I didn’t have abusive parents, but I can relate to the isolation. I was also homeschooled and awkward around teenage peers. My mom also would go to a home church or something and then quit when she couldn’t agree about something. My friends were penpals; I had dozens of them at one point.
The worst decision my husband and I made was buying a home in the country, because EGW and country living, you know. It was super isolating to be a mom of 3 little ones so far from anyone, near a church full of old people, or going to a church 45 minutes away when my husband was exhausted from driving 2+ hours a day to and from work.
I now live in the city and go to a somewhat liberal church. I’ve done a lot of deconstruction and now consider myself an LGBTQ Ally, which goes against the culture of my church. I long for a community like you’ve described. And I may end up making one. I’m just not sure where to start!
Thank you for sharing! I lived with an undiagnosed bipolar Mom who attempted suicide 4 times. And back when this was happening was in the 60’s. We definitely couldn’t talk about it! And I’m an only child. We would go to church and have a smile pasted on our face (Dad and I) so much I didn’t understand until much, much later!
We all have stories to tell about church! Everyone needs someone to share their stories with and release all that anxiety.
My love and prayers are with y’all. Keep telling your story!
Oh, Emmalee! I believe you are extra precious to our Jesus. I am so sorry that the ‘hands’ & ‘feet’ of Jesus (we the church) have not been available to you. Surely the blankets & pillows & squealing kids will comfort your seeking heart that overflows with the questions & brilliant ideas that you are gifted with. Blessings, sweet girl.
Just found this in my email and read this with tears in my eyes!
You precious friend, are brave and strong and compassionate! Even though we’ve never met in person, I am so proud of you! Thank you for creating the amazing original art for my memoirs, for understanding my traumas, and bravely speaking up for others, while dealing with your own pain.
You are beautiful inside and out! I wish none of this broken relationships, the firing, and not fitting into the church pews had never happened, but when you tell your story, it resonates with my heart and many others!
Stand strong in your dignity, sister! I know for sure that Jesus is standing with you!
I love that you’ve found the church as it should be. And you raise such good points. If the church isn’t meeting the needs of people, can we really say that it is relevant?
I didn’t have abusive parents, but I can relate to the isolation. I was also homeschooled and awkward around teenage peers. My mom also would go to a home church or something and then quit when she couldn’t agree about something. My friends were penpals; I had dozens of them at one point.
The worst decision my husband and I made was buying a home in the country, because EGW and country living, you know. It was super isolating to be a mom of 3 little ones so far from anyone, near a church full of old people, or going to a church 45 minutes away when my husband was exhausted from driving 2+ hours a day to and from work.
I now live in the city and go to a somewhat liberal church. I’ve done a lot of deconstruction and now consider myself an LGBTQ Ally, which goes against the culture of my church. I long for a community like you’ve described. And I may end up making one. I’m just not sure where to start!
Thank you for sharing! I lived with an undiagnosed bipolar Mom who attempted suicide 4 times. And back when this was happening was in the 60’s. We definitely couldn’t talk about it! And I’m an only child. We would go to church and have a smile pasted on our face (Dad and I) so much I didn’t understand until much, much later!
We all have stories to tell about church! Everyone needs someone to share their stories with and release all that anxiety.
My love and prayers are with y’all. Keep telling your story!
Oh, Emmalee! I believe you are extra precious to our Jesus. I am so sorry that the ‘hands’ & ‘feet’ of Jesus (we the church) have not been available to you. Surely the blankets & pillows & squealing kids will comfort your seeking heart that overflows with the questions & brilliant ideas that you are gifted with. Blessings, sweet girl.
Dear Emmalee,
Just found this in my email and read this with tears in my eyes!
You precious friend, are brave and strong and compassionate! Even though we’ve never met in person, I am so proud of you! Thank you for creating the amazing original art for my memoirs, for understanding my traumas, and bravely speaking up for others, while dealing with your own pain.
You are beautiful inside and out! I wish none of this broken relationships, the firing, and not fitting into the church pews had never happened, but when you tell your story, it resonates with my heart and many others!
Stand strong in your dignity, sister! I know for sure that Jesus is standing with you!
Much love!
Cherilyn
I love that you’ve found the church as it should be. And you raise such good points. If the church isn’t meeting the needs of people, can we really say that it is relevant?
Thanks for writing this. I’m glad you have found a loving place. Church life can be so painful. I’m sorry ❤️