I was born and raised in Southern California. I ran away from home at 16 and lived in Seattle, Washington for a while before coming to Birmingham, Alabama at the age of 17. That was many years ago, and I have since reconciled with my family, but I continue to live in Alabama because I love living here. I have a great job. I have wonderful friends who treat me like family. I love Southern cooking–there really is nothing better. I go to the best church in the world. I love all the trees. The beautiful emerald coast beaches. The four seasons, especially the spring and the fall. Mix all that in with some Alabama football and there is no place I’d rather be!
My favorite verse in the Bible is Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” I was as far away from God as you could get, and even though I had run away God’s love never failed to come after me. He demonstrated that love in so many ways with all the godly women He has put in my life, and continues to do so even today. Through one of those godly women, this runaway got her G.E.D. at Jefferson State Community College and then started taking classes there, and later transferred to Birmingham Southern College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. Statistically speaking, there are not many runaways with college degrees. God has been so good to me. Presently, I am a Senior Accounting Specialist for a large corporation in Birmingham. I am so blessed to have a job doing what I love to do.
If you had told me that one day I would be attending a mega church, I would have said, “No way!” I began attending Church of the Highlands three years ago, and it’s so big, you can get lost there. I came in with a lot of hurt and not knowing what my purpose was anymore, so I was glad to be lost in the crowd. God is always working His plan in our lives, and He was not going to let me stay lost in my hurt.
I discovered two life changing things at this church, 21 Days of Prayer and small groups. The first 21 Days of Prayer was so life changing for me that I have not missed one since. There are no words to describe what it is like to pray with thousands of people at 6 AM. It is an amazing experience that has brought me into a real relationship with God that I never had before.
A mega church gets small when you get into a small group. Small groups have literally saved my life. My dearest and closest friends are the ones I have met in small groups. When you are able to take off the mask, and just be real with people and share from your heart, it changes everything. The friends I have made through small groups are the friends I can call on when I am out on the ledge. God never intended for us to do this life alone. We really are better together.
Breath on Paper is one of those Church of the Highlands small groups. I wanted to be a part of this group because these women are so real and share so much from their heart. C.S. Lewis said, “We read to know we are not alone.” Breath on Paper has made C.S. Lewis’s words come true for me. ~ Cheryl
Cheryl, God has given you a beautiful story!
I am blessed to know you. ❤️
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Cheryl, I’m so glad to have the opportunity to know you better. Your story will bless so many and I can hardly wait to see how God uses your writing. Thanks for brightening our group with your beautiful smile.
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You are an amazing writer Andrea! I have enjoyed reading all of your posts. Getting to meet you was even better! We are going to have a great time this semester!
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You are a wonderful friend!
I am so thankful and blessed God put you in my life ❤️
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Cheryl, this is an amazing story and you truly are an inspiration to us all. I know God is using you and your gift of putting heart to paper to minister to many. I am so blessed to have met you and can’t wait to get to know you better!
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Thank you Tracey! I looking forward to getting to know you better as well! This is going to be an awesome semester!
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What a beautiful testimony you have, Cheryl! I’m so very blessed by your friendship. I know God is doing amazing things through you. You’re a beautiful writer and an even more beautiful spirit! 💜
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Thank you Heather! I love being back in a small group with you. You are a gifted leader, writer and an amazing photographer!!
I love you friend ❤️
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Cheryl, this is amazing! You are an awesome writer!
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Thank you Cindy!
God has been good to me! ❤️
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Thank you for sharing your testimony! I’m thankful that you came to know Christ as your Lord. 🙂 So proud of all of your hard work and accomplishments. Most of all, that you give the credit and glory to God 🙂 AMEN! Life situations can be tough and hurts can cause us to shrink back from what we should be doing. I’m always amazed how God knows His timing for all. I also live in Alabama:) RTR and keep up the great work for God!
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Amen! Thank you for your kind words. God has given you a wonderful gift of encouragement! I pray God uses your words to minister to many!
Blessings to you!
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Am I satisfied? YES! and no. I know I”m where I”m supposed to be, doing what I’m supposed to be doing, and I”m satisfied with that. But, since moving away from Birmingham, I really, really miss my small groups and my wonderful friends there. I miss the constant encouragement to continue learning, to continue my walk and to continue to grow into the woman God wants me to be. I’m looking for my small group here.
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