Renewed by Grace
October 16 2023 – A month that would forever be etched into the tapestry of my soul—the day I truly gave my life to God. For as long as I could remember, I had strived to be a good person. But no matter how hard I tried, there was always this elusive mark just beyond my reach, an intangible standard that made me feel inadequate. I cared deeply about the opinions of those I loved. Their approval felt like sunlight, and their disapproval cast shadows over my heart. It pained me deeply when they thought poorly of me, and though my love for them was genuine, I now see how their judgments had unwittingly tethered me. I’ve since learned that this need for validation can be a subtle form of control and manipulation, but back then, I didn’t know. All I felt was sadness—until God stepped in. God was my unwavering source of joy, my constant in a world full of shifting tides. For years, I had been dedicated to Him, seeking a closer relationship, yearning for something deeper. That day in October,...