NATCHEZ — One Natchez woman is using social media as a sounding board for faith and encouragement.

Krystal Marsaw, the mother of three, began using her Facebook account as a tool for spreading hope to others about two years ago when she began attending Word of Faith Ambassadors Worship Center in Natchez.

“I have always enjoyed writing,” Marsaw said. “It feels good to be able to use my personal life and create a status that may help show others that I have been where they are, and that they can get through it, too.”

Marsaw’s childhood was not full of cheerful memories; however, she recalls growing up with her brother at her great-grandparents, and her great-grandmother, Alberta Marsaw, making sure they were in church.

“She always had us in church,” Marsaw said. “And when she could not take us, another lady from the church, Cassie Elery, made sure we got there.”

After the death of her great-grandmother, Marsaw left the church and did not return until 2005.

Marsaw said during this time she and her brother went back to live with her mother, and they went through youth court because of the conditions in which they were living.

“There was so much less stability in my life, and it was rough,” Marsaw said. “There was so much negativity in my life at the time, and the odds were against me.”

During this time, Marsaw got pregnant and had more problems to face.

“It would have been so easy for people to turn away from me, and for me to fall into one of the stereotypical categories of young mothers who do not finish high school,” Marsaw said. “I feel like the people in youth court — — Judge Hudson, and volunteers like Manfred Eidt and Lisa Dale Jordan — helped to save me because they went out of their way to check on me.”

Marsaw mentioned a friend’s grandmother taking her in like family after she left her mother’s care.

“She, Rose Miles, just took me in and gave me a place to stay and food,” Marsaw said. “I don’t know how many people would have done that because of my situation.”

Marsaw said that it was hard for her to believe that someone would take an un-wed mother into their home and treat them like family.

“I think it would have been really easy for someone to tell their children to stay away from someone like me,” Marsaw said. “She took me right in and loved me like I was family, and I thank God for that.”

From that time, Marsaw finished school at Natchez High and went on to Alcorn State University. She married and had two more children.

“By the time I made it back to church, I was broken,” Marsaw said. “I was divorced, and I had been through so much, but getting back into church gave me such a peace.”

Marsaw says the church she attends believes that the people, not the building, are the church and that everyone is a “preacher” of sorts.

“People are always watching your life,” Marsaw said. “We have to be aware of that fact and watch ourselves and know that what we do and say is seen and heard.”

Marsaw said her experience in the church has come full-circle.

“I was welcomed into Word of Faith by the ushers and other volunteers,” Marsaw said. “Today, I am an usher myself, and I am the one welcoming visitors and helping in other areas of church hospitality.”

Marsaw also serves as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) with the youth court.

“I know for me, I can recall the people who reached out to me and took the time to share a kind word and encourage me,” Marsaw said. “I think that we have to be aware of what is going on around us and take those opportunities to speak to children that are hurting and offer a kind word to our neighbors.”

Marsaw said several area teachers deserve credit for encouraging her through difficult times.

“I just want be a positive example for my children and the youth around me,” Marsaw said. “I thank God for giving me the words to share with others because I think it is important for others who are going through a rough time to know someone is cheering them on and has been through that same situation.”

Marsaw said she thanks God daily for her church family and its leadership.

“Bishop Cade says that each one of us is an answer to a specific problem,” Marsaw said. “Everyday we have a chance to make a positive impact on someone else’s life.”