In 2008, I was laid off, like so many hard-working Americans. It the economy and very little could be done, I lost all that I had worked for, home, security and yes even my transportation. I drifted for several years, not knowing what to do. Friends I knew asked me to come and live with them and be the caretaker for their young son, which I welcomed. I was not treated as someone just living in a house, but I was now a part of a family.

Although I went through some rough times, my faith was still a part of me. My faith was like a warm sweater of a cold day, I was never truly alone, God walked with me every step of the way.

In 2014, I enrolled in college, yes, a 58-year old college student. I explored what I wanted to do for the rest of my life and how it was part of God’s plan. It has not been easy, but I was put on this earth to serve a purpose. I finally came to my major, elementary education.

I have been admitted to my final stage of becoming a teacher, all the while leaning and walking with God to show me the way. Against all odds I have been able to establish a path, I dismiss the nay-sayers and un-believers. God has lead me this far and he is not going to forsake me now if I stay in faith and maintain loyalty to his word.

Many give up, I did not allow myself this luxury. God puts each of us on a path, maybe we always don’t understand it but it is foolish not to answer his call to service. God has a plan for all of us, so don’t be afraid to open your heart and minds to the potential for a better life.

We can all make a difference on this earth, share your testimony. Let your actions reflect your beliefs. You never know when a smile will change someone’s life or kindness will shake the very core of a hardened person. Always provide a welcome rest for someone seeking answers, but most seek God’s guidance in good times as well as bad. He has given each of us blessings and not when we ask for them, it is easy to ask for God’s help when we need it, but harder to thank him for never leaving us and guiding us all through a path that will sing his praises.

Share your testimony, even if it touches one person it is worth it, let people see that God loves his children and he want the best for us. All we have to do is open our hearts up to the potential and follow him and his word.

God makes no mistakes. In the year 2008 I was laid off from a career that I had been working at for 30 years. It was devastating but I knew that there was a plan. I was 55 years and starting a new adventure. I looked for work but to no avail nothing out there I was commonly know as one of those “displaced workers.” I would read stories about people just like taking their lives because they thought their lives was over. Unlike like them I refused to give up. I prayed and began to take action. Some of the decisions I made were not always right but I know I was headed in the right direction. Fast forward to 2016 and I am a senior completing my education at Nevada State College. My plan is to teach, God as provided for me the whole way. My journey is by the grace of God and I keep remembering that God makes no mistakes. I know I am far from perfect but I am his child and he loves me in spite of myself. God does not abandon us, he is not a fair weather God, and he is there in times of trouble and in times of celebration. One thing I have learned is never to ask “why me” but to say thank you for being with me, thank you for living in my heart and thank you for owning my soul.