Diane Michaud: God Got My Attention!

Hello, my name is Diane Michaud and my husband Bernie and I have been coming to Cornerstone Church for about two years.

My faith story began when I was born and raised into a Catholic family. My upbringing was centered around going to church every Sunday, Catholic school from kindergarten to twelfth grade, and the practice of Catholic teachings and traditions. I am truly grateful for this early introduction to the things of God as it was the foundation of my faith journey.

I learned early on that Jesus died for my sins, but the reality of that fact didn’t sink in until much later in life. I remember this one nun who taught religion class. Every time she spoke about Jesus’ suffering leading up to his death on the cross I was always very interested and attentive. Thinking back, it’s obvious to me that she had that personal relationship with God that I had yet to discover for myself. But God was getting my attention even then.

As a teen and young adult, any interests I had previously had in spiritual things began to fade and were replaced by the pursuit of worldly things, like boys, the Beatles, clothes and getting a job and a car. I continued to go to church every Sunday but only out of a sense of obligation.

When I was 21, I married a young man I had known since my teen years. I worked full time while he was a full time college student and, during those years, we had two children. We had marital struggles from the start but had love and enough things in common to keep us together forever (or so I thought). When he finished grad school he finally began working full time and we had another child. We went to church every Sunday as a family and enrolled the kids in Catholic school. It was my desire to bring them up in the Church as I had been. My husband’s commitment to going to church wasn’t as strong but he went along with me. He was often very critical of the Church, but he read his bible, a lot, and I thought it was weird!

In May of 1981, after nine years of continual marital problems, and ultimately my husband’s infidelity, we separated and were divorced a year later. Suddenly I was a single parent with all the challenges that comes with it. I had the sole responsibility of making sure all the kids’ needs were being met even when I could barely cope myself. I remember asking God to help me.

God answered my prayers for help in many ways. I began reading the bible and found comfort in the Psalms. I continued attending church, but something changed—I heard the messages for the first time as though they were specifically meant for me! Like God was speaking directly to me! Then, in October of 1981, I decided to attend a divorce support group. It was there that I met my future husband, Bernie, and he didn’t waste any time letting me know how much Jesus loved me and that He died for me. God was continuing the work he had begun in me so many years before.

Bernie invited me to go with him to Immanuel Baptist Church and I really enjoyed the messages, the music, the fellowship, and bible study. Most importantly, I learned that I could have a personal relationship with God! I made the decision to invite Jesus into my life, to be my Lord and Savior and in May of 1982 I was baptized. Then in October of 1982 Bernie and I were married.

Over the more than 35 years since that day I have spent times on the mountain top and times in the valley in my walk with God, but, in all circumstances, God has remained faithful to me and I’ve learned to trust and depend on Him every step along the way. Isaiah 41:13 says “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.'” What better way to walk through life than walking with God holding your hand?

I am thankful for all God has brought me through, in relationships and circumstances, even the hard times, to draw me to Himself and for all the ways He has blessed me. God has blessed Bernie and me with twelve grandchildren ranging in ages from 24 years to 18 months. It’s our desire to see them all come to know Jesus.

One of my favorite bible verses is from Jeremiah 29:11-13: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

I urge you today to seek Him with all your heart.

I would be happy to further discuss my faith story and any questions you may have after the service.