Whosoever Shall Confess.

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Whosoever Shall Confess.

Whosover shall confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God — God dwells in him. 1 John 4:15 KJV begins with “Whosoever”. Which means anyone and everyone who confesses Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior has access to God the Father.

The Gospel is straightforward: Adam sinned. Throughout history, mankind has been born into sin. He lived a sinless life and died to atone for our sins. By the shed Blood of Jesus Christ, humanity was reconciled back to God.

Jesus Christ died on the cross for “whoever”. In His death, Jesus paid for the sins of the entire world, for whoever believes in Him. You are the one Christ died for. 

When Jesus Christ was crucified, His flesh was ripped and torn just for you and for me — His flesh was a symbol for the veil. Christ was the veil. Our sins were atoned for through him. As a result, He paid the full and satisfactory price for the sins of the world and we were forgiven. Our sins were completely atoned for by His Blood.

There is no substitute for it, nor will there ever be. Jesus Christ is the only one who can satisfy sin’s payment requirements. No other god, no other idol, no other lamb, no other bull, no other ram, no other goat, no other sacrifice could pay for our sin.

He reconciled man to God through His shed Blood. Payment was made in full. Through the Blood Covenant of Jesus Christ, our sin, guilt, and shame are completely covered and washed away. By simply confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you will be saved. Let His Blood cover you. Let His Blood wash you clean. Turn to Him. Give Him your heart.

1 John‬ ‭4:15‬‬‬ declares, “Anyone who confesses (acknowledges, owns) that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides (lives, makes His home) in him and he [abides, lives, makes his home] in God.” 

Accept Christ as your Savior and Lord. It is only through Jesus Christ that we can reach God the Father. If you confess Jesus Christ as God’s Son, you are declaring that He is God, and that He is Lord over your life. Don’t be afraid to confess Christ. Make the decision to surrender to Him.

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” 1 John‬ ‭4:15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

You can accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior simply by praying the following prayer:

Father God, in the Name of Jesus, I thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ. I thank You that Jesus Christ died for my sin. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Father, I repent of my sin and accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Lord, I surrender to You. In Jesus Name. Amen.

“Hillbilly Elegy”: A Journey Through Struggles and Resilience

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“Hillbilly Elegy” Movie Trailer

“Hillbilly Elegy”: A Personal Journey

Introduction

As I reflect on my experience with the film “Hillbilly Elegy,” I find myself drawn to its portrayal of the Appalachian people—a community that resonates deeply with my own roots. Born in the rugged mountains of West Virginia, my family’s lineage stretches back to the early days of the New World. Despite growing up in different states and facing unique challenges, I felt a kinship with the characters in the movie. Their struggles mirrored my own, and their resilience touched my heart.

Navigating the Technical Aspects

Before delving into the film’s themes, let me share a lighthearted moment. Completing the assignment took me four days—an endeavor that tested my patience and technical prowess. (Yes, four whole days—LOL.) As I submitted my late presentation, I noticed the quirks in my voice during the recording. The audio was a bit “wonky,” and for that, I apologize. Rest assured; I’ll fine-tune the settings for my next presentation to ensure better sound quality.

A Proud Heritage

Growing up, I split my time between Mobile, Alabama, and the bayous of southern Louisiana. But my heart always belonged to the West Virginia mountains—the place where my parents hailed from and where my extended family still resides. Our ancestry traces back to the early pilgrims who arrived after the Mayflower. Summers spent in those hills etched memories into my soul, even as my parents’ divorce reshaped our lives.

Struggles and Resilience

My family’s story diverged from that of the characters in “Hillbilly Elegy.” While we were more financially stable, we faced our own battles. In Louisiana, my mother grappled with mental illness and alcoholism. She never held a job, and our survival depended on welfare, food stamps, and government aid. Winter nights brought cold—sometimes no heat or hot water. We huddled around a small electric heater, our breath visible in the frigid air. There were even periods without electricity, our world dimmed by flickering candles.

J.D. and Bev: A Familiar Bond

As I analyzed Bev’s character for my presentation, it was her son, J.D., who captured my heart. He clung to love even when his mother made it difficult. In my own life, I understood that unwavering loyalty. J.D.’s determination to lift Bev from her struggles mirrored my own desire to give voice to those who often go unheard. West Virginians wear the badge of “HillbillY” with pride—a term that carries both stigma and strength.

A Call for Support

“Hillbilly Elegy” isn’t just a film; it’s a call to action. It reminds us to recognize shared humanity, regardless of circumstance. As we advocate for stronger support systems, let’s amplify the voices of those who need it most. Whether in the hills of West Virginia or the bayous of Louisiana, resilience knows no boundaries.

Conclusion: Echoes of Resilience

In the quiet corners of Appalachia, where the mountains cradle stories of struggle and strength, “Hillbilly Elegy” unfolds. Through the lens of Bev’s journey and J.D.’s unwavering love, we glimpse the intricate tapestry of human existence—the threads of pain, pride, and perseverance woven together.

