Return to Your First Love is an inspiring true story of biblical proportions that takes readers on a journey through one woman’s struggles and resilience to press toward a victorious life which is gained by her restored intimate walk with God. Readers will discover how God exposes her unhealthy relationships and identifies her own destructive behavioral patterns, which in turn leads to building self-esteem and establishing productive relationships. This compelling story tells of the devastating effect of rejection, persecution and lack of support suffered as a result of being raised in a dysfunctional family. Her unhealthy relationship with family members leaves a void in her life and thrust her into irrational behavior with costly consequences. When she reaches a point that she can take no more, she cries out to God in repentance, in a pursuit to find understanding and serenity. She finds it in the comfort of the Savior as she accepts His view of her circumstances, and finds rest in God’s love. As readers peruse the pages of this book, they will find that this is the soul of a woman laid bare, an invitation to glimpse the intimate truths and depths of her life and heart. The soul of this woman grows, evolves and becoming wise as her life unfolds as she deliberately chooses her path. With every turn of the page, Return to Your First Love is packed with intrigue, drama and suspense, while laced with humor. This book is an inspirational adventure and spiritual journey, with a secular appeal, which addresses life challenges often evaded, and affirms to trust in a loving God. The author reminds her audience in light of life challenges and disappointments, the joy of the Lord is our strength. You will laugh and cry as the author walks you through the pages of her life and shares how she returns to her first love.
If you were to ask to Teresa, what is one thing she wants to be remembered for; it would be that she loves God, and she is excited about His handiwork in the lives of His people. Before she was a wife, a mother or an author - she was a child of God.
Teresa grew up on the South Side of Chicago in a one bedroom apartment with her parents and four siblings. Not only were their living arrangements challenging, but her family's lifestyle was dysfunctional. Love was understood, but seldom expressed. Her father often neglected his family responsibilities for gambling, alcohol and other women. Her troubles intensify with a tumultuous relationship with mother for most of her childhood. In spite of the difficulties, her parents instilled in her at an early age, an expectation of excellence. Growing up in the midst of pain and strife, Teresa becomes aware that God is extending His loving hand towards her, and offers comforts through the ordeal. She finds peace as she draws nigh unto Him. Teresa confessed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at age 12, and committed to living a life pleasing to Him.
As a product of the Chicago Public School system, Teresa excelled academically in elementary school, but by the time she enters high school, her passion for learning gradually diminishes as she becomes more distracted and discouraged by her impoverished living conditions, peer pressure and overwhelming struggles of growing up in an unstable home environment.
As a young adult entering college, Teresa is liberated from her parents' strict rules, only to find herself bound by the freedom, she is unprepared for. Her lack of restraint gives birth to lack of initiative causing her performance to fluctuate, and she goes from one college to another. Lacking discretion, she not only suffers academically, but professionally, financially, socially, emotionally and spiritually, ultimately leaving her in a state of depression.
By age 27, after many mistakes, poor choices and setbacks, Teresa comes to herself rededicate her life to Christ. Her return to intimacy with God produces in her strength, resilience and wisdom that not only bless her, but others as well. One of God's many blessings to Teresa came in the form of the love of her life and soul mate, Alexander. The two were married in July 1993. Teresa and Alexander have one daughter, Alexis, and one son, Trevor. While attending DePaul University, in 1996, one of Teresa's professors told her that she possessed writing talent. No one had ever told her this before, but at that moment, a seed was watered and took root - an epiphany that would set her future in motion.
In 1999, Teresa and husband found themselves in one of the darkest moments of their lives when they discovered that their two-year-old daughter was facing a medical emergency. It was during this dark moment that God shed light on her assignment that He entrusted to her. After several years of planning, perseverance and endurance the assignment was birthed in 2009 - Return to Your First Love.
