Faith Carried Me: From the Pool to My Purpose
Faith Carried Me: From the Pool to My Purpose
By: TLC Nurse Life
When we last left off, I shared the moment I first felt the presence of God—a fourth-grade YMCA swimming trip where I found myself at the bottom of the pool’s deep end, struggling, alone, and terrified. Then suddenly, a brilliant light shone, and a hand reached down and pulled me out. When I opened my eyes, I was lying beside the pool—alive. No lifeguard, no classmate, no rescuer in sight. Just me… and God.
The Journey Continued
From that day on, I knew I was never alone. Even before that moment, I now realize that God’s hand was already guiding me.
I remember one particular day, back in 2nd or 3rd grade. My little brother and I hopped on a push scooter and rode across town to our aunt’s house. To this day, I couldn't tell you how I knew the way—but somehow, we made it there and back home safely. Why would two kids even think to make such a journey? Simple: our parents weren’t home after we got out of school, and our grandmother—just a few blocks away—wasn’t feeling well. I felt it would be better to go to our aunt’s house. That wasn’t the best idea, now looking back.
My grandmother passed when I was around eleven. It was my first experience with death, and it rocked me. But there was something incredibly peaceful about the way she passed—on her knees, in prayer. I often like to imagine that she was praying for me in that moment. But knowing her heart, she was praying for everyone. That’s who she was: a woman of deep faith, who taught through action. She gave selflessly. Loved unconditionally. Fed the hungry, clothed the needy, and lived with a grace that could only come from God. She was the example. And my mother? Just the same.
Faith in the Valleys
Fast forward to 2001—my father passed away. I was nineteen and already living on my own. I remember visiting my mom and finding her crying in a way I had never heard before. Her heart was breaking.
It was shortly after that moment of mourning that she sat me down and said something I will never forget:
“Son, I know that you’re gay. Your dad told me years ago, but I didn’t want to believe it. I want you to know that I love you, no matter what. Your daddy loved you too.”
In that moment, a weight I had carried for years finally lifted. I was free... Loved. Seen. It changed our relationship in ways that words can’t describe.
Note to parents:
Love your children unconditionally. You may not always understand them, agree with them, or even know how to support them—but love them anyway.
The Bible teaches us that if we “train up a child in the way they should go, when they are old, they will not depart from it.”
Teach love. Teach grace. Teach God. The world would be a much better place for it.
Called to Nurse, Called to Heal
...what I want to focus on today is how all of that was preparing me for the calling of nursing.
Working in behavioral and mental health as a nurse has taught me this: the mind is fragile. And to wake up in your right mind is a blessing we don’t always recognize. Every day, I care for patients who have lost loved ones, who suffer from depression, who feel like life has no more meaning. And still, I try to be a light.
“This joy that I have… the world didn’t give it, and the world can’t take it away.”
It’s not because I’m better than anyone else. It’s because I’ve tried God. Over and over and over again—and He has never failed me.
A Word for You
Maybe you’re going through something right now... Let me tell you this: even the fact that you’re reading this right now means that your life is already beginning to change—for the better.
The Bible says if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can speak to a mountain and tell it to move—and it will move.
A Prayer for the Reader
Heavenly Father, Love of my life, Prince of Peace, and Lord of All…
As I come before You, Your humble servant, I ask that You touch the lives of every single person who reads this post. I come against self-doubt, anxiety, depression, fear, and every lie the enemy has planted.
You said in Your Word that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. So I declare healing over minds and hearts. I speak joy into places of sorrow. I speak peace into every storm. Let there be restoration, revival, and rest.
God, provide for the ones in need. Guide the ones who are lost. Protect our students, our businesses, our homes. Send angels to encamp around every reader. Let no harm come near.
And Lord, let my light always point to You. Let the way I live be a testimony of Your goodness.
In Jesus’ name… AMEN.
Thank you for reading. Stay encouraged. Stay uplifted. Stay blessed,
TLC Nurse Life