The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble (Ps 8:9) When I first got to the ranch, I was exhausted from the world and spiritually drained. I believed God was with me while in the world, but my life was too out of control and chaotic for me to be able to embrace God’s lessons for me. I soon found myself lost and at just the right time God brought me here to the ranch. I don’t even know how I got here and to this day can’t remember.

Since I have been here I’ve met some wonderful and Godly people who showed me different ways to serve God. For me church was an obligation and appointment, not a part of my daily life and to grow spiritually is a new experience for me.

While at the Ranch I’ve been able to assist some women with physical limitations and share fun moments that remind me what it is to be human and fallible and yet laugh and praise God on the wild journey of life. I’ve been especially blessed to be with Ms. Sharon and Tabby who are spiritually mature in their walk and offer insight but also keep me laughing with stories from their younger more wild years.

I don’t really know my path or God’s Path for me. I do know that “He heals the broken hearted and bandages their wounds” (Ps. 147:3). I believe I am a work in progress and pray daily for faith. When asked about writing a testimony and what God has done in my life I felt lost as though there was a checklist of spiritual progress or epiphany I was supposed to have. Yet, my epiphany never came. There were no trumpets of God’s arrival in my life. I didn’t have an elaborate testimony with a bow wrapped perfectly for Ms. Kathy. I felt as though I was expected to present a “God Gift” to the ministry with a seal of approval from the “Almighty One” Himself stating that IU somehow Got God. The pressure was on. So I prayed and listened for the “still small voice of God.” Ps 62:5-6 came to my mind. “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock salvation, my focus where I will not be shaken.” I feel comfortable that I have God in my life and that He is molding me every day. I still don’t know God’s path for me but eagerly seek His answer, not my own or other people’s expectations of me.

–Char