How do I know there is a God?

This blog will be a little different from the ones to come. I truly believe in order to establish and maintain a relationship with God, there has to be a certain degree of transparency revealed within yourself. In my future posts, we will discuss certain disciplines, topics, and experiences of life. We will explore the power to put one footstep in front of the other in order to endure or even overcome certain trials and tribulations of this life.
How do I know there is a God?
That is the only explanation of me being functional today! As we begin this pilgrimage together, I will give you a little of my testimony on how I know that God Almighty lives and that He walks with me daily!
To say that my childhood was dysfunctional is certainly an understatement. My mother was a bipolar schizophrenic. Instead of seeking professional help, she self medicated with alcohol, prescription pain pills and even misused over the counter medications. She died by her own hand at the age of 54 when she took a handful of pain pills for the last time. I was 26 years old. She seemed to be so engulfed in her sicknesses that she never stop to take a look at the impacts impressed on me. I experienced years of mental, emotional, and sexual abuse in an environment that was supposed to be safe and loving. It was anything but.
My biological father was a Vietnam veteran that also had a bipolar disorder. In addition, he suffered extreme PTSD. I guess that is why he literally drank himself to death! Needless to say, I have lasting effects, some positive and some negative.
In our journey to come, I will elaborate on certain portions of my testimony as it relates with our discussions. Unfortunately most of my relationships in my life were unhealthy as the people involved seemed to take instead of give!
How do I know that the Lord is real?
By the world’s standard, I should be bitter, hard hearted, and blame all my struggles on my abuse. BUT NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! I have a heart for my fellow man! I have been on mission for my God for over 20 years and continue being on mission daily. My forgiveness of ones that hurt me and the realization that my trials of this life have made me strong comes from the Holy Spirit living in me!

“But I will send you the Advocate-the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify about me (John 15:26).
It is Christ who is my strength where I am weak! He can also be your strength!

Our time together will always end with a link to a song that speaks to my soul and I hope you find comfort as well.

I am looking forward to our journey together! Until next time!