I grew up in Belleville, IL.
It's a fairly decent sized town right outside St. Louis.
Growing up I was raised in a pretty strict religious family. I was raised Apostolic Pentecostal.
I loved it.
My parents scrapped the bottom of the barrel and sacrificed so much for me and my sisters to attend a private Pentecostal school.
They made sure we were at church every Sunday, Sunday night and Wednesday night.
We prayed before every meal and every night before bed.
My mother and father were Sunday school teachers, my mom was the Ladies Auxiliary leader and my dad led worship and preached.
Our life revolved around God.
Then one day my parents got the bright idea to move to Florida.
All was fine and well for a short while, but slowly they began to abandon the way of the Lord and follow after the things of this world.
I was 13 when this happened.
From that moment on I tried my best to be a witness to them and continued to pray for them, but they usually didn't want much to do with it.
I, to this day, continue to pray for them.
Sadly they aren't the only ones in my life I have seen walk away from truth.
In fact now, more so then ever, I have seen a rise in people leaving the church and it breaks my heart.
The bible says that in the final days there will be a great falling out. (1 Timothy 4:1)
And that's just it folks, its the final days.
Here recently a man, by the name Rev. Lee Stoneking, came before the members of the United Nations and proclaimed the gospel. The Bible says that in the end times this Gospel will be preached to all nations. (Matthew 24:14)
Its the end time. That's why my heart is broken.
Because there are too many people I know that are not living for God.
Too many!
The question is why?
Well what I hear almost across the board, sadly, is that they are hurt.
Someone offended you?
The one place you are supposed to feel loved is where you felt abandoned, used and hated.
Well, you are not alone.
I've been exactly where you stand. Not just once, not twice, but three times.
I was ostracized, hurt, and taken advantage of.
It doesn't matter what religion you're in, where you go to church, or how high or low you are on the totem pole, you will be hurt.
Why?
"It's a church", you say.
"We are Christians", you say.
"Christians are supposed to love like Jesus loves."
Well they are also people and unfortunately people can be stupid and selfish.
Even pastors....
But here is the thing we aren't supposed to be "Christian" for people.
We are supposed to choose this life for God and God alone.
Believe me, I know from experience, if you live for God and not for people your life will be far less stressful and far more blessed.
People are hypocrites. God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
People hurt you. God heals you.
People offend you. God defends you.
People abandon you. God will never leave your side.
I could go on and on, but one thing I know to be true.
I would have been gone a longgggg time ago if I had based my walk with God off people and their stupidity, but by the grace and ever faithfulness of God, I am still here.
Still in His promises.
Still blessed and highly favored.
Still a child of God and nothing this world has to offer can compare to that!
I apologize on behalf of all the stupid people, but under all that rubble there are people who will love you and there is God who still loves you and whose arms are open wide and are wanting you back. Come back before its too late.
I end with this. You are and will forever be in my prayers.
Much Love,
Ally
