I was baptized as an infant into the Catholic Church, but my family never attended mass. Growing up, I saw statues of Jesus, the crucifix, rosaries, and my mother or grandmother praying—but that was all. I attended college at the University of Texas believing that a god existed but having no idea who he was. As a result, I was molded by my peers and the liberal culture at my university. I accepted its belief in counterfeit sexual freedom.
This was in the mid-90s, and concern about HIV was prevalent. I wanted to do something significant with my life, so I began to volunteer and inform people about AIDS. This is when I first became a sex educator. For the next ten years of my life, I worked as a sex educator and knew mostly gay and transgender people. I would walk the streets of high-risk neighborhoods talking about HIV prevention to whoever would listen. Then I started working for Planned Parenthood. They invited me to teach young people in Texas' public schools.
"I saw that these government-run programs were actually harming the communities they were serving—not helping them."
During this time, I didn't just teach comprehensive sex education—I lived it. I believed that I was an independent woman who had the freedom to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Then I found myself facing my own unplanned pregnancy.
Due to where I worked, my immediate response was to schedule an abortion. But God used a friend from college to convince me to keep my baby. As we spoke over the phone, she began speaking about who my child might become.
In the abortion industry, they only talk about pregnancy and abortion. They never equate a pregnancy with a life—a child. But God, in His grace, used my friend to humanize my pregnancy. She helped me appreciate that this was a real, living, developing child growing inside me.
I gave birth to a baby boy. It was so wonderful to experience his life. Then I began to experience depression. My son's father did not want a family; he wouldn't marry me. At this point, I was working at an HIV wellness center where we provided alternative New Age services. I decided to start using these services to help alleviate my depression. I went to Reiki healers; I visited with Indian gurus. As I pursued these things, I had several encounters with spiritual darkness. These New Age practices were actually putting me in danger.
All at once, I realized how sinful I was. I didn't understand the Christian jargon about being saved and accepting Christ, but I knew I didn't want counterfeit spirituality anymore. I didn't want sexual freedom; I just wanted Christ. I got a Bible, attended church, and pursued God. The more that He worked in my life, the more I realized I couldn't continue working as a sex educator. I saw that these government-run programs were actually harming the communities they were serving—not helping them. They meet people where they are, and then they leave them there. But I now know from experience that God meets us where we are and then leads us into abundant life.
Soon after I quit, I was invited to speak at a pro-life organization in Waco, Texas. This was the beginning of a whole new life and ministry for me. I began to tell the truth about these government-run programs and how they actually harm children. The rest is history.
I get attacked a lot from both sides, and it's easy to get discouraged in this endless battle. But when I listen to messages from Dr. Michael Youssef and hear him boldly call out the culture for what it is, I am helped tremendously. Through each teaching, I am reminded that I am not the only one fighting this fight, and I am strengthened to enter this spiritual battle once again.
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