I grew up in a home with a single mother. My father was absent and never involved in any part of my life. While my mother did the best she could, it sometimes felt that she was just as absent.  

Once I became a parent, I struggled a lot not being able to fathom how one could have a child and not want to be actively present in that child’s life. My daughter was and still is one of the most important people in my life. Trying to understand this, I became depressed. 

I had a lot of anger toward my parents. I was lost and not living my life as I knew I should. My grandma told me to read Proverbs. It was Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make straight your paths” was the verse that helped bring me back to Him.  

I began to say, “God whatever you have for me, I am ready.” When I said that, I was not ready for all that entailed but I have continued to lean on God when things get heavy, thanking Him regardless. 

Jeremiah 29:11 was the verse that helped me truly learn that regardless of my parents, my upbringing, my mistakes, my past, if I trust and depend on Him, he will never leave me. He has plans for me that are beyond my dreams. I am in awe of His greatness and grateful for the hard things that He helps me navigate. 

When I wake up, I am a grateful for what’s ahead, unknowingly of what the day’s challenges may bring. As a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and so many more titles, life can consist of so much. Some days are full of joy and happiness. Some days I feel defeated with very little left to give. But through it all, God is truly everything I have ever needed. 

Every day people come to CCA with so many different needs and like our mission states, “In the name of Jesus Christ….we provide comprehensive services…” God provides us with comprehensive services every day. Whatever we need we can go to Him in prayer. Whatever is in His will shall come to pass. God has a purpose for each of our lives and even when it seems hard, He will supply every single one of our needs according to His riches and glory (Philippians 4:19).  

Since 1973, God has blessed CCA to be a blessing to others. He has been everything this agency during every tribulation and celebration and for that we are beyond grateful. 

Response:

• What is the gift that has been given to you by God and how can you use that gift to live out His purpose in your life? 
• Remember when things feel the heaviest is when God is asking you to lean on Him.

Songs:

• Alpha and Omega (LIVE) – Israel & New Breed 
• I Know the Plans – Martha Munizzi 
• Born Again – Josh Garrels 
• Here as in Heaven – Elevation Worship

Daphne’ Houston

Director of Programs at CCA, Member of One Community Church in Plano