A Blank Slate

I was introduced to the Bible, God the Father, and Jesus when I was just 8 years old. I had no prior background in the Christian faith—my father was an atheist, and my mother was a non-practicing Catholic. I was a blank slate. I knew nothing.

Growing Up in Chaos

At the time, we were living in inner-city Milwaukee, after moving across three different states over four years. Life was chaotic and unstable. My mother was violent and abusive, and her daily knock-down, drag-out fights with my father left our home in constant turmoil. We survived mostly on cornmeal provided by the Red Cross. To escape the chaos, my siblings and I often hid in the basement.

An Unexpected Introduction to Jesus

It was during this dark time that I met Melanie, a new friend at yet another new school. One day, I went to her house, and her mother began talking to me about God, Jesus, and the Bible. She gave me a Bible of my own and asked if I would invite Jesus into my heart. She also gave me a Ten Commandments bracelet—my very first piece of jewelry. That small gift made a big impact.

My First Prayer—and My First Miracle

Shortly after meeting Melanie’s mom, I accidentally pulled the shower curtain rod down while playing in the bathroom. I panicked. I knew if my mother found out, I would be severely beaten. Saying I was terrified doesn’t even come close to describing how I felt—I’ve rarely felt fear like that since.

In desperation, I remembered what Melanie’s mother had said and decided to pray to Jesus. I asked Him to save me from the beating I was so sure was coming. After praying, I lifted the curtain rod—and to my amazement, it stayed up. I wept. That moment changed me. From then on, I turned to God daily for strength, guidance, and comfort.

A Personal Connection to the Commandments

I began studying the Ten Commandments and tried to live by them. My relationship with them has been deeply personal and transformative. Even as the rest of my childhood remained disrupted and disorganized, I found a sense of grounding in God’s word.

As the youngest of five, I was often overlooked. When my parents divorced at age 13, I was left to navigate life largely on my own. There were no rules—just survival.

Never Looked Back: My Journey Into Adulthood

God’s Steady Hand

But through it all, God never left my side. I clung to His promises and sought to follow His ways, even when life felt out of control. At 18, I enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and never looked back.

Honoring My Parents

My parents continued to live in poverty and went through multiple marriages and divorces. Despite our history, I did my best to honor them, as we are called to do in the commandments. Supporting them throughout their lives brought me peace. Honoring them healed me. I harbor no bitterness, and I continue to love both of them—even though they’ve been gone for many years.

Why I Love the Bible

My childhood, combined with my work in mental health and Christian counseling, has shaped all of my beliefs. That’s why the Bible is so central to my life. It’s the foundation of my journey—from dysfunction and poverty to a life full of purpose, healing, and hope.

My Life Verse

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6

Join Me on This Journey

I invite you to join me on a new journey—one of reflection, transformation, and faith. I’ll be sharing what helped me rebuild my life, not as a one-size-fits-all formula, but as a source of inspiration and encouragement.

We are each uniquely and wonderfully made. What worked for me—and for the people I’ve counseled—may not be exactly what works for you. But I hope my story will help you discover your own path to healing and joy.

May God bless you and keep you on your journey.