Who Led You to the Lord?
Tuesday, April 27, 2021 Who Led You to the Lord? by Rita Zayas
Amber Leann Morris (16 years old)
Focus Verse:
"I can do all things through Him that strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
I was introduced to Christianity by Amber Leann Morris (my son, Faustino's, first crush). After 4 years of courtship, she ended the relationship. It is during this dark time that I forced myself to become a more active Christian.
Growing up as a Catholic, I was somewhat religious, especially during difficult times. I attended Sunday mass in Spanish, so I didn't understand much. But I recall feeling threatened: if I committed an unforgivable sin, I was going to hell. No questions asked!
My three children grew up Catholic. Although we hardly attended church, they fulfilled their Catholic duties: got baptized, received communion, and completed their confirmations, just like me.
When rumors began to swirl about the Roman Catholic priests and young boys, my heart started pounding! Faustino, who later became a psychologist, had difficulty understanding why I held these conversations with him about our local priest. While he volunteered at our Catholic Church, I asked him to speak up if anything felt out of place. He grew upset with me.
In 2012, the unthinkable happened. First, Amber (whom we believed would be my future daughter-in-law) broke off the relationship. Then, our local priest was accused of molesting a church youth. He was transferred to Salinas, CA, where he committed a second offense and fled from the authorities.
Faustino was devasted. He instantly switched to the same church that Amber attended to be close to her. So, I decided to join him every Sunday. It was an experience that I will never forget. I sat watching my son in pain because he was so in love with a person that no longer wanted him.
I doubted that he would ever recover. Miss Amber loved the attention and was not shy about dating many young boys in church. As a mother, this was extremely difficult.
As he continued to attend youth studies and volunteered for the church, I began servant duties too. Emotions began to stir. I began to feel as if there was a purpose in life. I grew closer to Christ. I was all in!
My love for the Lord grew by leaps and bounds. Although my son experienced pain, it was this same pain that drew me closer to Christ and serving others. So much so that when Miss Amber pulled me to the side, 8 short months later, to tell me that she was engaged, I wanted to let her know how much she meant to me.
Without my son knowing, I purchased flowers for Amber's wedding. I personally delivered them to the venue on her special day. Although it was a long shot, I asked if she needed help making floral arrangements. She graciously declined.
I felt guilty as if I was betraying my son. Here is my reasoning. Miss Amber, a life-long Christian, opened my eyes to Christianity. Her love and affection for Christ were like none I had ever seen or experienced before. Had it not been for her, I'd still be lost in obscurity.
I embraced Christianity so much that I traveled the country to explore global servant opportunities. I began to join bible studies. I volunteered and contributed time and money to charitable organizations.
While this may not sound abnormal to most, it's essential to understand that I grew up in poverty. We did not donate time or cash. So, this profound shift left a lasting impression on me...and Amber is the reason why.
Up to this day, I'm highly appreciative of Amber. Although she has chosen to disconnect herself from me, she will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Today, I faithfully believe that Jesus Christ suffered and died for our sins. That He rose from the grave, is present and lives through me, and is my salvation to eternal life. I will never be without the light and strength needed to fulfill the will of God.
Future Readings: Ephesians 3:20, Proverbs 31:25, and Jeremiah 29:11
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I ask that you keep me on the right path as I pursue a deeper relationship with you and set forth a renewed spiritual journey. I may lose my way from time to time, but I beg that you hold on to my hand tightly so that I never lose sight of my true purpose in life.
In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!