when it come from someone you love. Our church recently held a mother’s banquet to honor all of the Mothers for Mother’s day. The theme was “the Seasons of Life” and my niece Courtney was the speaker for spring. I was so proud of her story that I would like to share it with everyone. With her permission of course.

Hello! My name is Courtney McCarty and I would like to welcome all of you. I live here in Jackson (Ohio) with my husband Dave and our two little girls Sage and Sabella.

This May will mark four years since Jesus planted me in the garden of life.

As a child I was raised in church and God was always an important part of our lives. And as I grew from a child into a young adult, I chose to venture out and live among the world. As I was living in sin I always had that still small voice inside letting me know this was not the life God had planned for me. And being the strong willed person that I am, I chose to ignore it, run from it, anything I could not to own up to “my way was not the right way.”
It wasn’t until I had my first child, that I really stopped to look at my life. It wasn’t just my life anymore. She depended on me and I was the one who would be teaching her right from wrong. I knew that I couldn’t do that living the life I had chosen, but I was afraid to change.

This was the lifestyle I had known for so long. Just in Jesus’ fashion he opened the door. My Mom’s church was holding a revival and she invited me to go. The first night I could feel the stirring inside me but I still couldn’t do it. The next night they gave the alter call and the devil was holding on tight because Jesus was calling my name.

That May night at Coalton Free Will Baptist church Jesus planted the Holy Spirit deep in my soul, covered me with the blood, and showered me with more love than words can say. Finally my eyes were on the Son. I was no longer an empty numb soul existing in the world. I was alive.

All that time I was afraid I would have to give it all up when actually I have gained so much more. I have a stronger relationship with my parents; a loving church family and I have someone who will never forsake me.

There are still times when the rains pour down and the thunder rolls. I feel like I might wash away but I know that Jesus’ strong roots run deep. He planted me on a firm foundation. He sees me through the storms and whispers softly “I am with you always.” With him by my side the darkness rolls away.

I am thankful for a new beginning and everlasting peace. And as I grow in Christ I know that the weeds of sin will try to creep up and choke out my love for my Savior. So pray for me that I will always stay wrapped in his love and blooming in the Holy light of the Son.