Shirley’s Story

From Longing to Love: Finding My Heavenly Father

I grew up with a longing in my heart—a deep, aching desire to know the love of a father. Raised by my mother, I never knew my biological father. As a little girl, I would often imagine the sound of a knock at the door, hoping it would be him. But that knock never came.

At age 11, my mother married a man who was unkind. My heart continued to yearn for the warmth and safety of a loving father. Life during those years was difficult, and by the time I was 15, I felt I had no choice but to run away. A kind and generous couple in a nearby town took me in, offering me the stability I so desperately needed, though the pain of being disowned by my parents lingered.

As a young woman, I married and started a family of my own, blessed with two beautiful daughters. However, my marriage was far from happy. My husband kept me in poverty, and without the means to even drive, I felt trapped. After five challenging years, that same compassionate couple stepped in once again, helping me find a way out through divorce.

Though life was hard and I often felt alone, my daughters were a source of immense joy. Being a single mother was not easy—caring for a 3-month-old and a 4-year-old on my own was overwhelming at times. But God had more in store for me. One day, I met the man of my dreams, and life began to change. We fell in love, married, and together we blended our family. He welcomed my daughters with open arms, and soon we were blessed with two more girls of our own. Life was full, yet I felt a subtle emptiness, a sense that something was still missing.

Years went by, and our daughters grew, married, and started families of their own. When our youngest daughter was expecting, we were eagerly anticipating the birth of another grandchild. Our precious grandbaby was born with Ring Chromosome 13—a rare condition. In that moment, we were heartbroken and confused. Why would God allow this to happen to an innocent child? In our pain, a couple at the hospital gently reminded us, “God didn’t cause this, but He allowed it to bring your family a special gift.” I couldn’t fully understand those words at the time, but they stayed with me. The world might label my grandchild as imperfect, but when I looked into her face, all I could see was pure beauty. God was beginning to work in our hearts through her precious life.

I began searching for answers. My heart cried out—why? Why would God allow this? My questions led me to a day I will never forget. There was a knock at our door, and this time, it wasn’t the father I had once longed for—it was two women from a nearby church. They shared the story of Jesus with my husband and me, His incredible love, and the sacrifice He made for us. It was as if my heart had been waiting all my life to hear these words. I was overcome with longing for Jesus and, without hesitation, asked Him to be the Lord of my life. Soon after, my husband surrendered his heart to Christ as well.

Our search was over. The missing piece we had been looking for was found at the foot of the cross. God had used our grandchild—our special gift—to lead us to Him. As John 9:2-3 says, even in what the world perceives as hardship, God’s work is revealed.

Since accepting Christ, God has poured out His blessings on our lives. All our children, as well as countless friends and loved ones, have come to know Him. Even my mother and stepfather reconciled with me and found faith. It all began with the life of one precious baby—a gift that changed everything.

I once longed for the love of an earthly father, but my heavenly Father has filled that void completely. His promise to never leave or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5) has been my anchor. Today, I am a part of the Family of God, and I invite you to join us—there’s plenty of room at the foot of the cross. Please click links below.