Linda R. Galloway is

MORE THAN A CONQUEROR

Have you ever heard the old adage, “don’t judge a book by its cover”. We have to be cognizant that one’s outward appearance is not always an indicator of the internal turbulence, subsequent victories and the continued process of working through some of the turbulences. Recently, I had a moment in which the light switch came on, during a conversation about my past, when it was stated that I did not look like what I’d been through. All Praise to God for “I Am More Than a Conqueror.”

As a young adult on a college campus, I became a member of the Black Student Association’s Gospel Choir. It was through this group that I became committed to God and developed a relationship with God. Through a friend I found a church home. I began working with the local youth department in that church, and quickly, I was working with both the state and national departments of the church. At one of the services, a friend told me that a certain brother wanted permission to contact me, but it was not in regards to church business. He was an elder of the church. I was told that he was divorced, so I agreed to talk with him. An on again, off again relationship developed. He proposed, then called it off. Shortly thereafter, we got back together. He proposed again and this time I called it off. Finally, a number of years later, we got back together again and started a long distance relationship. He proposed again and I finally accepted. He moved me back to the St. Louis area. However, about ten days after my return to the St. Louis area, two days after receiving the engagement ring and one day after the wedding was announced in church, he was found murdered in his apartment. My life began a downward spiral; even though I was working in the church.

When the investigation began, I was one of the first persons questioned. The “Love” of my life was gone. The who, what, and why questions haunted me. I always wondered, could our relationship have been a part of the reason for his murder? Would he still be alive if I’d not accepted his marriage proposal? So many questions! God seemed silent and no one else was willing to answer the questions. However, God was not silent. In fact, He was working and has continued to work on my behalf. The song that has taken me through is the old hymn, “Come Ye Disconsolate”… earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal. I began to internalize everything surrounding this case. In public, I was the epitome of strength, but as soon as I got to the car, home or even the bathroom stall, the tears of anguish for the unanswered questioned would flow freely. I suffered spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, and in relationships with others because of the fact I had the notion that I was suppose to be strong for everyone, after all I was a part of the church. At that point, for me to acknowledge I was hurting or to be transparent was not being Christ-like. I suffered in silence for a number of years. I could not get a breakthrough in prayer as the words would not come. One day, as I was at a very low point in my life, God spoke to me saying, “the blood of those assigned to you will be required of your hands”. What a wake-up call. The profound realization that the calling on my life was actually relevant to the kingdom and understanding that the anointing upon my life is an integral part of the kingdom was more than enough to live for. I never stopped working in the church, but it was just that, “work”. But, the wake-up call brought a fresh new perspective and a strategic purpose to the work. Through a renewed relationship with Christ I began the process of shedding the chains of my past. As an elder; teacher; public speaker; facilitator of sessions for teen girls regarding HIV, Drug/Substance Use, Hepatitis and Life Issues; a 30 plus year career in gospel radio and public relations; as a single woman in Christ, I am, indeed, more than a conqueror. I want you to know that giving up is not an option; neither is quitting or throwing in the towel.

Your life does have purpose and meaning. You are significant to the kingdom. As the lyrics to song says, I need you and you need me to survive, because “YOU, ALSO, ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR.” through Christ Jesus.

By: Linda R. Galloway, Elder, Bread of Life Christian Church-East St Louis, IL; Operations Manager, Jubilee

690 AM, St. Louis, MO (August 30, 2016)