How My Aunt’s Unshakable Faith Changed My Life: A True Testimony of Trusting God Through Hardship

A Family Rooted in Love and Faith

There’s something special about my dad and his siblings. As adults, they share a closeness that’s rare and beautiful. My dad is the oldest of six children, and I deeply love each of my four aunts and my uncle. But one aunt, in particular, has had a profound impact on my life—especially my faith.

Faith That Doesn’t Waver

My aunt was the kind of Jesus-follower you only read about—someone who walked through fire without ever letting go of God’s hand. Her personal story is hers to tell, but I can share how her faith shaped mine.

She had two double lung transplants. Yes—TWO.

Just one of those procedures is a life-altering experience. But she faced both with courage, grace, and unwavering trust in God. I’m sure she was afraid. After all, her lungs were being removed—a terrifying thought. But she never showed fear. Instead, she said, “God has me.”

And she meant it.

A Testimony in Progress

I still remember the call. I was at school when I heard she was going in for surgery. I broke down in tears—part fear, part gratitude. When we visited her in the hospital afterward, she smiled and said, “Oh, I’m okay. I’ll be fine.” She wasn’t pretending—she knew who her Healer was.

Later, when her second transplant began to fail due to a virus, she started a little faith movement called T.I.P.S. It stood for “Testimony In Progress.” That’s exactly what her life was—an ongoing testimony of God’s goodness, even in suffering.

She wanted everyone to know who held her. Even when things got hard, she pointed to Jesus.

Singing Praises Through Grief

My aunt endured more than physical suffering. When death took friends, family members, and eventually her husband, she wept—but she praised God anyway.

She surrounded herself with worship. Hymns. Praise music. She was part of several music groups over the years. You should’ve seen her with her tambourine! Her joy was contagious—even in sorrow.

She embodied what it means to praise God in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

I Want Faith Like That

I want that kind of faith. When heartbreak hits or fear creeps in, I want the first words from my lips to be praise.

That’s what my aunt taught me—not just with her words, but with her life. Her love for God was evident in every conversation, every prayer, every hug. You didn’t have to ask if she loved Jesus. You just knew.

How to Build Unshakable Faith

You may be wondering—how can we live with that kind of faith?

Here’s what I’ve learned from watching her:

Surrender completely to God, every single day.

Trust that He has you—even when nothing makes sense.

Surround yourself with praise and practice daily gratitude.

Spend time in the Word. Let Scripture shape your thinking.

Pray continually. Talk to God like He’s sitting right next to you—because He is.

Prayer is our direct line to the Father. Jesus tore the veil so we could boldly approach His throne. My aunt lived like she believed that.

How Can I Be Sad?

Honestly—I’m a little jealous. She’s in Heaven now, free from pain, singing praises before the throne of her Savior. She’s with Jesus, her parents, her husband, and so many loved ones. She’s whole.

And I’m confident that when she saw God face to face, He said:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:21

Let’s Be Like My Aunt