As I reflect on my own upbringing—split between the bayous of Louisiana and the rugged hills of West Virginia—I recognize the echoes. My family, like Bev’s, faced battles that transcended geography. Mental illness, poverty, and the relentless fight for survival shaped our days. Yet, we clung to hope, just as J.D. did for his mother. The film invites us to listen—to hear the voices of those often silenced by circumstance. West Virginians wear the label of “HillbillY” with defiance, reclaiming it as both shield and badge. Their resilience, etched into the very fabric of those ancient mountains, speaks of survival against all odds.

And so, as the credits roll, we carry this call within us. Let us advocate for stronger support systems, not just for Appalachia but for every corner of our shared world. May empathy be our compass, guiding us toward a future where everyone—regardless of their struggles—can thrive. “Hillbilly Elegy” isn’t merely a film; it’s a mirror reflecting our own narratives. As we step away from the screen, let us rewrite our stories—one scene, one act of compassion at a time. 

Family Traditions

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Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.

When we were kids, we had a few years when we didn’t have money for Christmas presents. So my brother and I came up with the idea of finding something that means something to you (so nothing trashed or broken), and we would wrap the “presents” using the “funny pages” comics from the newspaper. When I got married and started having kids, I passed down that tradition. It has helped instill that it is always better to give than to receive.

Psalm‬ ‭107‬:‭9‬ ‭‬‬

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This verse tells me that the only way I can find true fulfillment of my deepest desires is through God. He has the right plan for my future. It’s encouraging to know that God has a plan that’s right for each of us. It is especially true of what we long for, pray for, or even feel desperate for. But it is important to remember that sometimes what we want or desire is not what God knows is right for us.

Far From Home

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“In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.”
‭‭Ruth‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Have you ever wondered if God is at work in your life? I have plenty of times, and then I am reminded of the book of Ruth. We don’t see miracles or divine intervention from Heaven; we see God subtly at work as He guides the two women down a path of restoration and fruitfulness.

The book of Ruth begins with the story of a family living in Bethlehem. They are living in a town known as the house of bread, yet there is a famine. The writer doesn’t tell us much about the circumstances of the family; we begin almost immediately with them traveling to the land of Moab. From the beginning, the nation of Moab was one of immorality. Yet, Elimelech made the decision to uproot his family from the house of bread to travel to a foreign nation filled with sin.

We don’t travel too far into chapter one before we find a vital application for our own lives. When we face difficult times, we must not rely on human understanding or take the easy way out; we must seek God for His purposes. Elimelech did not ask God what His will was, nor did he trust God. Instead, he uprooted his family from the place God’s people dwelt to live in a wicked country where there would be no place to worship God and no fellowship with other believers. 

Ironically, Elimelech left to escape death, and yet him and his sons would find just that within a decade. Not only did his poor decision negatively affect him, but it affected his whole family. We must come to the realization that the choices we make in life will impact others. 

Once Elimelech went outside of God’s will, he no longer had the ability to distinguish between right or wrong. He allowed his sons to marry Moab women who did not know God and allowed unequally yoked marriages. With one bad decision, Elimelech led his family further away from the things of God. It’s important that you and I seek God’s will instead of doing what we think is best. One poor decision can lead us into a string of poor decisions. 

The good news is, God restores and God is good. We don’t just see a family destroyed with one decision. God isn’t finished yet. 

As God’s people we have the unique opportunity to know His will and live under His umbrella. There are times in our life when the storm hits. It is in those seasons we can either seek His will and trust Him, or we can rely on our own understanding and make the decision we think best. Ultimately, God’s plan for us is better than our own.

Chapters of my life

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“Lord God, I pray that you help me as I am writing and guide my words as I continue to share my story. I pray that in some way these writings will help me to heal some of the wounds that still hurt. Help me to be a survivor, Lord. A Survivor in Christ. I pray that You fill me with Your love and peace as I go on this journey. In Christ’s Name, I pray, Amen.”

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  • Chapter 1– Sweet Innocence– Life before the divorce
  • Chapter 2– The Lie
  • Chapter 3– Life after the divorce
  • Chapter 4– Moving in with Mamma’s boyfriend, Lester (who Mamma eventually married)
  • Chapter 5– Remembering &Rebellion
  • Chapter6– The Plan- Running away at 17 & meeting my husband
  • Chapter7– Peacefulness– After I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior
  • Chapter8– Happiness– Getting married, becoming a mother, and moving to Alabama
  • Chapter9– Mamma’s Suicide
  • Chapter10– To Grieve or Not to Grieve– Life after Mamma’s suicide
  • Chapter11– Busy, busy, busy (Busy being the perfect Wife, Mom of 4, College Student with a 4.0 GPA, Preschool teacher, Sunday School teacher, Choir member, & Volunteer Addiction group leader…) Like I said, I was BUSY!!!
  • Chapter12– Sickness– (Burnt Out)
  • Chapter 13– Emptiness and Pain
  • Chapter 14– What now? The long road to Healing

(I hope I didn’t scare you off. I like to joke that my life is a combination of Oprah, Dr. Phil, and Jerry Springer. LOL)