Who is Courtlyn?

          Born in Dallas and raised in Garland, Texas. Ever since I was young, I knew in my heart that God was with me, but I didn’t choose to follow Him until I was in the hardest place of my life I ever been in. Since a young age I struggled with my Identity. I didn't know who I was. I didn't feel like I belonged with anyone. I was taught by friends who joked about me that being mixed race means always having to pick a side. I tried to find myself worth in friendships, relationships, and with an identity of confidence and perfection that hid behind so no one would know I was really lost. I went to college; I had the worst experiences of my life that caused me to turn to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain, brokenness, and lack of self-worth and identity. At 22 I had a son which was a flicker of light in the darkness even though it wasn't ideal. But I still had no direction, and no purpose. I felt completely alone and broken. I had the artistic skill, with a few years of study from University of Texas at Dallas, but I had no direction.

           I felt overwhelmed with the number of choices I had to make for my career, and I stuck with what was safe, working from home. I found myself in complete desperation for a change and so I began to pray to a God I wasn’t sure was real. 

           Jesus met me in that place. I felt the peace of God flow into my room, and I felt seen, loved and safe all at once. Somehow, I knew it was Jesus and I knew I needed to get into church. Once I gave my life to Jesus, I finally felt a fulfillment I never known. As a kid I had given my life to Jesus before, but this time felt different.  And it was like my eyes were finally open. I was able to give up my addiction with desire to ever smoke or drink again and receive deliverance at home, with no pastor or anyone else there. It was just me and Jesus.  I found my Identity in Christ and a new life in the process. I gave myself to the word of God and dedicated two years of my life to discipleship, obedience, and consistency. It's not easy to have all of your flaws, insecurities and bad ideologies places in the light but God was changing me into his image, Righteous and Holy. 

           My life after only two and a half years has been completely turned around. I have done, seen, and been a part of miraculous things, gone to places I never dreamed of going and gained friends and family that I never knew I needed. God has put purpose, direction, and passion in my heart for his Kingdom and being a vessel of creativity for the Lord. I am convinced of Gods goodness, and I know that I will continue to see the Goodness of God in the land of the living.

 

          I am praying this testimony will encourage you. And will remind you that without God we are blind in the dark. no matter how good or bad life is going. There is one in Heaven who not only cares about you, but He desires cover you in his love. God loved His creation so much that he Give his one and only son. So that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but with have eternal life.  Thank you for reading my story.