From Charlotte

Rhett,

 

We have not met before, but maybe someday our paths may cross.

I often think sometimes about things that I have been through in my life that have brought me to where I am today ; and in all honesty, before I began to study the Bible, I always felt out of place and at a loss – as though my entire life had no purpose.

But I try to remember the words a friend told me “When the world says ‘give up’, hope whispers ‘try one more time’” and I try to stick as closely to that as possible.  It is such a great thing that we have the hope that Jehovah has given us, hope of a wonderful paradise. A

time where there will be great peace, earth wide and no tears will need to be shed (Revelation 21:3,4), which has always brought me great comfort.

When I was 4 years old I lost my dad, and when I was 33, I lost my stepdad to cancer. To lose these 2 very important people in my life has greatly affected me. I lost them at very different situations and times of my life.  Losing one dad was hard, even though I never got the chance to know him. But losing my stepdad who raised me since I was 5, was soul crushing.  But I carried on, I worked on auto pilot. But there is only so long you can do that for.  For a long time I have to struggled with depression and self harm, to this day it still a black cloud that follows me around. Most days I can ignore it, but not always.  In fact, 12 years ago, I was going through a particularly difficult time (I won’t bore you with the details)

and a few months previously I had stopped my Bible study, due to varying factors.  After deciding to take the day off work, we went for a walk: and happened to bump into a group of brothers and sisters on the ministry, and I restarted my study.  Over the years I have come to realise that it was definitely Jehovah’s hand guiding the situation, because he knew what would help me and get me through. Before bumping into them I had actually  reached out to Jehovah asking for help, and he helped me in the best way.  Since that moment I have never really looked back, because I know that I can trust in Jehovah to be there for me and to take care of me. Even if I am going through personal difficulties and I separate myself from people; Jehovah will always be on my side, strengthening me.

Psalms 18;2 says -

“Jehovah is my crag and my stronghold and the one who rescues me.

My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.

My shield and my horn of salvation, my secure refuge.”

This has definitely been a scripture that has personally helped me. It helps me to know that I can trust in Jehovah and that I am worthy of his love. Not only that, but that he loves me as an individual even when I don’t love myself.  Some other words that others have shared with me in the past that I try to keep in mind:

When you are feeling fragile and are finding life tough.

Draw on Jehovah, his power is enough.

He can help you through trials no matter how tough.

Keep on enduring, although it is no fun.

One day, through those dark clouds you will see the sun.

And all you reliance on God will earn his ‘well done.’

That is a little bit about me and why I serve Jehovah and how doing so brings me joy, despite the struggles I face each day.

I have Jehovah on my side, he is in my corner guiding me through to the other side. On that other side we have the prospect of everlasting life, the joy of knowing we will see our loved ones again. The joy of the beautiful earth and its surroundings for us to enjoy. The joy of a life filled with love and peace.  I look forward to seeing you there.

Charlotte Cornes , Wales UK.