I had everything but I was not happy

“My six siblings and I grew up in a wholesome family environment and were raised by our mother. Besides the usual sibling rivalry, I often felt left out and believed that my other siblings were loved more than me. I didn’t pay too much attention to it at the time, but I grew up with insecurities and a sense of being unloved.

As a result, I became negative and had low self-esteem. I developed anxiety, depression and panic attacks. I feared rejection and even the smallest sign of it tormented me. If I sensed that a partner wasn’t fully committed, I would end the relationship because I was afraid he would eventually reject me. Fear and insecurity consumed me and I couldn’t see a positive future for myself.

I later found someone who loved me and we got married, but these feelings about myself affected my marriage and every other aspect of my life. I couldn’t admit that I was depressed. I just felt misunderstood and alone. 

One day, I received a newspaper from the Universal Church and the title caught my attention: ‘Do you have a void?’ For the first time, I realised that even though I had everything I’d ever dreamed of, being married and having a newborn child, I still felt empty. 

From the very first day I attended a service in the church, I understood that it was possible to find peace in God, something I deeply longed for. Day by day, I started seeing changes in myself and in my relationships with others. I decided to leave my old life behind and give myself completely to the Lord Jesus. I chose to forgive those who had hurt me and got baptised in water to seal this change.

Then I started seeking to be baptised with the Holy Spirit because I understood that only He could give me the peace and joy I had been yearning for. I committed to doing God’s will in everything I did. My husband saw the changes in me and started praying with me at home.

As I continued seeking the Holy Spirit, God blessed me with His presence, and from that day onwards, I was no longer the same person. For the first time in my life, I was at peace. Now I am no longer anxious or depressed. I sleep well and never have panic attacks. I am positive about my life and future and I have peace, joy and love inside me, and for me, this is priceless.

I have a wonderful relationship with my loving husband, children and grandchildren. I am at peace and I get on very well with others. I am very happy now that I live in the presence of God," said Gloria.