The Unexpected Path: Finding God, Love, and Purpose

If I’m going to be honest about my journey, it’s been one of constant shifts and adaptations. I’ve recently let go of practices that once defined me — like reiki healing and new-age spirituality — because I realized they no longer aligned with my true values. Today, I want to share a personal story of how I found peace and purpose by embracing a new path, one that has brought me closer to my true self.

Some of you may know I used to offer reiki healing and oracle readings. I was passionate about helping others heal, and I even started a fundraiser to donate on my solo travels to Vietnam. But as I tried to build this service, I felt a lot of resistance. Something inside me urged me to take a break before diving deeper.

So I paused and spent time researching more about reiki and disconnecting from that type of healing. It was during this time that I found Christ.

For context, I’ve never been a religious person. I identified as an atheist for much of my life, despite growing up in a Buddhist household and attending a Catholic school. I’ve always respected different religions and cultures, but I never had a personal relationship with God — until now.

The turning point came during a festival called ‘Souled Out’. While I was there, I received a phone call from a random number. I didn’t pick up at first, but after several calls, I decided it might be important.

When I called back, it was a taxi driver. He told me he had dropped off my mum and that she said I would pay for the ride. I was shocked — my mum has schizophrenia and psychosis, so she must have been having an episode. The driver was empathetic and explained that she had left without paying and handed him her phone.

I was faced with a decision. Was this a scam? Should I leave the festival to deal with this situation? In that moment, I decided to live in the present, set boundaries, and figure it out later.

The next day, I sent the driver the money and went to the police station to retrieve the phone. When I got there, the police couldn’t find it. I started to doubt everything — had I been scammed? The driver reassured me he had dropped it off and even offered to meet me at the station to help.

It was Easter Sunday. I remember waking up and thinking, “I don’t know who this person is or what’s really happening, but we’re meeting at the police station, so I’ll be safe.” I questioned whether I should put my energy into this, but then I remembered my values: to always try and do the right thing, even when it’s not your responsibility.

When I met the driver, he was concerned for my mum and explained that he had tried to do the right thing by leaving the phone with the authorities. As we waited, he tried to understand my situation and my mum’s condition. He told me, “You are the best daughter your mum could ask for.” And I just cried.

In that moment, I felt like God was speaking to me through this man, validating that I was doing the right thing. Although we couldn’t claim the phone without my mum’s permission, this interaction changed my life.

As I was leaving the station, the driver hugged me and said, “If you need anything, please let me know. I will pray for you. God will bless you.” I felt such kindness and compassion from a complete stranger, and it filled me with a profound sense of gratitude.

I returned to my car and asked myself, “What’s the next step?” I needed to find my mum. I spent the next few days searching for her at places she might be, including a crackhouse. I was scared, but I needed to make sure she was safe. When I finally found her, I set boundaries and told her everything I had gone through.

This all happened on Easter weekend, and I was exhausted. But I learned so much. From that day on, I devoted myself to God. I stopped smoking weed recreationally, started practicing celibacy, and broke free from years of depression. For the first time, I truly felt like I found peace.

I used to be afraid of being alone, but now I never feel alone — because God is always with me. He has guided me through every struggle, even when I didn’t listen.

When I was a child and my parents got arrested, God gave me an amazing foster family. When we lost our home, He revealed the truth about my biological dad and reconnected me with my half-sisters. When I tore my ACL and had to let go of Muay Thai, God humbled me and taught me to prioritize my mental health.

Whenever I felt alone and abandoned, God reminded me I had friends who love and support me unconditionally.

Look, I’m not here to convert you to Christianity, but this is my testimony.

When faced with difficult decisions, it’s essential to stay true to your values. For me, that has always meant having compassion and empathy towards others. The kindness the taxi driver showed my mum and me strengthened my belief in the healing power of Love. Even in overwhelming circumstances, there is always a way to move forward with grace and strength.

And most of all, growth often requires change. Even if its uncomfortable. I’ve had to let go of practices, beliefs or paths that no longer serve me. However, it has led me to a profound sense of peace and fulfilment.

The reason I’m sharing this is because who I was six months ago and who I am today are very different. Life is about growth, and sometimes we take paths we think are right, only to realise they aren’t. But that’s okay, because every decision is an opportunity to learn.

Making mistakes is part of the human experience. Everything we go through is part of God’s plan, and even when we stray or take what seems like a wrong turn, it’s all working together for our good. As Romans 8:28 says, ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.’

Through embracing my new faith, I’ve come to understand that God uses every experience — every success, every failure — to shape us into who we are meant to be. It’s through this faith that I’ve found peace, joy, and a deeper understanding of my purpose.

As I let go of this ‘New Age Spiritual Healer Era’, I’m entering a new chapter. I don’t know exactly what it looks like yet, but I’m deepening my relationship with my faith, focusing on my rehabilitation, and learning to help others by sharing my stories of love and light.

Thank you for reading and supporting my journey.

Many blessings, peace and love to you all.

Christina.