Bridgette Ventimilla

I grew up as a Catholic, but never had a personal relationship with Jesus. I was lost in my faith journey and made questionable decisions. After I had our first son, I became extremely suicidal. Previous trauma had been stirred back up in my body from childhood, college, and my time working in the ICU. I was invited to GBC by a friend and the first time I walked in, they were singing "Firm Foundation," and I couldn't help but cry the entire time. It was at that point that I softened my heart back up to the Lord. I still didn't allow myself to fully believe in Him because I didn’t think I was worthy of forgiveness. After I had our second baby, my husband agreed to go to church with me and I realized that my prayers had been working and that Jesus heard me. I feel more at peace knowing that Jesus was with me at all points in my life and that He never left me. I joined a small group, and it was my first exposure to a devotional. I connected with other moms on areas that the Lord was working in our parenting and ourselves and began to feel less alone in life. I then joined an amazing bible study group and while studying Ephesians I learned how to put the armor of God on and that really solidified that Jesus was for me. I found a group of wonderful ladies that have helped me realize I’m not alone and they have held space for me to ask questions. The moment that I knew I was ready to accept Jesus in my heart was the moment that I found out I was pregnant with our third baby. My husband and I had a conversation about putting a hold on expanding our family in early November. I remember praying and asking Jesus to help me accept our decision. I accepted that it was ultimately His timing and that regardless of what we wanted, it was up to Him. Three weeks later, December 2nd, I received a positive pregnancy test. His timing is never wrong and I'm ready to let him take the reins on my heart, my soul, my actions, and my life. My bible verse is Philippians 4:13 - “I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.”