Get To Know Mary

While our stories may vary, we are both undoubtedly familiar with sin and the realities of living in a broken world. Our connection is God’s beautiful way of helping us understand that He is real and at work in people’s lives. It is His Holy Spirit affirming His promises.

In reading the story below, my hope is you are reminded, once again, of the undisputable restorative power of Jesus Christ and His ability to turn the most tarnished of lives around.

Maybe you are someone who has experienced rejection and you’re not sure what to do with your pain. I can tell you with great assurance that your wisest option is to place your sorrow in the hands of Jesus, not in the enemy’s. Darkness only wishes to deepen your wound, not heal it.

Or you may have a loved one who doesn’t know Jesus and you’ve grown weary in prayer. My second adoptive mother fervently prayed for me from the age of 17 to 34. I’m forever thankful she didn’t give up. We never know how the story will end, it’s ultimately up to the person to say “yes” to Jesus. But it’s worth the tears and midnight prayers.

Before I entered the world, challenge was at my doorstep. Born to a mother who wasn’t ready to be a parent, I was given up for adoption to a minister and his wife, who loved me but had their own brokenness issues. Sadly, my adoptive mother was a severe alcoholic and instead of feeling safe and secure, the sense of being both unloved and unwanted took root in my heart.

The lie of rejection, coupled with my sin, compelled me to escape into a life of substances and harmful choices. There was a void within me that longed to be filled and I tried everything possible to satisfy that void.

Through it all, I found a home in music. While I loved to sing as child, I did not take it seriously until high School and college. After a long break, I began pursuing a career in country music, performing in clubs, and honing my craft as a songwriter. Even though I thought I had found my purpose, my efforts still left me “empty.”

That is until I ran headlong into the restorative love of Jesus. 34 years of wounds, insecurities, and painful choices converged with God’s grace and mercy. I had come to the end of myself and I knew I needed to give Jesus an honest chance.

God used a Christian co-worker who invited my family and me to a play that shared the truth about sin and salvation. When the opportunity came to surrender my life to Jesus, I went to altar, humble and eager for new life. Through the tears, I turned to find my children and fiancé, only to discover they too had made the same decision. We came to Christ as a family. My daughter remembers it as the night we were “washed clean.”

God proceeded to take my tumultuous past and transform it into a beautiful platform to reach others. Though I wasn’t entirely sure what the future would hold, I knew following His plan would be the only way I would find true peace and fulfillment.

It wasn’t long before God gave me a specific charge:

 – Sing for the Him and tell others about His willingness to redeem and restore the most broken of lives.
 – Stir souls toward Jesus so they can experience the same victories I was experiencing.

I moved into public ministry as a worship leader at The Rock Church in San Diego. God then began to open more doors allowing me to serve in churches, at women’s events, outreach services, and alongside a variety of other ministries.

When a San Diego-based producer reached out to me about recording a Christian album, I recognized the Lord’s timing. He renewed my dreams as an artist and songwriter, but with a new focus: devotion to His work. Nine albums and 22 years later, I now operate as non-profit organization which God has faithfully used to draw people unto Himself (John 6:44).

The void is filled. My purpose is clear. And I long to see people experience the breadth of God’s love and a life empowered by Him.

When we are not on the road or doing the work of the ministry, you will find Dan and I hanging out with our children, grandchildren, and crazy Pekingese dog, Elijah.

In between family time and work, we enjoy visiting the sights of our beautiful nation, hunting down a good movie or book, and spending time with the body of Christ (our forever family).

Currently, we live in Murrieta, California.