Is a road home really there?

If you've walked away from God or just lost your way, this person's
experience will help you find your way home again.

As a new Christian I was still learning and growing. But sometimes things happen that shake the very core of what you thought Christians or God or the church were all about. It happened to me. It really doesn't matter what that'event is or who the person was. The result is probably the same for any of us I think. It can happen to mature Christians as well, but they probably handle it better than I did (as a Christian barely a year old in my faith and walk with God).

I was initially bewildered that God would allow something like this to happen. Then I was hurt. Then confused. Then I was just plain angry. Church obviously wasn't the place for me so I decided I simply wouldn't go back. I didn't need that kind of . . .disappointment? disillusionment?

Even though I felt totally justified, I felt an incredible sadness, emptiness and disappointment. It seemed Christians weren't anything special or different after all and I felt angry at them and especially angry at God. I didn't have the maturity to feel much besides the certainty that I didn't need any of this in my life.

Whatever it was that caused you to walk away from God is really (1) irrelevant in the final analysis and (2) something you never forget and continually use as a yardstick to judge every other church and Christian you come in contact with. And that is so detrimental to you as a person. It just keeps you isolated.

It was easy to thumb my nose at God, at Christians, and at the whole church thing. Any Christian I met I viewed with suspicion and disdain.

Sometimes God works gently and lovingly to draw you back. Sometimes He gets your attention in other more direct ways. If you'll put aside the anger and the hurt for just a moment......and listen, you'll hear God's still small voice telling you He loves you and He misses you. And you'll hear Him tell you He's waiting to welcome you home. It certainly wasn't me that finally brought it all together. It was God. God can erase the hurt and anger in your life, too, if you'll only let Him.

If you've read this far, please take to heart what I am about to say: God's grace is sufficient even for those of us who have thumbed our nose at God and spurned Him. It isn't whatever (or whoever) caused you to walk away in the first place that's important. What's important is that you find the way back to the only thing that will truly matter in your life: your relationship with God. I know. I wandered alone and angry for more than 11 years.

I'm nobody special. I'm just a child of God's and a member of Alta Woods Baptist Church that has really been through this. I think your experience is probably similar to mine regardless of the circumstances if these words have touched your heart. Because I've been there I understand and I really care about where you are. Let me introduce you to someone who can help you.

Our Pastor is Dr. Frank Thomas. Our Minister of Education is Reverend Sid Johnson. They can answer the questions for you that no one else can. I can only tell you you're not alone. They can share God's word and God's love with you.

Please don't wait any longer. You're missing so very much. I know. It doesn't matter where you live or what denomination you are. You can tell Dr. Thomas and Sid whatever is on your heart and they'll understand and help. God put them where they are just for you.

When you call, just tell them Cheryl sent you.