"My life felt like a piece of hell."

I was living in suffering because of the problems in my life. I was a woman filled with bad intentions—anger, jealousy, and a bad temper. I often spoke ill of others.

My husband and I were also facing many problems. We constantly argued because of his addictions, which became the root of our conflicts. We spoke badly against each other, and there was no peace in our home. At that time, every day of my life felt like a piece of hell.

There were moments when I wanted to disappear. I even thought about committing suicide, but I couldn’t go through with it because I would think of my child—what would happen to him, who would take care of him, and who would provide for his needs.

Because of the hardships I faced every day, I decided to leave my husband.

That’s when my mother-in-law invited me to the Universal Church. There, I learned that my situation could change if I changed first and a strong desire to be different grew within me.

As I continued attending, I started working on myself. I reduced my use of social media, cleaned up my Facebook account by removing people I didn’t know, and deleted posts that were not good or helpful. I let go of insults, anger, and wrong behaviors like lying. I apologized to my husband and we forgave each other. I also let go of my attachment to money.

I decided to be baptized in water and surrendered my whole life—my mind, heart, soul, and desires—to God.

These decisions lead me to receive the Holy Spirit. I experienced true peace and real joy. It felt like I had been given a new life by God. Now, I have a happy family, and I continue to serve Him.

— Maribeth Raceles