How did I get here?

By, Maryann Barritta
Director of Discipleship & Outreach
“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

This testimony has been shared a number of times. However, I never tire of the exhilarating feeling of God’s love I experience with each retelling.
As the oldest of four children in a very traditional family I somehow sensed it was my responsibility to set a good example for my younger brother and two sisters. I loved my parents and I believed that I loved God.

Early on I sensed a frightening tension in our family. My dad who loved us all had difficulty with his temper. It created a fear in all of us especially my mom a quiet and compliant wife who never confronted any situation with my father. He had a serious emotional problem and living with him made all of us very anxious. Each night in bed I prayed for God to protect my family. 

Unfortunately, I never felt as if he heard my prayers. Entering adulthood, I was always searching for God and his protection. I believed in Jesus but I never knew the many promises of God.

"Meeting the women of Oasis was truly an answer to my prayers."

“I will never leave you or forsake you.” Joshua 1:5

“But the Lord is faithful, he will strengthen you and protect you from evil.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3

As a married woman, a teacher by profession with two children and a granddaughter my life was filled with anxiety I had brought with me into maturity. I was physically ill, emotionally stressed and depressed with all the responsibilities and the negative outlook I had for my future. I was in a very dark place because I believed God had abandoned me in my disobedience not to live a life according to his word. I hit the great wall of despair. Then one afternoon four years ago a Christian acquaintance called. In her gentle manner she asked if I would consider attending a women’s bible study group called Oasis. Before her words were fully delivered I blurted out. “Yes, Yes!

That day changed my life forever. Meeting the women of Oasis was truly an answer to my prayers. They welcomed me with the unconditional love of Jesus. While learning the promises of God in our bible studies I realized my anxious feelings lied to me about who God was and who I was. I told myself you are lost, unlovable, unworthy, hopeless, weak, foolish, etc.
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Through God’s word my life was saved from that dark place. Thankfully, I was renewed spiritually, emotionally and physically. Each day was an opportunity to express my gratitude for the blessings he gave me through Jesus. He guided my decisions and sustained me in my losses and sorrow. God was and is the great planner of my life. I want to live my days furthering the kingdom through him with my Oasis sisters. Praying for the wisdom to help girls and women who are searching like I was, broken, lonely, desperate to become whole, worthy, protected and saved through Jesus.

Thank you to my dear Oasis sister for taking a step of faith to invite me to study God’s word. Through it I am healing and learning to help others heal in the name of Jesus. ‘To God be all the glory forever. Amen” Galatians 1:5
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What leap of faith could God be calling you to take? Could the Lord be using you to invite a girlfriend to an Oasis gathering? Are you willing to be used by God? It could change her life!