Before Christ, I struggled to find happiness. I believed that other people and material possessions were the keys to joy, but despite everything, I couldn't find true fulfillment. When I became responsible for taking care of my elderly father, coupled with the challenges I faced with my siblings, I became angry and bitter. I realized I needed to figure out what was missing in my life.

Two years ago, I picked up the Bible and started reading—and I haven’t stopped since. Through His Word, I found what I had been longing for. I began to see changes in my life that I knew weren’t of my own doing. I started the process of forgiving others and accepting His forgiveness. Most importantly, I realized that Jesus is all I need to be truly happy. The void wasn’t caused by a lack of material things or by someone else’s inability to make me happy—it was because I didn’t have Jesus in my life.

Though I know I’m still a work in progress, I look forward to the ways Jesus will continue to work in me and shape my life moving forward. Understanding the immense sacrifice Jesus made for me has helped me see how crucial it is to forgive those who have hurt me, and to find contentment in the blessings I already have. Life has changed dramatically, and I can’t wait to experience more of His love and grace each day.