From Obstacles to Opportunities: A Personal Testimony of God's Redeeming Power

By Patty Cepeda-Russell

I never thought I would write a book about my testimony, especially since it involves sensitive subjects like childhood sexual abuse and rape in the military. But God has placed a special burden on my heart to reach out to others who have gone through similar trials. This book is for anyone who has ever questioned Gods redeeming power in their lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Oct 6, 2013
• ISBN: 9781490807577

Patty Cepeda-Russell

Patty has a BS in psychology and an MA in human services from Liberty University. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and has firsthand experience dealing with childhood sexual abuse. Originally from Southern California, Patty now resides in South Florida with her husband, Sean, and son, Andy. Patty attends Christ Fellowship Church, where she is an active ministry partner in several ministries.

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CONTENTS

REFERENCES

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

To my loving parents, Fernando & Minerva, for their constant love and support.

To my amazing husband, Sean for believing in me always;

And to my son, Andy,

my greatest joy!

"Be strong and take heart,

all you who hope in the Lord"

-NIV, Psalm 31:24

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I hesitate to tell my story because, despite three major obstacles in my life, my life has been good. I come from a traditional Mexican family with five older siblings and loving parents who have been married for more than fifty years. Our family story is one of unconditional love, tradition, and honor.

My parents came from Mexico in the sixties to make a better life, and they were determined to work hard and buy a house. It was my father’s priority that we assimilate in the United States. All of us kids were born here, so that part came naturally to us. Still, our parents instilled good values and a love for God and country. We attended church regularly and hosted church meetings in our house. Church potlucks were plentiful when I was a kid. It was so much fun to run around with my friends outside of church. I attended vacation Bible school every summer where I learned the books of the Bible and earned my first Bible for memorizing Scripture.

My parents were great examples of faith and hope in the Lord. My mama was especially drawn to the Lord and considered becoming a nun as a child. I often sat with her reading our Bibles and wanted to be just like her when I grew up. I was a happy-go-lucky kid with amazing memories of fun, travel, and love. My siblings and I were very close, as we are today. As the youngest, I got away with more, but I still had to tow the line with the family chores. Every Saturday my brothers were outside with our dad taking care of the men’s work while my sister and I were inside cleaning and sewing socks. My mama prepared my sister and me well for the rigors of motherhood and taught us to cook, clean, and sew. Although I would have rather been outside with the boys, I am so happy and appreciative for all that my mama taught us. We did not have a lot of money when I was little, and we only had a black-and-white TV for entertainment. This allowed us time to play with one another and to cultivate imagination and creativity. I had a great life that included lots of family functions, church, and friends. Every summer we were blessed enough to take a vacation and go see our relatives in Mexico. It was quite the adventure driving to Mexico in a van full of kids with no air-conditioning. But we loved it, and those are some of the best memories of my