Shalee's Story

Last Month, our church had the joyful opportunity of celebrating Shalee's baptism as a new creation in Christ! She has an incredible story of how Jesus conquered the overwhelming struggles in her life to adopt her into his family as his daughter.

Shalee was sexually abused when she was 14 years old. This significantly distorted her view of relationships and she began to self-medicate. It redefined love for her, and Shalee fell headfirst into the lie.

"I found my identity in guys, alcohol, drugs, and sexual immorality. I lived a life of sin, disobedience, and fear, selfishly living a way that was pleasing to my heart and not God's. By the time I was 17, I had given Satan such power over my life that I believed the lies he continuously told me."

Shalee believed in her heart that she was worthless and she began to dream of ending her life to relieve the pain she was experiencing.

"I sat on the floor next to my bed crying thinking of ways to end my life. I didn’t have a purpose, or a will to live."

But God never gave up on Shalee. In November of 2010, in the same home where she contemplated taking her life, Shalee fell to her knees in desperation. She begged God to rescue her from the pain, the hurt, and the sin that was slowly destroying her.

A little while later, a friend invited her to a Wednesday night youth group gathering. Something compelled her to attend. Toward the end of the pastor's talk, he invited the students to pray.

"I sat in my chair with my head lying in my open hands and began to cry out to God again. Begging Him to change my life, and forgive me for my sins. As I stood up to worship, all of the weight, worthlessness, pain, and regret were lifted. I had never felt so much peace in my life, and I knew God had just changed me and given me an everlasting hope through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus."

Shalee immediately began a daily walk of peace, hope, and joy found in walking alongside the great rescuer, Jesus. He continues to provide Shalee with value, with security, and with purpose.

The Psalmist writes, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.” - Psalm 40:1-3

We praise God for bringing Shalee into a life with Jesus Christ. We praise him for the community of faith that reminds her of this hope. Like everyone, Shalee was once in darkness. But now she walks in light, made right with God through Jesus and forever changed.

"I will be forever grateful to God for graciously giving me an everlasting home.”