I'm not at church this morning. At least, not at my home church. And I miss my kids and the youth quizzing team that I coach!
But I'm speaking for a weekend at a retreat, which has actually been great because I've had my own room (read below), and I have been so encouraged by the women here at Bramalea Baptist and the way they pray for each other and support each other.
Anyway, back to church. This year our family made a major change. We left our church that we had been extremely actively involved in for 9 years and went to a smaller one. I won't go into all the reasons; they're really not that important. But it was the right move, although it was agonizing at the time.
I'm not one who believes in hopping churches in the least. I believe in belonging and committing to a body and then blessing each other and holding each other accountable.
But Rebecca, my 13-year-old, wasn't happy in our old church. She didn't feel like she had a lot of female friends (though the boys in her age group were great), and she really didn't like the youth group. To her it felt like it was all about being popular, and wearing make-up (in grade 7), and not really about growing in your faith. She was teased for being smart. She felt like an outcast. She dreaded it.
But now at our new church she is thriving. The kids welcomed her with open arms (and her little sister!), and they have been such a great influence. It's just a different feel. The kids are serious about God, and the senior high and junior high mix more so she has some great mentors who are 16 or 17. She asked to be baptized a few weeks ago, and gave a wonderful testimony which she wrote herself. And as a homeschool mom, I didn't make her edit it. I was very proud of my restraint.
I am just so thankful to God when I look back over the last six months and what a difference they have made in our lives and especially in hers. She wasn't the only reason we left the church, but even if there hadn't been other reasons, the change in her would have been enough.
Now, I just need to stay in contact with the really nice boys at our old church. We might need them one day.Labels: church, parenting |
Stumble It!
I'm glad you found a church with a positive atmosphere for youth. Our children will get enough teasing and ridicule out in the world. It's nice when church can be a safe haven for them - especially during teen years.