RAGS TO RICHES
by Gay Hecker
I came from a middle-income, average dysfunctional – HA ...home. In
my early years I was badgered mercilessly by my older brother, making
me feel worthless, unlovable and not belonging. Both of my parents
worked so there was not much communication. I basically fought to
exist. I started hating my life, myself and the world in which I
lived. To ease the pain and cope with my life, I turned easily to
drugs, alcohol, sex and food.
I started working at 15 years old at a bakery where my boss sexually
abused me. I left home to move in with a friend at 16. I was on a
downhill slide until I was 25 years old. I wanted out of this dark
life but didn''t know how to get out. I was high most days and
nights—even while working.
After a break-up with a married man, I was so despondent – I knew I
needed help. My parents had no idea – no clue of this deep pain of
what I felt was a jaded life that I was in. They had no idea of how
to help me. This was in 1980.
In July of that year, a cousin of mine invited me to a camp-fire with
some people from Illinois. I was in Wisconsin on a remote island in
the middle of Lake Michigan. I chose to go with her and drove into a
large field with people laughing and playing guitars and singing.
BUT....I saw no drugs or alcohol around. I totally did not belong
here. I was dirt and these people were clean. Somehow I sensed that.
A young man came to talk to me and I wanted nothing to do with him.
He asked me point blank if I was a Christian. I told him that I was
definitely NOT like him or these other people. I wanted out of there
so we left. The next night there was a coffee house and the same
cousin invited me to it. I went just to be with people and there was
a fellow singing something about “going home”. I didn''t know why but
I started crying and couldn''t stop. The fellow from the night before
at the campfire came to me and asked if I wanted to go for a walk. I
did go and as we walked, all he did was talk of his life before
becoming a Christian, which was exactly like my life now. He said,
“You know, being a Christian means no sex before marriage.” I was
thrilled to hear that. It was my way out of the dark and dirty
lifestyle I had found myself in for so long. Much more was talked
about and when I got to my parents house where I was staying, up in my
bed with a cup of coffee and a cigarette, I cried out to a God I
didn''t even know existed. I asked him to forgive me and all the bad
decisions I''d made in my life; and to please take over – to make
decisions for me. Well, I actually felt a cleansing roll over me from
my head to my toes. I knew something had happened but didn''t know
what.
The next morning I told my parents I was going to try the church
thing. They were fine with that.
At church I confirmed this decision to accept and follow Christ and I
had NEVER felt so clean, so loved and such a belonging......I was
changed! My life was different – in a very good way. I didn''t want
to drink, smoke, do drugs indulge in an impure lifestyle any longer.
All of those worldly desires had disappeared.
That was 35 years ago and I have NEVER regretted that decision. Once
in a world filled with hate, despair and pain, now I was full of love,
joy and hope.
God changed this hard heart for children into a loving one. I left my
job to go to an international training for the Montessori Method of
teaching. It is a gift he has given me to be used for his purposes.
I''ve had my own little Montessori school in FL and WI. Now, here in
Waco, TX, I have another small classroom available for morning or
afternoon sessions, 3-6 year old children. If anyone is interested in
having their child in a small, loving atmosphere filled with beauty &
wonder, please contact me at gayhecker@yahoo.com or call 254-230-2157.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!!!
|