Denise Oldham/Shortybear Shares Her Salvation Story

Today is the first of eleven salvation testimonies to be shared on Selah the days leading up to and just after Easter. I can't think of a better way to celebrate His resurrection than hearing God-stories of souls raised from death to life. So pause. Ponder what He has done. Then praise Him!!!!

Denise is one special lady. God has given her the spiritual gift of encouragement, and she is as generous with it as Mary Magdalene was with her jar of perfume. She took the time to answer some questions I asked about her decision to become a Christian and then shared freely from her heart at the end. I pray it ministers powerfully and effectively to your soul today.

1) How old were you when someone first told you about Jesus?

I was 10 years old when someone first told me about Jesus. My dad had just gone to prison, and my momma was working third shift at a cotton mill. I was a very lonely & sad little girl, always felt lost. There was a lady named Sue Ledford, she lived next door to us. Everyday, when she came in from work, I would be sitting outside on the sidewalk, she never failed to speak to me. One day, she invited me in, she fixed us something to eat, and we laughed and talked for a long time. This became a regular routine for us. She became a dear friend to me. She invited me to church, and I went. She was a GIA leader(Girls In Action), so I became active in that. I felt God nudging my heart, and I talked to Sue about it. She asked me if I wanted to get saved, and I said yes. Well, she said she would talk to my momma about it. After the talk, my momma said "no, I was to young to understand salvation." My little heart broke, but I never stopped thinking about Jesus.

2) What compelled you to give your life over to Jesus?

We had a revival at church, there was a visiting preacher one night, his name was Doug Stone. He was such a Godly man, and he spoke such truth. God's Word was strongly coming out of his mouth, it was as if he was talking straight to my heart. It was awesome, I will never forget it.

3) What scriptures were particularly meaningful to you?

Psalm 23, Philippians 4:13, and Psalm 139.

4) How do you think your life is different since you made Jesus the Lord of it?

I am happier, content to live for Him, not for myself, or the world. I am free to be all I can in Jesus, shine His light for others to see. I am not perfect, but I am saved, washed clean by His precious blood. By His stripes I am healed, praise the Lord.

My testimony:
On July 2, 1989, at the age of 25, I gave my life to Jesus. I have never regretted it for one second, it was the best thing I ever did. He took my dirty rags, and replaced them with stainless, sparkling white garments. He took all the broken pieces of my life, that were scattered like a jigsaw puzzle, and began to sculpture a new life for me. He poured His love all over my life, and made it so much better. My walk with Him has not been perfect, I have made mistakes, and let Him down. But, He is always quick to pick me up, dust me off, and forgive me. He has never let me down, always built me up. My greatest treasure is my salvation. Thank You Lord.

Denise (on the right) is a daughter of the King, and she loves her Father with all of her heart and soul. She is a very devoted wife to her dear Lovebug, and has been for 24 years. She loves all people, and tries her best to be an encouragement to others. She can be found at Shortybear's Place, or at Free To Be Me.