My Love Story [A Testimony] by Grace Rabia Wood Smith

I am delighted to call this woman a sister in Christ, uplifter and friend, and additionally that she allowed me to share this here. You can find this lovely lady on Facebook, if you would like to reach out to her directly. SIC!

My love story

I was born and raised in Durban, South Africa into a very strict Islamic household. My mother was and still is the religious leader in our community. She converts people to Islam and runs a Madrasah (Islamic school) out of her home.

One of my earliest memories is being at Islamic school, covered from head to toe, reading the Quran. I remember distinctly sitting on my mother’s lap reciting the Quran and every time, I got to a particular phrase that I could not remember, and I was beat continuously. That’s when the fear began. I had to be perfect. Because I wanted to please my parents, I became one of her best students. My mother was so proud of me and there was constant chatter that I would continue this family legacy when she passed away.

In 1995 I came to the United States to attend University. In 1998 I had my first supernatural experience with God that completely transformed my life. That is the day that I realized that Jesus maybe more than just a Prophet. (In Islam Jesus is revered as of the Major Prophets.) I remained in a state of confusion and turmoil for 8 years. Could my entire life be a lie? I kept asking myself how this could be. I didn’t know who I was anymore! I had to find out! But, I was afraid to denounce Islam because of my family. Fear and loyalty had been imputed into me. As I child I would always say, “I was born a Muslim and I’ll die a Muslim.” I struggled to wrap my head around the fact that Jesus was God. It was against everything I was ever taught! Deep down inside, I knew that Jesus was way more special than what I was taught. He just felt right! But fear had a stronger hold. This was the beginning of my spiritual journey.

In June of 2006, I had another experience with God and He revealed to me in a vision: Proverbs, 3:5-6 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. [a]. There was no more doubt! I believed with all my heart! I wanted the world to know On June 13th, 2006 I was baptized.

My life has changed drastically since I have been born again! Has it been a smooth transition? Absolutely not! Was my family accepting of my conversion? No, they were not. During the early years, did I ever consider going back to Islam? NO! Never entertained that thought! You see, God became a very close companion. He was so real to me! He delighted in me! I did not know much back then, but I was certain of one thing: He loved me! I had never experienced a love like this! He was always near! We were in constant fellowship. I fell madly and deeply in love!

I began to meditate on the WORD of God and my mindset began to change. I learnt my rights in Christ! I became Christ conscious! I knew my identity! My mind was renewed! The fear that had bound me my entire life; left me! I knew who I was and the more I studied the Word, the stronger I became. The Word had taken root in my Spirit. I began to eat the Word veraciously! My thirst for the Word became unquenchable! I simply CAN NOT get enough!

One of my favorite scriptures is Hebrews 4:12, “that the Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any two edged sword, it penetrates even dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart”. This scripture really touches me deeply. You see no matter what walk of life you come from or what your past looks like, you are now a new creation in Christ. This Word of God, builds, breaks, removes, cleans, fixes, empowers, transforms and molds you into who God says you are. When this Word gets into your spirit, remnants of your past will not be visible. Your life becomes a wonder! No longer will you be bound by the opinion of man. The Word of God establishes you! I am unashamedly in love! A woman after Gods own heart, just like David. I would change nothing, irrespective of all the relationships I’ve lost. I’ve gained so much more!

The Verse That I Didn't Know Existed ...

Admittedly, I haven't read all of the Bible. As I typed that I could almost hear a gasp from some readers, but alas it is - what it is. However, a week or so ago I was pinning my heart away (seriously, Pinterest is the bomb) and stumbled across one that made me give this in real life O_O. Of course, I have listened to all the Proverbs (the Bible app from LifeChurchTV is also the bomb), so I know it is one that I must have heard, but it didn't resonate with me.. until now. This verse was from Proverbs 29:11 and read...

A fool vents all his feelings,

But a wise man holds them back.

Ouch! I would be a liar - liar pants on FIRE if I said this verse didn't cut to the core of me. I am guilty of it, I admit it. I have "talked about it, more than praying out it" before. However, to be called a fool just struck a cord with me. I mean who wants to be a fool? Ummm, it is one thing to get a baby child like chatty with your bestie, it is another to be called out for being well stupid by the word of God, eh? 

However the core message of this is simple, why talk about it with people who can't do ANYTHING, when there is one (the Father) who is capable of handling any and all situations? Or at least that is my take on it. I am  going through some of my own lessons at the moment about the importance of prayer / i.e. communicating with the Father, so I know it was He who ultimately brought this verse across my pinboard. 

Yet, that is all I will say on the verse, here is the entire chapter for your review. May you be enlightened, encouraged and enriched as you read it. 

Proverbs 29

¹He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

² When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

³ Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.

⁴ The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.

⁵ A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.

⁶ By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices.

⁷ The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.

⁸ Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath.

⁹ If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.

¹⁰ The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being.

¹¹ A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.

¹² If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked.

¹³ The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.

¹⁴ The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.

¹⁵ The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

¹⁶ When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.

¹⁷ Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul.

¹⁸ Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.

¹⁹ A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond.

²⁰ Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

²¹ He who pampers his servant from childhood Will have him as a son in the end.

²² An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.

²³ A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.

²⁴ Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.

²⁵ The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

²⁶ Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the Lord.

²⁷ An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.