Sharon Spring
Writing my personal story about my Mennonite upbringing and my life experiences involves very tough choices. My family and my personal relationships defined my life. Some were good and some were bad. I struggled with what to write about and what not to write about, so I have decided to tell it all. I have made many wrong turns throughout my journey living without God.
The multiple paths I travelled after leaving the Mennonite faith has not been the straight and narrow. As I thought about writing my story, people and places and events flooded my memory. I was not sure that I wanted to write this book at all but if sharing my experiences can bless one soul and give one person the vision of repentance and forgiveness, it is the risk of telling my deepest secrets.
As a very young child I knew I had love and compassion for all humanity; we were all equal in God’s eyes. I was a very happy child and always wanted to please my family and the church. My parents were very dedicated to God, the church and of course our family. I was surrounded by love, kindness and compassion. I wanted to share to the world the joy of having God in your life and Jesus in your heart brings immeasurable peace and happiness.
Due to me being denied communion when I was seventeen years old, turned my world upside down. I not only lost my love for God and the church but I would also lose my trust in Jesus, who I thought was my friend forever. I now trusted no one! Some may point fingers and say the church mishandled this but let God do the judging.
For over 30 years I lived my life without God, and my parents were not involved really in my life, since they did not approve of my worldly lifestyle.
I’ve passed through many big storms in my life; some people may not believe all my stormy years but I feel very blessed to have survived them all to share my story. I am sure my mother’s prayers kept me safe and covered from all the horrible consequences that could have happened to me due to not having God in my life. Looking back, God’s grace and mercy have done more for me than my mind can comprehend. Most of my horrific storms were due to the effects of what alcohol abuse can do to a person, a relationship and a family. As I share my testimony with you, I pray that you read with an open mind not judgment, empathy not sympathy. I am hoping that my story will give hope to others who might be dealing with some of the same struggles I have overcome. I am sure my mother’s and father’s prayers and my Heavenly Father’s persistent love for me put me on the right road so I may enjoy the “Good Life”.
God’s greatest desire is the redemption of the souls of men. Desiring only to enhance His great purpose, I present to you “Behind the Covering-A World of Difference”.
