About a year ago, I saw a journal prompt encouraging writers to reflect on a memorable time in life. Immediately, joyful milestones came to mind: earning a perfect grade on my first fiction story (see my post “Just Create”), the CHRISTmas my father gave me my first car, and the first time I traveled alone more than 1,000 miles to attend college.
Those moments were pivotal. I discovered something about myself. I tasted independence. I felt brave. I still smile when I remember them.
But as if nudging me to be fair, my mind also drifted to harder memories. The last time I heard my mother say, “I love you.” Walking beside my husband through the sudden discovery and treatment of prostate cancer — and thanking God for his healing. Clinging to my favorite baby doll while my mother hurriedly packed our belongings and gathered my brother and me as we left my father for the first time.
We all want our days to be filled with joy. Happy memories energize us and feel like success. But those “other” memories — the painful ones — dig deeper. They mark us. They shape us. They become part of who we are.
And yet, when I sat down to write, I didn’t choose any of those memories.
There was another one.
The Beginning of My Greatest Memory
I was in my twenties, trying to chase my dreams on my own — and failing miserably. A mix of poor decisions and “life happens” circumstances led me into what felt like a hopeless place. I was exhausted from late nights crying out to God. I tried to wear a smile, but I’m sure my face told a different story.
One evening, I was assigned to work beside a new employee. He was loud and joking across the room — until the supervisor reprimanded him. Then he started talking to me.
He asked if I was okay. I blamed my appearance on late-night studying. He didn’t believe me. His questions became more direct. Then he asked:
“Are you praying? Are you saved?”
I had grown up in a Christian home. I knew about prayer. But I didn’t understand what he meant by being “saved.”
Seeing my confusion, he gently explained.
He told me that God loved me — deeply — and that Jesus had died for my sins so that I could have a restored relationship with Him. Salvation wasn’t about being born into a Christian family or going to church. It was about personally placing my faith in Jesus Christ.
He quoted Psalm 34:17–18:
The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears,
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart,
and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart,
and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
Those words breathed life into my despair. It felt like daylight breaking into a dark cell.
Right there on the work floor, he led me in prayer.
I confessed my sins. I asked Jesus to forgive me. I placed my trust in Him as my Lord and Savior.
That was the beginning of my greatest memory.
What Salvation Really Means
The Bible teaches:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not of works, that no one would boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)
Salvation is not something we earn. It is a gift of grace.
It comes through faith in Jesus Christ — believing that He died for our sins and rose again.
It comes through faith in Jesus Christ — believing that He died for our sins and rose again.
When I surrendered my life to Christ, I wasn’t instantly perfect. But I was forgiven. I was made new. And I began a lifelong journey of growing in relationship with Him.
Hebrews 10:14 says:
“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”
Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are made right with God. And over time, He shapes us, transforms us, and grows us.
A Lesson I Had to Learn
My co-worker also encouraged me to hold onto Psalm 37:4:
“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
At first, I misunderstood. I thought it meant God would give me whatever I wanted.
Many years later, I learned something deeper: when we delight in the Lord, He changes our desires. He aligns our hearts with His. He reshapes what we long for.
That transformation eventually led me to create Imago Joy — a place where I could share encouragement, creativity, and God’s Word with others.
God was with me long before I invited Him into my life. But the day I surrendered to Him was the day I began walking with Him intentionally.
The Really Good News
If you are walking through a difficult season, please hear this:
God loves you.
He is near to the brokenhearted.
And He desires a restored relationship with you.
That relationship begins with faith in Jesus Christ.
If you have never placed your trust in Him, you can begin today. Salvation isn’t about reciting perfect words — it’s about sincere faith and surrender.
If you’re not sure how to pray, here is a simple starting point:
A Simple Prayer
Lord Jesus,
I confess that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness.
I believe You died for my sins and rose again.
I place my trust in You as my Lord and Savior.
Come into my life and help me follow You.
Thank You for Your grace and for saving me.
Amen.
I confess that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness.
I believe You died for my sins and rose again.
I place my trust in You as my Lord and Savior.
Come into my life and help me follow You.
Thank You for Your grace and for saving me.
Amen.
If you sincerely prayed in faith, trusting in Jesus alone for your salvation, you have begun a new life in Christ.
What Happens Next?
Begin reading the Bible (the Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — are a great place to start).
Seek a Bible-teaching church.
Surround yourself with other believers.
Keep talking to God in prayer.
Don’t worry about “cleaning up” your life first. God does the transforming.
If you have questions about salvation or faith, feel free to reach out to me at ask@imagojoy.com. I would be honored to listen and help you explore what Scripture says about grace and new life. I’m not a Bible scholar — just someone who encountered grace in the middle of brokenness.
And if you’re not ready today, I understand. But I would be honored to pray for you.
Your greatest memory may still be ahead of you.
In His light and joy — always,
Letha
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Reflect: If you were writing about your greatest memory, where would Jesus be in the story?
Share: If this story encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who may need to hear about grace.
Suggested Bible Study: Read John this week. What does it teach you about who Jesus is—and why He came?
Remember: Jesus isn't waiting for you to clean yourself up. He invites you to come just as you are.
Author’s note: Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain.
**Featured Image: Self-Portrait by Letha Lynea — representing the moment light changed everything.**
© 2026 Imago Joy Studio All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction strictly prohibited. For licensing inquiries, please contact info@imagojoy.com.
Want to Go a Little Deeper?
I’ve created free Kardia Study Pages for you to download and use alongside each journal entry—or anytime you want to go deeper in Scripture.
How to Use the Kardia Study Pages
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Once you download the pages, you may choose to:
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There's no right or wrong way--simply use the pages as a quiet space to pause, reflect, and listen for what God is placing on your heart.
