I didn’t realize that another way of life was possible. I was quite comfortable living in the adobe home that my father built with his own two hands. I also didn’t mind sleeping in a twin sized bed in a room the size of a small walk in closet. Although I had just stepped into my teen years, I still had a “Smurf” comforter and matching curtains that my mom made for me when I was 5 years old. During hot summer nights, I would open those curtains, prop open my window, and with the assistance of a breeze passing over the waters of the nearby canal, I had the best make-shift air-conditioner ever. A good night’s sleep was absolutely necessary. Even the tiniest interruption of sleep would make the following workday miserable.
At a young age, I assumed my responsibility on our family farm. The concept of a summer break was foreign to me. Summer break meant trading in my classmates for fellow laborers, “braceros”, as my social circle. By the age of 6, I had mastered the art of the azadón and helped my father harvest the chile peppers that we planted earlier that Spring. As tiring as farm life was, it was a beautiful way of living, a simple one filled, with purpose and meaning.
In middle school, I had a realization that life on our farm was more complicated, than I pictured it to be. This realization came to me during my induction to the National Junior Honor Society. The night before, my mother and I had gotten into an argument over what I would wear. I wanted to fit in with my classmates. As a teenager I wanted my attire to fit in with the style that my classmates wore. However, I found myself with nothing to wear but an unfashionable pair of blue slacks, and a hand me down collared shirt that at one time had been my cousin’s, then my brother’s, and now it was mine. However, it was what my mother wore that caused my eyes to finally see what I never had seen before. That night she chose to wear her favorite purple dress. I had always loved to see her in that dress. But that night, I saw things in a different light. That night I realized that she’d worn that very same dress to all my school events since I was in 3rd grade. However, she didn’t wear it because it was her favorite. She wore that dress because it was all that she had. For the very first time, I realized that my family was poor. I realized that despite the rich heritage that I had been raised in, we were, in fact, living a life of poverty. My discovery could have paralyzed me. Instead it taught me to dream. Although I was grateful for all that I had, I couldn’t help but believe that I was meant for so much more.
The following two years took me on a whirlwind of a journey. During that time, I was forced to both face and defeat demons of various strengths and sizes. Some of my battles were due to poor decisions made on my part. Some were due to the evil acts of others towards me. Regardless of who is to blame, the battleground was intense, and I almost lost myself several times. Despite the pain, the struggle took me on a beautiful journey that led me straight to the feet of Jesus. Armed with new-found spiritual freedom, I became resolved to break all barriers holding me captive.
Over 30 years have passed, and time has taught me that I never have to settle for my present circumstance. I have learned to express gratitude with what God has blessed me with, and at the same time I can trust him to empower me with what I need for advancement in life. No, I’m not bursting out the seams with riches. I am, however, am rich with the knowledge of grace, I am privileged to live communion with my creator, and I have been blessed with the skills and ability to provide for my home. Any peek into my fridge or closet lets me know that I’m well provided for. And when I look around, I see myself surrounded by beautiful people that God has placed in my life. I may have not hit the jackpot, or won the lottery, but I have all I need, and more. I’m grateful for God, grateful for my heritage, and grateful that I get to live this beautiful life.
Unapologetically yours,
John Eli
Praise God for the blessing of a hard working family and the saving knowledge of Jesus!
Proverbs 22:1-2 (ESV)
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you John for sharing. My wife and I were talking last night about “reference points” that we had away back ,when we were young and most of us were poor. We have much to be thankful for and good is God and the riches we have attained are worth much more than silver and gold. Grace and blessings my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Blessings to you Bruce. Thanks for stopping by and thank you for shining the light of Jesus in this world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Likewise!
LikeLike
Wow
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙌
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen brother! Praise God for your testimony! God bless!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by Ryan. Bendiciones.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful post, John, and a great testimony. What you said here is inspirational and uplifting: “No, I’m not bursting out the seams with riches. I am, however, am rich with the knowledge of grace, I am privileged to live communion with my creator, and I have been blessed with the skills and ability to provide for my home.” Amen!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve recently had George Beverly Shea’s “I’d rather have Jesus” on my mind. The lyric holds my sentiment on poverty and riches.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing, John. Its a powerful peak into who John Eli is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Larry. I appreciate you. Blessings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was an awesome testimony, thank you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for stopping by. Blessings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess I don’t see poverty itself as a curse, any more than wealth. It’s all in our attitudes toward it, and where our hearts lie.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Poverty and wealth are relative and based on a personal perspective. My decision to break free from poverty led me to find riches through the knowledge of God’s grace.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for writing this! It’s amazing how God can take our beginnings and use them to empower us for our purpose regardless of how “poor” they may seem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words and insight. Bendiciones!!!
LikeLike
I finally got to comment on this. This story touched my heart. Thank you for the work you do!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate you Jena. Blessings to you my friend. 🙂
LikeLike