Enlisting into the United States Army had proven to be more than the twenty-three year old female had bargained for. A decision that was made at the age of eighteen which had been prompted by tears, fears, and uncertainty had opened Dana’'s eyes to a world her Aunt intentionally sheltered her from. Her journey into this new world had given her many friends, taken her many places, paid her bills, and given her vocational skills that would be useful in the civilian sector. In addition to theses great facets she likewise found herself to be a sheep amongst wolves, and sooner than later to be devoured by the ravishing beast that didn’'t care about her spiritual upbringing, nor her determination to please God.
Almost four years later she was packing up her belongings for good. The walls that were once filled with pictures and accolades from memories she’'d collect along the way were now bare and empty. She could only look back over the past almost four years and ask herself, ‘'how’' ? Years had passed and the once naïve eighteen year old had now grown into a young woman with many experiences under her belt. Unsure of how she had gotten to that point in her life which lead to that very question. Nine weeks of Basic Training, nor her entire military career hadn'’t equipped her with the tools to fight one thing in particular, the spiritual dilemma she now faced. Although she could recall the many teachings growing up of how- to- avoid temptations, she couldn’t figure out for the life of her how to get out.
A decision had to be made, and she was either going to enter into the next dimension of her uncertain life still at war within, or she was going to listen to the small voice that was constantly reminding her of what she knew to be true about the God she said she loved. Trusting him to have the definitive answer to her question of, “How does one get back?”
Dana Holmes was born in Orlando, Florida and raised in Decatur, Georgia. At the age of 5 she began writing the experiences that she’'d gone through being adopted, taken from both parents, and eventually both her brothers. She continued journaling those memories, and discovering her gift of writing after entering and wining many essay and poetry contests.
After completing high school she enlisted into the United States Army. While serving in the military she traveled to many places such as: London, England; Barcelona, Spain; Amsterdam, Holland; Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; Garmish, Germany; and Koln Germany. One of her greatest achievements was completing her enlistment as a Non-Commissioned Officer and being promoted to the rank of Sergeant. As a Sergeant she was entrusted to single-handedly use the skills and training received to ensure the overall wellbeing of subordinates, peers, and commanding personnel. Her experiences in the military encouraged her to continue to write
about specific life changing moments from her childhood and military service.
Now 26 years old and a Self-published author, Dana is ready to take her story and her gift of writing across the nation to encourage and strengthen her brothers and sisters in Christ who doubt being able to get back on track with God. Her desire to encourage others is only a testament of having once doubted the possibility herself. Today she understands that the young woman she has become is only because God has lead her in the path of righteousness for His name sake. Through His grace and mercy He has transformed the life of a once double- minded, unstable girl at heart, to planting her feet and faith solid on the foundation of Christ.
Dana is now happily married, and with the help of God continuing to strive toward fulfillment: spiritually, vocationally, financially, in her marriage, through volunteering, and in life itself.
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Riverdale, GA 30274
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It wasn't until after leaving the military, rededicating my life back to God, and asking Him to give me purpose that I began to understand the girl in Such Is Life , me. At the time of those experiences I couldn't understand why they were happening to me. I couldn't answer my many questions of 'how and why.' I was confused many days about my life. I cried many nights because I wanted something greater but constantly found myself in this web of MESS! Most importantly I didn't understand how I had professed to love, know, and have a relationship with God, but was living a life contradictory to that profession.
After I confessed to God that I needed Him and He began to steer my mind and heart in the right direction (1 JOHN 1:9), I slowly began to see that I had made choices that had consequences greater than I could understand. My choices were sinful, and sin caused the confusion in: my life, my heart, and my mind. I was living a life with one foot in the door and one foot out; straddling the fence between serving God and fulfilling my flesh (JAMES 1:8). Though I knew about God and what His word required of me , after leaving home I no longer followed the word in action. I simply kept it in my mind. I was a hypocrite when it came down to it (MARKS 7:6).
So, with that said, I encourage you to make up your mind whom you will serve (MATTHEW 6:24). Don't bring more confusion into your life by being double-minded, and unstable at heart. Make the choice. I would rather you choose to follow whole-heartedly after God :-).
Sometimes it feels like we've gone beyond the deep end and there is no way to come back to shore. Can I tell you just by God waking you up today He has sent you the life boat (JAMES 4:8).
...The life boat is here, will you get on board to be taken back to shore?...
