The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me.— Psalm 23:1–4 (ESV)
Hello everyone. Praise the Lord. I am Arthy — Ambrose’s bride-to-be.
If you’re reading this as a friend, a well-wisher, or someone who just happened upon these words, thank you. This is more than a testimony. It is my story. Our story. And the Lord Himself is the author of it.
Six months ago, I would not have believed this could happen. Yet today, I testify to the goodness and grace of God. His work in our lives is beyond measure.
We were born in different places. We come from different families, cultures, and beliefs. We walked different paths. We faced different struggles. Yet God drew us together, guided by His hand, walking in His light.
I was graced with God’s love early in life, yet I did not understand it. Over the years I drifted. I searched for meaning in hollow places. I reached for love in hands that could not hold me.
Even when I turned away, His love remained. His presence shielded me. His mercy pursued me. But I kept running.
The noise of the world grew louder. My days felt empty. My heart was broken. Still His hand was gentle. He waited for me to return. But I kept choosing my own way.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. — 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (ESV)
God’s love did not force me. He let me walk. For true love does not bind — it never abandons.
I ran to places where I thought no one could find me. People I trusted turned into thorns. I hid behind locked doors. I built a make-believe world to escape pain.
Yet He waited. Patiently.
One night I broke. I fell to my knees, tears burning my face, and I asked:
Why did You stay when everyone else left?
Why love me when I felt hated?
Why choose me when I felt rejected?
And He answered: BECAUSE YOU ARE MY BELOVED ONE.
In that moment I knew I belonged.
I found home. I found purpose. I found hope. Or perhaps — He found me again.
In my deepest darkness, He came as Light, Shepherd, Master, Lord, and Father. He lifted me from shadow into light. He washed me white as snow. He clothed me in righteousness.
He lifted me up, held my hands and called me Abigail — Father’s Joy.
I am His.
I am chosen to serve and worship Him.
To anyone reading:
God’s love still pursues.
He waits with hope.
He restores with mercy.