Chapter 6

To a lawyer, a testimony is a stuffy courtroom, a Bible, and swearing[1], “I promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.” Which was a problem—because the whole truth? That might be a little too much honesty, even for me.

However, when I first became sick in January 2019, I started scribbling down every helpful tidbit I discovered—mainly because my memory[2] took a nosedive. So, I had the WHOLE truth in my book of gems. Along with Tinkerbell, my notebook became my sidekick, packed with symptoms, scriptures, and (homeless) survival tips. I had no idea that, one day, God would want my little book to turn into a blueprint for my testimony. But here it is. 

I began to write this book for newish Christians, Christians who need a breakthrough, and anyone who wants practical steps on how to grow closer to God. Now, I just wish I had this knowledge when I first accepted Christ. It took me 35 years to understand that I was on the wrong path. I was thick. 

As one can gleam from my testimony, I had to get right with God, aka seek righteousness. I became bedridden with a mysterious[3]illness. I had sons to take care of. 

I was cornered. So, I surrendered. Unconditionally.

While I was traveling deep through the murky landscape of the isolating confinement of immobility, I thought it might be useful to write[4] down all the gems of God’s truth I picked up along my journey[5]. But I must warn you, I was angry and offended, often. And consider this: conviction by the Holy Spirit is a good thing. So, I leaned into it.

Section B follows here with 25+ practical ways I discovered (or rediscovered) How to Get Right with God. And because the central theme is “getting right with God,” I regularly emphasize the need to practice these principles daily, until they become a habit. I attempt to make this practice easy by introducing a website with mobile accessibility. The site will be updated regularly with new favorite resources and exercises to practice these  principles. And I hope to bring together a collaborative Christian community where we love each other as Christ loves us, while we organize under God for the spiritual battles we endure collectively and individually. 

While nearing the end of my 5th year of the wash cycle, in December 2023, I started feeling human again after surrendering. I asked God what His plan was for my life. And He answered: “Write your testimony.” 

I pictured every church testimony I’ve ever heard: “I was a terrible sinner. Didn’t listen to my parents. Cheat. Lied. Stole. Drugs. Witchcraft. Got shot at. Shot back. Then God dragged me to church, I met Jesus, and boom—life turned into rainbows and kittens. Every prayer answered, , angelic spouse and kids, tithing like a boss, flawless teeth—even my mother-in-law is a saint.”

If that’s your testimony, you can stop reading—seriously. This book isn’t for you. No offense! If you’re a rock-solid Believer with zero struggles, floating through life on clouds of answered prayers, this isn’t your jam. 

But for the rest of us[6]—those whose Christian walk has felt more like a stumble—don’t worry. God’s love for you isn’t measured based on your blessings and butterflies. He’s still with you, especially if life is a mess. And if you’ve taken a few steps backward? Just the fact that you are reading this book shows a heart to move forward. Here’s a hard truth: in the Christian life, you’re either moving forward or sliding back—there’s no cruise control. So, good on you! 

God doesn’t let His children drift too far. He corrects those He loves[7]. So, if you’re feeling the sting of His “rod and staff,” don’t panic. That’s not punishment—it’s proof that He’s still got you. No, I’m not saying God wants us to suffer. But when trials hit, thank God the Father for them, as they are literally faith-building fuel. As one wise young woman put it: “Trust the process[8].” This process has been working for generations—millions (maybe billions!) have walked this road before us. You’re in good company. 

Now, my testimony isn’t a neat little “bad girl gone good” story. It’s more like a rollercoaster: seasons of being on-fire for God, and seasons of sliding backwards. Throughout it all, He found ways to remind me that He was always right there. 

We Christians are in a daily spiritual battle. Paul reminds us to put on the Armor of God[9] each day. Thus, if life’s all smooth sailing for you, you might not even be in the fight. I know this from first-hand experience. Because you are either (1) for God or (2) against Him. There is no in-between. If a Christian is not facing some kind of spiritual resistance[10], either you’re not paying attention or Satan is just not sweating you. Just sayin’. Once you decide to make Jesus your Lord and Savior, you dive head-first into the battle. But don’t worry, I read the end of the Book: we win.

[1] Ironically, when Christian witnesses must give testimony in a Court of Law, they are swearing an oath to tell the truth. Something Our Savior specifically says not to do! “But I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” Matthew 5:34-37.

[2] Later I would learn that I had Lyme neuroborreliosis, which destroys myelin and memory.

[3] It turned out to be exposure to witchcraft and spiritual warfare, but that is a story for another day.

[4] Before the turn of the century, when I was at Law School, I learned that the stuff we needed to know for the test was almost always buried in the footnotes. Don’t be surprised if that is where you find some nuggets.

[5] Suffering is often seen as an essential part of a Christian journey of faith-building and growth. But it is how we handle the suffering and what we do with it that matters.

[6] “When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, they that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17. Luke 5:32.

[7] “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” Proverbs 3:11-12. 

[8] I’ll unpack what this whole “process” thing really means (and why it matters) in the next section. Stay tuned!

[9] “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians 6:10-18

[10] “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8