And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death, Rev.12:11 (KJV)
My name is Oniela Taylor, but you can call me “Overcomer.” If you have seen the movie “Overcomer,” then you will see exactly why I chose this name by the time you are through reading my testimony. I am also a past student of Happy Grove High School and currently attend and serve in the youth department of the Church of God of Prophecy, Ocho Rios.
Growing up, my life was hopeless and miserable. I grew up in a broken home where I faced abuse, neglect, rejection, and so much more. By the age of three, I realised that there were many different men coming in and out of relationships with my mom, but none were my dad. When I was eight, my mom left for the United States to give us a “better life,” and yet it never came. This was my worst nightmare, as I was forced to live with stepdads and my siblings.
OUT OF FIRE, INTO FIRE, THEN BAPTISED BY FIRE
I buried myself in resentment, anger, and depression. It became so overwhelming that I ran away from home by the age of thirteen. Soon, I ended up in government care and felt as though this new life was completely different and much easier than staying in the hurt and abuse, but reality hit swiftly—this was wishful thinking. The suffering continued, and I was so numb that even when I faced other types of abuse, I accepted it as my fault. Anything seemed better than being at my family home.
To my surprise, in the midst of my pain, the healing love and grace of God found and rescued me. I gave my heart to the Lord at age sixteen at a camp. Baptised by the fire of God, my life was completely changed. I learned from my mistakes and realised that even as a child, I could call on God to help me in any situation. Also, I never knew there were people who would willingly and genuinely love me just the way I am until I experienced salvation.
Today, as a wife and mom of three, I rely solely on the LORD to help me never make the same mistakes that my family or any other adult who raised me made. Instead of running away as a child, I wish I had reached out to someone so that I could get help getting past the negative things that happened.
My encouragement to you is this: young people, older folks, you can overcome obstacles and whatever else you may face. If you seek God’s help, He can lead you to ask someone trustworthy to pray with and for you. There are spiritual mentors who will lovingly guide you in your journey of seeking the Lord. Professional help is also available from Christian counsellors if you have been abused in any way. Getting involved in Christian communities can be greatly beneficial as well.
For me, being in Passion and Purity was a major help, as I had a strong support system of young people my age, as well as mentors who are passionate about helping young people like you and me. I found a home in this ministry.
My wounds that seemed so impossible to heal, were removed by the power of God’s love. All He requires is an open heart, and the rest will be history.
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Oniela Taylor is an Accountant and serves, with her husband, at Passion and Purity, a school-based Christian ministry. Contact [email protected]
