Theresa McKinney

I was three years old the first time I went to church. I remember holding my daddy’s hand as we walked toward the front of the building. Just as we reached the doors, the church bells began to chime. I stopped in my tracks, completely amazed, and couldn’t wait to go inside.

We sat toward the back of the church, and I held onto the back of the pew, standing on my toes so I could see. The sound of the choir filled the room, and something deep within me stirred. Even at that young age, I fell in love with that place from the very first moment.

As the years passed, my family became more active in the church. Then, at thirteen years old, my life changed forever. I was in a terrible car accident that left me in a coma for a long time. Doctors did not expect me to live.

When I came out of the coma, I knew no one and remembered nothing. I had to learn everything all over again—how to eat, how to walk, what everyday objects were, and even the names of the people who loved me. The process of learning was both strange and fascinating. In many ways, it felt easier to learn after the coma than it had been before, as if my mind had been given a fresh beginning. To me, this was one of the first signs of a miracle.

My faith in God was very strong during that time. I remember telling my daddy that I had been somewhere and trying to explain my journey to him. Even today, those memories remain real and vivid in my heart.

As I entered my early twenties, life became hard. I struggled with God and with myself. Anger took root, and I made choices I later regretted. I questioned how life could become so difficult after all I had survived. But through it all, God never left me.

In time, I came to realize the truth—God was real and faithful when everything else failed. When I finally came running back into His arms, He was right where I had left Him. He had never moved.

Today, I am standing strong, having learned the true power of forgiveness—how it changes not only your own life, but the lives of others as well. I have come to know that the love of God is the strongest power I have ever witnessed.

From the deepest part of my heart, it is my desire to share with others the power of God’s love—what it does, how it heals, and how it equips us to truly forgive those who have hurt us. When we forgive, we are set free. And in that freedom, we not only find peace—we find joy. 

Theresa McKinney is available to travel near and far to share her testimony in hopes of helping others find peace, joy, and the strength to overcome life’s struggles. Her message is suitable for churches, women’s groups, recovery events, conferences, and community gatherings.

To schedule Theresa for your church, event, or organization, please contact:

The Veil of Grace Ministries

📞 Phone: 865-765-0036

🌐 Website: www.theveilofgrace.com