Testimonies from the Staff Tara Johnson

Have you ever been completely lost, like you couldn't find your way...even if you tried? Well I was for years...Lost...but was found by God.

I'm Tara Johnson, I accepted Christ in my life at a youth night service when I was 16. It was amazing, I felt cleansed, I spoke in tongues, and I was brand spanking new! That feeling soon went away because I really didn't know what it meant to be saved and how I could and should stay saved. I just had a feeling that was like no other.

 Looking back a lot of my life was driven by feelings, always what would feel good to me was what I'd do. The things that didn't feel good I'd make myself feel comfortable with, even if I didn't want to do it. I was lost, I felt I had to please others so they'll love or like me. So after accepting Christ in my life, I was like now what? I didn't have examples to show me what to do next. Naturally I went back to what I knew, I would struggle with stuff I used to do. But I found myself feeling comfortable with my decisions but regretting them later. For years I lived like this, I tried to commit suicide, I hated my family, I held on to past hurts, I was angry, and wanted to get away from everyone and everything. I found myself drinking, smoking, having sex, and tried to live my "grown and sexy" lifestyle. While longing to fill a void, I would try with relationships and I'd always end up hurt.

 I finally came to a breaking point and cried out to God, I was tired of my life and all the hurt. I needed help, and a friend invited me to her church and I rededicated my life back to Christ. This time I knew what it meant and had other examples and could ask questions and receive encouragement to live for Christ. It's amazing, I've been reborn since March 2012 and got baptized July 28, 2012. Since then I've lived more in peace, have real joy, I love myself, see my worth, have forgiven and asked forgiveness, got married to man who loves and follows Christ , have a relationship with my Savior-Jesus Christ. I live for His purpose and want to share with others who are lost like I was...there's One who knows you and waits for you to seek Him and be found. With Christ the search is over.