Your Stories

I grew up with a good catholic family and I grew up knowing God was there for me. In high school everything has changed. I started to party and do drugs, I was afraid of being rejected so I did what I could for people to like me. At a party I was taken advantage of and just shrugged that off like it was nothing. I kept partying and smoking and things just kept getting worse. I started getting bullied so much that I could hardly walk the halls without being scared. I’d get called names anytime I’d walk past people and I was torn. I didn’t want to live anymore. This summer I went to a week long camp I go to every year and I always tell myself I’d change, but I never did, until this year when I actually have changed. I don’t party or smoke anymore and I am much closer with my faith! “Your love never fails, it never gives up on me”

My story is one of transformation. I grew up with low to no self-confidence, always trying to live up to the expectations of others and never feeling good enough. This caused me to become a perfectionist. Unfortunately perfectionism means you will NEVER be good enough since humans are not made to be perfect. In grade 11, however, I went on a retreat and began my personal journey with God. I made the decision that I didn’t want my parents’ faith anymore. I needed my faith to be my own. After this I began to feel this yearning that I didn’t understand. God was inviting me to learn more about Him. He was constantly pouring out His love upon me but I didn’t know how to accept it. I thought I was unlovable. I constantly expressed my love to my friends. It was so important to me that others knew they were loved. Through this, God began to show me that I am loveable. His sacrifice, as expressed in John 3:16, wasn’t just for the entire world but it was for me. Unconditional, indescribable, sacrificial love. God loves me in a deep, personal and intimate way. It has taken years for me to learn but I can now confidently say that I am loved, I am beautiful, I am enough. I am a daughter of the King and that is all I’ll ever need. I have been transformed.

i went to the event today and got an amazing opportunity to listen to your talk. i just wanted to thank you for how much you changed me. i didn’t know how much people had such broken families and it made me really thankful for mine. i really took for granted how much my family loves me and you opened up my eyes to that. i show a lot of respect for those people and you. you taught me to love myself for who i am even if i feel like i’m too fat or ugly. i thank you for making me feel like i really do have a purpose in life and that is to be myself. thank you thank you thank you! -Alyssa

so i told my dad what happened today and how i couldn’t hold back crying. not even a word was said but he grabbed me and hugged me then whispered “I’m proud of you” .. and this moment was electrifying for me because i don’t even remember the last time my dad ever did anything like that.. and i just walked down to my room silent, with a tear in my eye.. i just want to thank you again for today. please don’t forget me -Christian

I have a lot going on in my life right now, my parents just got divorced, im 2 months pregnant, and i have depression issues. I honestly wondered if I wanted to stay on this earth , but today, everything that you had said, made me change my mind. I never stood up when you asked people who have had family issues to stand up, because i was scared, but i honestly regret it . What i really wanted to do today was to get up on the stage, and tell my life story , and i should have. you gave me courage to say things i never thought i say to people today , and i really just wanted to thank you. -Peyton

Hey. I am a grade ten. I have been having a hard time with my family lately. My parents are always fighting and my family is passing away and I’m losing everyone I cared about. My girlfriend of 9 months ended up leaving me also. My aunt died. And my grandpa is getting both legs amputated. And having all this happen at once made me hate my life. And it was rough on me. I wanted to give up. And I started doing drugs. I came to the retreat today with my head down , but I left with it up and with hope. Listening to your speech and your life made me feel like you knew what I was going through. It made me feel like there was still hope and good things to look forward to in my life. It made me wanna never do drugs again , and do better things with my life. It made me appreciate who I am , and that God created me for a reason , and my reason is to help make a change just like you did. I want to be just like you. And to go around the world helping those who struggle. And to make a difference. I’d like to thank you for coming to speak to my school , and I’d like to say that you have impacted me, and made me want to change the world. -Jordi

Thank you, you’ve honestly helped me. Back in march my grandfather passed away from cancer and my family isn’t so functional either and for a while now I’ve been contemplating suicide and I’ve hurt myself before. My father was an alcoholic and he abused my mother and I. Last I heard of him was he was doping up on heroine. I just wanted to share my story cause not many people would understand what I’m going through and I just wanted to thank you today I’m feeling a lot better now. -Tyler

You saved my life. I have family problems, and i have relationship problems. I’m depressed and torn .. but for a moment with you speaking, I knew I wasn’t alone. I’d love to tell your my life story if it would help at all, it’s complicating, and sad and sometimes tragic. But if i could help a person who feels like me, smile just a bit. I’d do anything i can. -Jessica

WOW , you were amazing . You’ve truly inspired me and many others FOR SURE . A couple of my friends came up to me (thinking BEFORE they came that this was going to be a boring church event) but they came up to me and said “I’m so glad i didn’t skip , this is awesome !” and even one of my friends who don’t believe in God said to me “wow this is a truly new experience and I’m so glad i came today” you have done a mighty fine job  and even one of my friends who somewhat believed wants to come to my church every sunday with me !! thanks so much , your visit has done so much good and I’m SOOOOO inspired  i will never forget a word you said and .. YOUR AMAZING  and I’m glad everything worked out with you and your wife and best wishes in the future and with your mom  I LOVE YOU -Christina