Finding My Faith: The Rebellion and Redemption of a Pastor's Kid
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Finding My Faith: The Rebellion and Redemption of a Pastor's Kid
Growing up as a Pastor's Kid (PK), the weight of expectations was immense. In my household, there was a clear path laid out before me, marked by strict spiritual guidelines and constant reminders of the consequences of sin. Although empowered daily by my mothers favorite bible verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phillipians 4:13), i still struggled. I wanted to experience the fun, the adventure and why with no spiritual understanding, everything i wanted to do as a young adult it was gonna send me to hell.
These rules only fueled my rebellion. I longed to carve out my own identity, separate from the one predestined by my lineage. This defiance led me down a challenging path, one that saw me become a single mother of three by the time I was finishing college and barely an adult. Determined to prove I could thrive on my own, I embraced the dual roles of provider and protector, all while grappling with my desire to experience the youth I felt slipping away.
The loss of my mother while pregnant of my first son before he was born was a poignant reminder of the lessons they had tried to teach me. Their principles, once a source of youthful rebellion, now became the wisdom I clung to in moments of uncertainty. Reflecting on these lessons, I began to see the threads of grace (thank you Father) woven through the fabric of my struggles. I realized that the path to finding my faith was not about adhering to a stringent set of rules, but about forming a personal connection with God. A relationship that last forever.
My turning point came with the birth of my sons, eleven years after my first child. Raising two boys without a husband presented a set of challenges I had never anticipated. It was during these trying times that I found myself drawn back to the roots I had once strived so hard to escape. I found solace in prayer and eventually a church home that offered support and understanding. Shout out to my TOD Family and Pastor Hatcher. This community helped guide me through my journey of raising my children—my princes and my princess—instilling in them values that would pave the way for rewarding futures.
Today, as I look at my children—aged 18, 20, and 29—I am filled with a profound sense of peace, eternal love, and freedom. The battles fought and the lessons learned have culminated in a life that, while not free from challenges, is rich with fulfillment and tranquility. All glory belongs to God, my King, for I know that without His guiding hand, I could not have navigated the tumultuous waters of single parenthood and personal growth.
To those walking a similar path, remember that perfection is not the goal. We all falter and stray, but it is through our imperfections that we find our true strength. Keep faith, embrace prayer, and never lose sight of the personal relationship you can build with God. No matter the obstacles, His love remains a beacon, guiding us back to the paths we are meant to walk. Remember, He promise to never leave us nor forsake us, and He Won't!. Share your stories, support one another, and continue to grow in faith and understanding.