(continued)
The second I "amen," a boulder was lifted off my shoulders and I felt the most wonderful, free, joyful feeling! I began to cry hysterically, and ran downstairs and told my grandmother what I'd just done. It was the best Easter I've ever experienced, because it has shaped my life in more ways than you could ever know. 

Though I was saved at an early age, I didn’t begin growing immediately. Shortly after being saved, I began living for myself. I went to church on Sunday, but I gave God little of my time or attention Monday thru Saturday. As a result, I experienced a lot of unnecessary pain and misery. I suffered from depression, and low self-esteem, and I was fearful of everything and everyone. My fearfulness turned into a social anxiety disorder, which only got worse and worse as time went by. Being around people was such an ordeal for me that I began avoiding church. However, instead of turning to God and depending on Him to bring me through this, I retreated into a “cocoon.” (more)