Gratitude for Grace Feature
Called
by His Purpose
“What is my purpose in life?” Clyde Thibodeaux wondered. From an early age, he always felt that something was missing. “You have to have a purpose,” said Thibodeaux, “But nothing ever felt fulfilling in my life.” Little did he know that God had a greater plan that would not only change him, but it would also plant seeds of change in his entire community. Thibodeaux grew up in a home that neighbored multiple nightclubs in New Iberia, Louisiana. His blended family loved each other, but poverty proved
to be a continuous struggle. It didn’t help that he always felt different than the other kids his age. “Growing up, I always had a different feeling,” said Thibodeaux. “Also, my mom was Catholic. She had me do a first communion confirmation but I felt, going to church each Sunday, that something was missing.” Despite feeling out of place, he always felt a sense of belonging with his father. Then, at just 12 years of age, Thibodeaux’s world turned upside down. His father passed away. “After my dad
died, I went off the rails,” said Thibodeaux. The lonely teen turned to other avenues for belonging and comfort. He started drinking and doing drugs. He sold drugs, too, and stayed out late partying. Life continued to spiral out of control. Even in the thick of his dangerous lifestyle, Thibodeaux realized something needed to change. He felt the urge to leave town before he ended up in jail or worse. As a result, he made a plan that would forever change his life NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2023
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