Throughout my youth, my father’s voice was both the standard I aspired to and the source of a deep ache. He called me “dummy”—a name that lingered in my heart long after the words were spoken, leaving an indelible wound. The one I yearned to please also became the instrument of my self-doubt and suffering, instilling pain and a sense of inadequacy where there should have been comfort and security. Looking back, I see my father’s intent—to prepare me for the harshness of the world—but his words only cultivated uncertainty. I became driven to earn approval, endlessly seeking affirmation where only faith and love could satisfy. Externally, our family embodied faith and resilience, but privately, the “dummy” label became my relentless companion, propelling me to pursue worth in places that only deepened my wounds. I tried masking my pain through achievement, humor, sheer determination—yet, when these weren’t enough, I turned to substance abuse. Alcohol and drugs became my attempt to fill the void left by unmet needs—a void that grew heavier with shame and a hunger for belonging. But this story is not solely about brokenness. By the grace of Jesus Christ, it is ultimately a testament to healing, deliverance, and new joy. If you carry your own labels or hurts, I invite you to walk with me through this journey of faith, service, and hope. My life’s lowest points did not have the last word; God intervened, rewrote my story, and continues to do so. If you bear the weight of names or wounds from your past, rest assured: grace can still reach you. It's never too late to begin anew.

• Unwavering Faith A Lifetime of Service