Rockdale Citizen

Photo by Corinne Nicholson

I was reminiscing about one of the days that changed my life the other day -- the day I met my husband.

I thought about how I just went about my day not knowing that evening I would meet the man I would want to spend the rest of my life with.

All of that thinking got me thinking about a day that really changed the rest of my life -- the day I became a Christian.

I was only 8, but I still had a good grasp of what I was doing. I was asking Jesus into my heart, asking Him to forgive me of my sins and I had huge desire for Him to by my daddy, especially since I didn't have my biological father around.

I will say that the age of 15 I rededicate my life -- I was older, seen a lot more and understood a lot more. That dedication was greatly inspired by Carol Ingle.

She along with the rest of her sweet and inspiring family has had a great impact on this community.

I can't think of anytime that I've had a conversation with one of Mrs. Ingle's former students who doesn't have a smile break across their face in regards to her and her name being mentioned.

I hear and the see the same reaction regarding her daughter, Caroline, who is also a teacher.

The Ingle family has been a great inspiration to this community while Caroline's life was changed forever when she was diagnosed with cancer. Now that is a day I bet she will never forget.

But the greater story here is not that she was diagnosed with cancer, but it is that that family stood firm in the strength of their Lord and Savior.

All of us have days that will change the rest of our lives. It is called life.

But what and how we react to those days is what makes the difference.

There is such a greater joy knowing that God has all of this in control. No matter what the doctor says, no matter how much someone broke your heart or when you feel absolutely spent -- He still has it all under control.

I knew that His control over my life was and is greater than I could ever do or be. I knew when I met Kevin something was different, but I left it is His hands and again, I say, that day has changed the rest of my life.

Although the doctor said the word "cancer" to Caroline, she and her family put her life in His hands. And I say to you, that day has changed her life, her families life and even more so, their love and faith in the Lord has impacted many people in this community.

Whatever your day brings to you, you just go ahead and leave it in the Father's hand. He has got this, don't trust my words, trust His word.

How does the children's song go? "He's got the whole world in His hands." Yep, He sure does.

Julie Wells is the editorial assistant in the newsroom at the Rockdale Citizen. She can be reached at julie.wells@rockdalecitizen.com.