From a Christian Bookshop to Finding Jesus in My Darkest Moment
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From a Christian Bookshop to Finding Jesus in My Darkest Moment
Early Encounters with Jesus
When I was four, my parents separated, and life felt confusing. One morning, I decided to take my little brother, who was two at the time, on an adventure — at 5am — while my mum was still asleep. We lived in a town surrounded by pubs and bars, so it wasn’t exactly safe for a 2- and 4-year-old to wander alone.
At the end of the road, we reached a zebra crossing on a main road. Directly opposite stood The Christian Bookshop. A lady named Rose was just getting out of her car. She called to us to cross carefully, asked why we were alone, and invited us inside. She sat us at a big wooden table, gave us juice, cookies, and a children’s Bible, while she called the police from the kitchen. Most importantly, she got us home safely.
Looking back, three things stand out:
- A Christian bookshop — without it, our adventure could have ended very differently.
- A Bible — now, at 27, it is my anchor, my daily bread, and what saved me again 20 years later.
- Rose — her name reminds me of Jesus rising from the dead. God cares about the details, and this moment was no coincidence.
Growing Up & Church Friendships
After that radical encounter, I was unaware of the impact it would have. Two of my best friends were pastors’ children, so I spent many weekends at church, attended church trips, and even took part in a 24-hour fast, where I first encountered the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Despite these experiences, high school pulled me away from church and into new distractions.
Teenage Years & Struggles
I went to a Catholic all-girls school, where we prayed daily, attended mass, and followed strict rules. The pressure and anxiety of never feeling like I ‘fit in’ weighed heavily on me. Around age 13–14, I started drinking. What began as a crutch soon became my identity. I cared more about parties and boys than anything else, and church became a distant memory.
Life in the World
I partied through my teens and early twenties. I was lucky to work for my stepdad, which taught me valuable business skills and a strong work ethic, but I was constantly chasing something deeper. My weekends blurred into blackouts, heartbreak, and experimentation with ‘The Universe’ — tarot, medium readings, and manifesting. I believed I could control my life and get whatever I wanted, but I was naive.
Then, in August 2022, I hit rock bottom. I wanted to end it all. Dissociating and desperate, I cried out one last time: “Jesus, help me.” Instantly, a weight lifted, chills ran through my body, and I felt a gentle assurance: It’s going to be okay.
Sobriety & Spiritual Awakening
After that encounter, I began praying to Jesus alongside my other practices. I was still drinking heavily, but I knew this was the start of a new journey. One day, a podcast called Girls Gone Bible came on my commute. Angela spoke about how Jesus delivered her from alcohol addiction and shared scripture. That day, I ordered a Bible and The Easy Way to Stop Drinking by Allen Carr.
Reading the book and immersing myself in scripture, I made a decision: I would go sober from that moment. I also realised that the Universe, tarot, and crystals were false idols. Jesus is my King and Saviour, and no created thing compares to the Creator.
Slipping Up & Returning to Sobriety
Nine months into sobriety, I went through a seven-year relationship breakup and believed I could control my drinking. I was wrong. Six months later, after a boozy girls’ holiday, I felt broken spiritually, physically, and emotionally. I returned to sobriety — and 1.5 years later, I am still sober.
Since then, I’ve been baptised. My boyfriend, now a Christian, and I were baptised together, and we are part of a beautiful church community. I’m thriving in sobriety, confident without alcohol. Life still has ups and downs, but I am a new creation in Christ.
Thriving in Christ & Encouragement
Thank you for reading my testimony. Whether your story is big or small, God is at work in your life. I’d love to hear your testimony — share it with us on Bloom & Grow Instagram. You may be at the beginning of your journey, and I’m excited to see how God moves in your life!
End Note
No matter your past or upbringing, God is a good, good Father who loves and accepts each of His children with open arms. Jesus says come as you are. He loves all of you - The good, the bad & the ugly. You don’t need to be perfect to follow Jesus. He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)
Why trust us?
Bloom & Grow was founded by a girl who loves Jesus, spent her 20s going sober, and is on a real healing journey — chasing dreams, building faith, and thriving. If I can do it, so can you.
With love,
Bloom & Grow
@wearebloomandgrow