(89) Awakening Faith: A Lifelong Spiritual Journey

My Journey Home: Sixty Years to Salvation

Romans 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

For the first six decades of my life, I wandered. The world often felt overwhelming, and I struggled to find purpose and peace. Yet deep inside, I carried a longing—a quiet hope that there was something more. My story is not one of sudden transformation but of God’s relentless love and patience. God planted the seed; He waited for me, never giving up, no matter how far I strayed. Over time, the small spark of faith planted in my childhood grew—sometimes flickering, sometimes nearly extinguished, but never gone. My testimony is about grace, the gentle persistence of God, and finally, the joy of coming home to Christ.

Looking back, I see so many moments where God intervened—often quietly, sometimes through others, sometimes through an inner calm that arrived just when I needed it most. Even in times of deep loneliness or confusion, He was there, loving me and waiting for me to turn toward Him. In a world that often feels broken and chaotic, the only lasting peace I have found is in Christ. Scripture’s promise of love, forgiveness, and purpose became my anchor. I learned that salvation is a gift—one that we accept by faith, not by earning. God’s grace is what carried me through years of searching and struggle, drawing me ever closer to His embrace.

My first real glimpse of faith came as a child, watching my mother pore over her Bible at the end of her long days. Despite her many responsibilities, her devotion never wavered. I would sometimes join her, asking questions or simply listening as she shared verses and stories. Those evenings planted seeds of faith in my heart. My mother’s fascination with biblical prophecy both intrigued and unsettled me, but it made the Bible feel alive and urgent. Summers at Bible camp watered those seeds, and my sister’s journey of faith inspired me, too. Even so, as I grew older, life’s distractions drew me away.

Adulthood brought with it many responsibilities, and life took unexpected turns. Along the way, I experienced both joy and sorrow—facing the pain of divorce. Through all these changes, I tried to move forward with hope, even when I felt weary or distant from the faith that my mother instilled in me. Still, God’s blessings were always present. Even in my lowest moments, He watched over me, gently guiding and patiently waiting for my heart to return to Him.

Losing my twin brother Jim in 2001 was one of the hardest moments of my life. It changed everything for me and left a deep sadness in my heart. The loss created a big emptiness, making me feel incomplete and lost. In his last weeks, we talked about faith—something we hadn’t really discussed before. Jim told me he believed in Jesus and felt a connection to Him. This revealed a light within him that I always knew was there. We didn’t talk about deep topics like repentance or salvation, but there was a sense of peace around him. I found comfort in knowing that God understood him, just as I did. Romans 2:4 says that God’s kindness, patience and love come first, and this unearned grace works in a person’s heart to draw them toward God. And even in my grief, God reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Life is full of heartache, but it also offers hope and connections that help us through dark times. Each day, I focus on the good memories we shared, turning my pain into strength and finding moments of joy amid the sorrow in a world that feels different but still offers the gifts of our connection.

There were many years when my faith faded away, but God’s patience is more than I can understand. He was with me through every struggle, sometimes in obvious ways and sometimes quietly. Even when I turned away, His blessings kept coming. Over and over, I learned that God’s love is gentle and persistent, waiting for us to return, no matter how long it takes. My life shows that it’s never too late, and nobody is beyond God’s reach. He knew my heart and patiently guided me until I was ready to fully surrender.

The Transformational Moment—God Never Gives Up: After nearly 60 years, when I was well into my seventies, God’s call finally broke through the noise of my busy life. It wasn’t a dramatic event, but a quiet realization that I needed Jesus Christ as my Saviour. The peace and acceptance I found in Him were like nothing I had ever experienced. Even with age and limitations, God showed me that it’s never too late to come home. My life found a new purpose, and my heart overflowed with gratitude that God had waited so patiently for me.

Now, I feel called to share my faith and the lessons I’ve learned. One way God has spoken to me is through photography. Spending time behind the camera, capturing the beauty of scenic landscapes and wildlife, opened my eyes to the wonder of His creation. Each sunrise, each animal, and every quiet moment in nature reminded me of His artistry and care. This inspired awe and gratitude, drawing me closer to God as I witnessed firsthand the world He made. Through writing, social media, and my website, I offer encouragement and hope. I want others—especially those who feel lost or unworthy—to know that God’s love is for them, too. By reflecting on Scripture and the wonders of creation, I try to inspire gratitude and a deeper sense of God’s presence in our everyday lives.

Studying the Bible from cover to cover over more than a year transformed my understanding of faith. I also completed courses in biblical history and culture, which deepened my appreciation for God’s Word. These experiences opened my eyes to the richness of Scripture and gave me a sense of purpose I never expected in my later years.

If you are just starting your own faith journey, know that it’s okay to have doubts and questions. The path is not always easy, but every step brings you closer to hope, love, and peace. God welcomes you just as you are. Embracing Jesus changes everything—He brings clarity, purpose, and a sense of belonging that the world cannot offer. Take it one step at a time, and let God’s Word guide you.

I share my story not to insist that anyone follow my example, but to offer hope. Like the days of Noah, our world is full of distractions and temptations. But God always provides a way for those willing to listen. I hope my testimony encourages you to consider your own journey and to trust that God’s promises are true.

Looking back, I am overwhelmed with gratitude that God never gave up on me. Accepting Jesus Christ as my Saviour—after a lifetime of searching—gave me the peace, hope, and sense of belonging I had always longed for. Now, I walk through each day knowing I am never alone. My connection to Christ grows deeper, and I feel a desire to encourage others who may feel lost or unworthy. God’s love is patient and persistent; if He waited for me, He can reach anyone. My testimony is proof that it is never too late to come home to Christ.

Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV) “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.