There have been some circumstances in my 27.5 years of my life on earth that have been rough. Some of the circumstances I have gone through in my life are:
- When I was born in 1984 my Biological Dad didn't want me to be alive he wanted me aborted at birth. If it wasn't by the Grace of God and for using my mom to keep me alive I wouldn't be here today. I am a miracle child by the Grace of God.
- When I was 3 years old the doctors told my mom that I wouldn't amount to anything because I had autism.
- A teacher in 2nd grade was not very supportive of me and always found the negative in me for example Blake can't write correctly, he's too talkative in class, and he's a slow learner.
- In Junior High School I had teachers who hated me because I was going through puberty and the time for guys is rough.
- I ran away from home for a few hours because I was in so much trouble at home for rebelling to my parents and wanted to fit in with others.
- 7th grade I went to a Christian School and I was down to the school suspending me or expelling me as disciplinary options for me.
- I was a fat kid when I was 9 at 125 lbs. and they use have Husky pants in the 80's and the 90's but now is banned due to being discrimatory against overweight and obese people.
- I had a coach who said I will not amount to anything in life!
- My parents divorced when I was 8 years old
- I wanted to serve at a church with the youth but was told NO because of my past!
By this setup I was given my circumstances I should have said I QUIT! I Can't Do IT!
God used me to become an overcomer and use me despite of my past for His calling in His ministry to reach the World for Jesus! Amen!
Some of the great things God has allowed me to do despite of my past are:
- God allowed me to serve at Highland Baptist Church in Hickory, NC for 5 years and be a leader in the youth program right off the bat thanks to one of the greatest men God has allowed me to meet in my life who is Sam Scaggs! I love this guy and God used Him in me to reach out to me to become a better servant for Jesus!
- Lead a Jr. High Guy's group for 3 years
- Was allowed to preach on Sunday nights when Sam was absent for about 20-50 youth at a time!
- Allowed me to be an encourager to people despite of their past!
- Given me the gifts of Preaching and Teaching in Ministry!
- Prayer Warrior
- Generous Heart and Loyal to Helping people in need!
- I was not expelled from Christian School I graduated from there in 2003!
- I am do not have Autism today!
- Blessed with an awesome Dad, Mom and Brothers!
- Scored a goal in a soccer game my senior year of HS in front of the doubting coach! Yes! I jumped for Joy on the field that night on October 4, 2002!
- Elevation Church has changed my life and faith in Jesus here in Charlotte, NC
- Going on The World Race in January 2013 for Jesus' Ministry!
God used several people in the Bible despite of their past or their difficulties:
- Moses was slow in speech and said to God I can't speak yet God used him to speak to Pharaoh and to be the leader of Israel.
- David was small yet God used to Him to Defeat Goliath who was 9 feet tall with only small stones and a slingshot. Even when David committed adultery with Bathsheba David was considered a leader after God's own heart despite of his past.
- God used Jonah to deliver Ninevah despite Him running away from God at first.
- Matthew was a tax collector and Jesus choose Him to be one of 12 disciples.
- Thomas doubted Jesus about Him dying on the cross yet he was one of 12 disciples.
- Peter had a quick temper and denied Jesus 3 times yet he was one of the choosen 12 disciples.
- Saul persecuted and killed many Christians yet when he was changed by Jesus and became Paul he was one of greatest leaders, writers, and preachers in the Bible!
God can use anyone despite of your past! I grew up having a rough life and could have laid in the towel but instead God has used me to witness to others inspite of my past! This makes me thankful and blessed for everyday God has given me to be on earth to be salt and light in a dark world Amen!
