Awww, Debbie, I want to sit down over tea and chat about that poor sweet young Debbie and how very misguided all the adults in her life were who convinced her the eternal fate of her sweet parents rested in anything other than the atoning blood of Christ, because there is NO sin beyond the reach of the gracious God we serve. I truly hope you’ve come to a sweet personal relationship with God now, at this stage of life.

I have had a hate…neutral…hate relationship with religion. See Both my parents committed the ultimate sin, suicide. My mom just after I turned 16 and my dad just after I turned 36. Of course they were divorced when I was in Junior High school and one didn’t have anything to do with the other but they were both extremely devastating.

After my mom died, the church that I was a member of, had prayer vigils for my mom’s soul because, “you know, now she is going to he!!.” Oh my word, WHAT?!! I had so many people pity me because my mom had committed the ultimate sin. I was so confused, how could a God that that murderers, rapist and thieves just say sorry and be forgiven but a person with a good heart that had ben mentally unwell go to he!!?

Needless to say that is what started my love and hate relationship with religion and members of the church. I was shook to my core believing we were not to judge people yet all these ‘religious’ people were having pity on me and judging my mom. That is when I was out. I’m 51 now, well I will be 52 in a couple weeks and I’m not sure where the time has gone. Lots of things have changed.

All this to say I must have been drawn to this article and your story and to well, you. I came across your podcast first then your IG account and website, love what you stand for. Thanks so much for all you do, and for the impact you have made in my life.