“I’m sure I’m going to heaven, because I am a good person” said Bobbie.  She thought heaven was reserved for "good people" and she was better than most, so she was all set.

Bobbie faithfully went to church until high school, when it became her responsibility to get there on her own. “I would go in, grab a bulletin for proof that I was there and spend the hour at Dunkin’ Donuts,” remembered Bobbie. “The only time I heard the word ‘Jesus’ in my home was when my dad was angry.” 

In college, Bobbie quickly got connected to new friends and the faith of her younger years was gone. “There was something different about my new friend Mary,” said Bobbie. “She had an unusual happiness and I was drawn to her.” One day, Mary asked Bobbie, “If you were to die tonight, are you confident that you would go to heaven?” Bobbie thought about it for a minute and replied confidently, “Yes, because I am a good person.”

Mary told Bobbie that her hope for heaven and the source of her happiness was based solely on her trust and belief in Jesus. The whole conversation and the boldness of Mary’s faith made Bobbie curious, but left her unsettled, questioning her eternity for the first time.

Bobbie got married in college and quickly became a mom to two, who arrived through complicated, stressful deliveries. Not long into her marriage, Bobbie’s husband became unfaithful. Bobbie stayed committed to the marriage, however, confident they would get through their problems.

Pregnant with her third child, Bobbie became increasingly afraid of the impending delivery due to her past experiences with childbirth. “We had a big coffee table Bible, as many people did then. It usually just sat there, but I found myself actually reading Matthew throughout my pregnancy,” said Bobbie.

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34 

"At that time of my life, my marriage was in trouble and I was afraid of childbirth, but I was drawn more and more to Christ and started praying continuously about the upcoming delivery,” remembered Bobbie. The delivery of her third child was swift and complication-free. Bobbie was certain that God heard her prayers.

One day, Bobbie’s brother invited her to church. “My marriage was unstable, my husband was abusive and I felt so alone,” said Bobbie. She was so moved by the service and couldn’t believe the truth she was hearing for the first time. “God spoke to me. It was if the scales came off my eyes!” said Bobbie. “I received Christ that day and couldn’t wait to go back to church!"

Bobbie continued to be faithful to her husband, despite his infidelity, and her heart was wholly and eagerly set on Christ. “I spent hours praying particular verses during my marriage,” she said. “I clung to God. My faith in Him is the only thing that got me through each day.” 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 

“I gave everything to Christ. If I didn’t have Him, I don’t know what I would have done.” Bobbie started volunteering any way she possibly could in the church and eventually became the Children's Ministry Director, serving alongside her five children.

Thinking back to the conversation she with her college friend, Mary, Bobbie shared, “I realized that going to Heaven had nothing to do with me being a good person. I was going to Heaven because Jesus saved me! I remember thinking, God wants to spend eternity with me? Knowing this, I knew I could endure anything!"

Over the years and after her children were grown and gone, Bobbie’s marriage dissolved. She moved back home to be with her aging mother and reconnected with her long-time friend and hairdresser, Jim.

“Over the years, Jim had always been a source of support, wanting only the best for me. When I found out he had recently accepted Christ, I was glad to become a source of support to him in his new faith journey,” said Bobbie. The two connected frequently over the Bible and Bobbie was able to point him in the right direction to get his questions answered. In time, Jim’s faith solidified and the relationship between them blossomed. They were married in 2013.

“Everything we do today is done to give God glory. Every day, we remind each other to keep filled with the Spirit,” said Bobbie. “It’s such a blessing to be in a marriage where we can support each other in our journey of faith.”

Leaning into their past experiences and God-honoring marriage, Bobbie and Jim became marriage mentors, with the goal of helping couples center their entire marriage on Christ, from the very beginning.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all ways submit to him and he will make your path straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

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This story, and all of our stories, are from people who call Door Creek Church their home. As you contemplate this story, may your faith be encouraged and your hope renewed. If you’d like to learn more about sharing your story, start here.