Life’s journey often takes us through valleys of pain, rejection, and disappointment, leaving us wondering if we’re seen or heard by God. Angie Benn’s story is a beautiful testament to the faithfulness of God—a story of redemption, grace, and extravagant love, much like that of Mary of Bethany in the Bible.
A Heart Drawn to God
From a young age, Angie was drawn to God. As a little girl, she spent hours reading her family’s Bible, captivated by its stories. She was the one who eagerly attended church, even walking long blocks with her cousin to attend services.
At just 13 years old, Angie made the personal decision to follow Jesus. It was a profound moment that marked the beginning of her journey with God. But as life unfolded, challenges arose that would test her faith and draw her into a season of doubt, shame, and brokenness.
Walking Through the Valley
After high school, Angie’s life seemed to take a hopeful turn. She moved to California to be with her high school sweetheart, got married, and started a family. But the reality was far from perfect. Their relationship, marked by differing backgrounds and struggles, ended in separation and divorce.
The pain of a broken marriage left Angie devastated. “How could this happen when I was following Jesus?” she wondered. Wrestling with feelings of rejection, abandonment, and anger, Angie did what many of us do when we’re hurt—she turned away from God.
In her own words, she gave God “the silent treatment,” walking away from her faith and the church. She moved back to Michigan and tried to rebuild her life, but the weight of shame and regret hung heavily over her.
God’s Pursuit
Despite her attempts to push God away, He never stopped pursuing Angie. Through life’s twists and turns, she began to feel His gentle nudges. When she remarried, her husband Terry adopted her children, but their marriage faced its own challenges. Brokenness collided with anger, creating a rocky foundation.
But God was at work, softening their hearts and wooing Angie back to Him. She longed for her children to know the same Jesus she had encountered as a child. Though guilt and shame held her back, she couldn’t ignore the longing for His presence.
A New Beginning
In time, Angie and her family moved to Three Rivers, Michigan. Encouraged by a neighbor, she attended Riverside Church. Unlike the eager young girl who once sat in the front row at church, Angie now sat in the back, hoping to go unnoticed.
But God met her there. The familiar sense of home in His presence began to heal her heart. She started volunteering, joined small groups, and even attended Freedom Ministry, where God confronted her feelings of shame and helped her embrace His forgiveness and love.
When she was invited to join the church staff as a receptionist, Angie was hesitant. “How could God use me, knowing my past?” she wondered. But the opportunity was God’s way of saying, “I see you. I love you. I want to use you.”
Extravagant Worship
Angie compares her story to Mary of Bethany—a woman who poured out expensive oil on Jesus’ feet in an act of extravagant love and gratitude. Like Mary, Angie’s life has been transformed by God’s grace.
Her favorite verse, Luke 7:47, says, “Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” For Angie, this verse is a reminder that no matter how broken her past, God’s love and forgiveness have restored her, making her whole.
Today, Angie serves others with humility and gratitude, eager to share her story to inspire others. Her heart echoes Mary’s: a life of worship, holding nothing back from the Savior who gave her everything.
A Message of Hope
Angie’s story reminds us that God sees us, loves us, and wants to use us—no matter our past. He is a good Father who patiently pursues us, even when we try to run or hide.
If you’ve ever felt unqualified, abandoned, or too broken to be used by God, take heart. Like Angie, you can lay down your shame and regret and step into the abundant life He has for you.
Let Angie’s words encourage you: “Lazarus isn’t dead. The Lord hasn’t abandoned you. He wants you, forgives you, and can and wants to use you.”
Take a moment to reflect. Where has God shown His goodness in your life? How can you respond with gratitude and worship?
As Angie says, “I want to hold nothing back from Him in my worship, in my life, and say yes to whatever He wants me to do, because I love Him much.”
