Hi! I'm Laura, and it's great to meet you!
I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say, "I didn't realize someone else felt the same," or "Wow, I had no idea you were dealing with something similar," or "I felt like I was the only one, and all alone." Truth is, we are all in this journey of life together. Sure, our experiences vary; but ultimately, there is someone somewhere who is going through, or has faced something similar. It's through sharing that we realize there is someone who understands and I truly believe God places people in our lives who will lift us up to offer support and encouragement along the way. Each of us has a story that He is still writing.
So let's get to know each other.
I had a fairly normal childhood (as best as we define normal...haha). I knew I was loved. I did well in school. My parents divorced when I was young. I faced the occasional bully, like most I suppose. I attended church with my uncle through the church's bus ministry until I was a pre-teen. Then I began to "try" to figure out life on my own. I wasn't a bad kid, but definitely challenged some limits.
I met my husband at 16, graduated business school and married at 19. A few years later we had 3 boys. By this time I was 30. We homeschooled, and so I was home for the next (almost) 18 years. That's the short version, but God has gotten us through a lot!
It was during those last few years of homeschooling that I started asking God what would be next for me. It is still clear how he responded as I was sitting at my desk one May day when I heard him tell me "full time ministry." At the time, I had no idea what that meant and honestly, I wanted to run in the other direction like Jonah. Instead I offered myself to him and agreed to walk through whatever doors he opened and to trust that he would equip me.
And here I am! I was licensed in 2017 and ordained as a minister in the Wesleyan Church in 2020. I've pastored at a couple churches and will continue to do so as he leads. But I've also sensed him leading me somewhere new to reach people without borders or boundaries. As I started to submit to where he was leading, each step has become more clear. I still don't know what my final destination will be (it might frighten me to see the big picture and cause me to have a Jonah moment). But I will continue to move forward, confident in Him, for whatever he has planned.
So, let's do this together. My hope is to create a place where people see transparency. Where they know they are not alone. And where they feel supported and loved. That's what true discipleship is about and how I seek to live. I may fail at times and am thankful for grace, but my goal is to do the best I can as I lean into God and the community he's placed around me.
Please check back as you are able for studies, upcoming events, and to share your story.
God bless,
Laura
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