I used to say that I know what love is, what pain is, what generosity was and what forgiveness was. I quickly realized that I did not know a thing about life and how to live. I was racing through life clueless while doing it all in the dark with a blindfold on.

It all finally caught up with me. I crashed and burned. I did not have any idea how to help myself. I felt that Suicide was the only way out. After a failed attempt to kill myself the Lord stepped in. One night I said a prayer out of desperation for help. It was only three words. “God Help Me!”

He is so faithful to me that he answered the prayer of a sinner that night. I felt like God extended out his arms, picked me up and held me while whispering in a quiet still voice, “You are not alone, I have not forgotten about you and I have a purpose and plan for you. I love you Nicole.”

That was the first time in my entire life I truly felt love. From that night on I have dedicated, committed, surrendered, released and happily gave my life over to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Through Jesus I know what love is, through Jesus I know what pain and suffering are and through Jesus I know what generosity is and especially forgiveness. I have never looked back. I know I am moving forward because when God placed me in his arms that night he never put me back down.

Nichole Leanne Smith