God Doesn’t Waste Pain

Thank you for the kind nomination! I was told someone nominated me based on my desire to be an advocate for others based on my experiences.

God doesn’t waste pain. I can verify that wholeheartedly. My daughter went through a sexual assault, suicide attempt, self harm, eating disorder, and clinical depression by the age of 13.

Our family has walked a very difficult road. As she reaches her 18th birthday this month, I am reminded of Cru affiliate staff members like Dena Yohe, who wrote a book about hurting parents that really helped my journey.

I am also reminded of the Oneness in Diversity team, who fervently prayed for my daughter at our team meetings. I am reminded of my then leaders in finance who embraced me when I returned to headquarters after her hospital stay.

I have had so many people support me, including my team in Orlando, who have watched my daughter grow up and love her like their own family.

Now, I have the opportunity to tell parents going through hard times that there is HOPE.

God sees you. He hasn’t forgotten you. When it seems like there is no way – hold on.

My daughter stood up last week in her school’s chapel service to tell of how she abandoned her faith after feeling forsaken by God, only to have it come to life through the mentorship of her Bible teacher. I honestly thought many times I would never see that day. There were days when my own depression took me over. Our role is to walk alongside each other when it seems like there is no answer from God.

I thank Him that He gave me a passion for mental health, for parents who feel misunderstood, and for young people who need someone to believe FOR them until they can believe for themselves.

I am thankful for all the women in my life who continue to hold me up on my own hard days.

Happy International Women’s Day!

“She said, ‘Truly here I have seen him who looks after me'” ( Genesis 16:13 ).