I Am Kept: A Memoir by Renee Nicholson

By Renee Nicholson

Our past hurts, challenges, and decisions prepare us for a destined future. The beautiful thing about God is He will hold us for safekeeping until we surrender and come to the knowledge of Him and ourselves. The Lord will protect, put people in your life, take people out of your life, and use many ways to try and reach you while providing grace and mercy. In this transparent memoir, Renee shares her compelling story of God's patience, protection, and keeping power in her life during times of indecision, tragedy, and triumph. This book is written to empower both believers and non-believers to understand that when your life seems out of control, God is always in control.Our past hurts, challenges, and decisions prepare us for a destined future. The beautiful thing about God is He will hold us for safekeeping until we surrender and come to the knowledge of Him and ourselves. The Lord will protect, put people in your life, take people out of your life, and use many ways to try and reach you while providing grace and mercy. In this transparent memoir, Renee shares her compelling story of God's patience, protection, and keeping power in her life during times of indecision, tragedy, and triumph. This book is written to empower both believers and non-believers to understand that when your life seems out of control, God is always in control.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Renee Nicholson
• Release date: Nov 6, 2019
• ISBN: 9781733151719

Book preview

Renee Nicholson

Jamaica, New York

Copyright © 2019 Renee Nicholson. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or any other means without the permission of the publisher are illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

Limits of Liability ~ Disclaimer

Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s recollection and do not necessarily express the views of those listed. Names have been changed to protect the innocent, the guilty, and certain identities within this story.

The author and publisher shall not be liable for your misuse of this material. This book is strictly for informational purposes. The author and publisher do not guarantee that anyone following the techniques, suggestions, tips, ideas, or strategies will become successful. The author and publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to anyone concerning any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained in this book.

Unless otherwise stated, scriptures were quoted from NKJV version of Bible at www.biblegateway.com

Cover Design: Okomota

Editing-Interior Layout: The Self-Publishing Maven

Formatting: István Szabó, Ifj.

ISBN: 978-1-7331517-1-9

Printed in the United States of America

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. – Jeremiah 29:11

Acknowledgments

THANK YOU JESUS! MY experience with Jesus Christ has always been a close and personal one; nothing can separate me from Him (Romans 8:35). Jesus promised to be with me, and according to His scriptures, He has kept me close. I abide in His Word, and His word abides in me (John 15:4). He is a perfect love that I found, and I will never let Him go.

My husband Anthony, I honor and appreciate you for the support and push through this writing journey. Without your love, writing this book wouldn’t have happened. You were an inspiration during this time of sharing my heart. God Bless you and thank you for being so giving in my time of uncertainty.

My son Anthony, Jr., you said, Wow, that’s great! It is a huge goal to write a book. I can’t imagine writing all those pages, but I am proud of you. Knowing you were watching this book come to life gave me joy. Son know that anything is possible if you have faith and God on your side.

My daughter Patricia and her family, I greatly appreciate your goodness and agape love. Our joined faith has sparked a fire of belief.

Remember I said I would someday write a play? This book is the first step. Thank God for your love and my grandbaby Jahna, my smart, kind, and loving angel.

Mother Cynthia (Grace), thank you for always inspiring and helping me to believe in my calling. Thank you for all the many times you said, I see great things in store for you.

Dad John, thank you for teaching me about the power of hope and prayer. You said, "Renee, there is nothing you cannot do with God on your side. Those words have helped me to achieve my goals.

My brother Joshua you are the real deal. You believed that we could take the giants that come into our lives. I love you baby brother.

My Brother Archie Jr., you gave me wisdom, and confidence to go forward when all the odds were against me.

My Friend, Minister Catherine Garner. Thanks for staying in the time of trouble and being that FRIEND!

Bishop Leroy C.E Newman of the Friendly Church of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. I am grateful for the words spoken over me from day one. Bishop, you saw the vision before I knew it. Those same words spoken helped me to write the vision and make it plain (Habakkuk 2:2). This book is a reality of what God does when He has a plan for you and keeps you for His purpose.

Mentor Minister Shelly Hall, you are an anointed woman of God who took your love and shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with me. My Mentor, seeing your heart for God kept me yearning to learn how to please, and learn of His will and word. Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).

God bless you, Pastor Tonya McDowell, for being a vessel to my destiny. God knew I was supposed to be connected to you. You are a woman of wisdom who truly lives and speaks the word of God. ‘Not my will, but His will be done,’ is the scripture I see in you. Your name Tonya means ‘Praiseworthy’ which is what you represent.

To the shepherd of Friendly Church Bishop Israel Newman and First Lady Tamika, thank you for all the encouraging words that will take me into my future. Pastor, you