She had been a Hollywood actress and model before her life came crashing down around her. Years later, she met Jesus, who would heal and transform her life and the lives of many others.
This is Heather’s story.
One phone call caused my life as I knew it to come crashing down... “Heather, your sister was hit by a drunk driver. Willow is dead.”
Growing up, my life was full of heartache. We lived in poverty as my dad fueled his addictions and abused my mother. In school, I was a target for bullying until I "blossomed" in high school. I wanted more than anything to be popular, thinking that would give me the love and acceptance I deeply craved. My looks became a strong source of my identity. The dysfunction I experienced at home caused me to become a perfectionist, leading to bulimia. I moved to Hollywood after graduation to become a model and actress, later moving on to a high-profile career. Externally, I seemed to have it all. Internally, I was struggling to hold my life together.
No matter how hard I tried to create a facade of the perfect life, my brokenness always resurfaced.
Everything came to a screeching halt the day I received the call about my sister's car crash. The other driver was leaving a company party. His boss had taken his keys earlier that night but later returned them. After falling asleep at the wheel, the driver crashed into my sister and her friend, killing everyone involved. I couldn't get over the loss of my sister. The shame from my past and regret from avoiding my family was overwhelming.
Fifteen years later, a pastor who knew my sister gave me a book about God. Desperately seeking relief, I read it in one day and immediately desired to know more. I began reading the Bible. As the Holy Spirit lit a fire in my soul, I gave my life to the Lord. God’s grace allowed me to face my problems head-on and receive healing from my past. A few months later, I was given the boss’ phone number who was responsible for handing the driver his keys that night. I was warned he still felt responsible for my sister’s death.
When he realized I was calling to forgive him, he asked, “What gave you the courage to call and forgive me?” I smiled and replied, “Jesus.” When I hung up, I felt an unimaginable weight lift off of my shoulders. I chose to boldly forgive not just the boss, the driver, and myself, but more importantly, I forgave my father. It was through that forgiveness encounter that I was healed from bulimia and finally felt true freedom in Christ.
Dare to Ask God to reveal the areas in your life that need healing so you can live boldly in the freedom found in Jesus.
Until all worship,
God’s passion for His people can not be extinguished. Do you embody this same passion?