During my high school years, I faced one of the most challenging periods of my life. I was 17 years old when my mom was going through a tumultuous and abusive marriage. She was desperately trying to escape, but the path was fraught with obstacles and uncertainty. Our home, once a place of comfort, had turned into a battleground of fear and despair. One particularly difficult day stands out vividly in my memory. It was lunchtime at school, and I found myself overwhelmed with a sense of hopelessness. The weight of our situation pressed down on me so heavily that I contemplated ending my life. The thought of escaping the pain seemed like the only solution. In that moment of despair, God spoke to me. I had always believed in God and had a relationship with Him, but this day, He became so real to me. I heard a voice so clearly say, "He will keep those in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him." I had never heard this scripture before, and I didn't even know it was a verse from the Bible. But the words resonated with me profoundly. God Himself was speaking to me, offering me a lifeline in my darkest hour. An indescribable peace washed over me, overshadowing all my fears and anxieties. I felt His presence so tangibly that it was as if He was right there with me, holding me in His embrace. I cried all the way back to class because I could feel His love all over me. This experience was transformative. It gave me the strength to keep going, to face each day with renewed hope. I texted my mom and shared this moment with her. The words God spoke to me and the peace I felt became a source of comfort and encouragement for her as well. With God’s guidance, my mom was able to proceed with her divorce. It wasn’t an easy journey, but we leaned on our faith every step of the way. God’s promise of peace kept us anchored amidst the turmoil. We were blessed with a fresh start in another state. It was as though God was paving the way for us. We moved into a new home, and to our amazement, we didn’t have to worry about furniture or any of our basic needs. Everything we required was provided for, sometimes in the most unexpected ways. People from our new community, many of whom we had never met, offered us help and support. It was clear that God’s hand was in every detail, ensuring that we lacked nothing. Looking back, that scripture and the peace I felt that day during lunch at school were pivotal. They marked the beginning of a profound relationship with God, one built on trust and faith. Although I had always had a relationship with God, that day He became more real to me than ever before. I learned that even in the darkest times, God is present, offering His peace to those who seek Him. This experience taught me that obstacles and challenges, no matter how insurmountable they seem, can be overcome with faith. It was a lesson in resilience, trust, and the incredible power of God’s love and provision. My mom and I emerged from that difficult period stronger and more united in our faith in God than ever before, looking at the future with confidence and hope.