The Worst Time Of My Life - We were Shunned by Our Church

[@ashn6905]

I'm grateful you didn't leave God when the church left you💕

[@kimberlystutler5980]

Yes Amen 🙏🏻💕

[@1Melody1963]

Yes, Amen.

[@tsf637]

I agree with you! If you are not willing to work then I would not be willing to give. I’m sorry you were mis treated by so called, “Christians.” You will know them by their fruits and their love.

[@peggyharris7419]

The Pastor of that church is the Shepherd. He will stand before God for what he did to your family. It’s so sad and seems to happen a lot. The Pastors act like God in the church but they can’t forgive and forget like God always does. I’m so sorry for the hurt it caused your family but I’m glad that you continued on in your relationship with God. That’s what counts in the end. Do good to those who despitefully use you

[@joanxox4191]

I went through a similar situation. I was a battered wife when I finally found the courage with Gods help to confront my husband about his alcoholism he divorced me . I became a single mother with 2 children 1 and a half and 3 years old. The church I was attending shunned me to the point the pastor asked me to leave and said I brought this on myself. It was my place to make the marriage work. He didn't understand I couldn't fix his addiction to alcohol. If I had stayed in the marriage I wouldn't be alive today. I have a close relationship with God but not with a church. So glad that you still have your faith.

[@valerier4308]

Similar situation occurred years ago. My verbally, emotionally, and psychologically abusive husband started to get physically abusive. We went to an Episcopal Priest for marriage counseling. After a few weeks, I admitted to to priest that I didn't think the counseling was working. The priest told me, "You're such a bitter, ungrateful wife, most guys would BREAK YOUR FACE, INCLUDING ME"! I never went back to that church! Shame on that priest!

[@juney18]

You aren’t alone. Churches are groups sometimes, instead of working on themselves to be saints in Christ. It hurts, but you’re better growing I. The end, sticking to the Lord, not a group that’s grown lukewarm.

[@cynthiabiel7714]

AN abusive partner....who does not repent...( and we know there are narcissitic people even in churches)......has broken the vows......what happens in Toxic Churches is that they blame the victim...women especially are expected to be a doormat...but if your spirit is broken or WORSE....how can God approve of that...?

[@LilCraftyNook]

Oh my!! Apparently this is really common! My ex husband wasn’t horrible and mean but he sure had the church fooled!!?? I was the horrible one for leaving!!?? 😢

[@leeanncornell8305]

Hugs

[@Lindy7069]

Honey I’m sorry your dad left. Divorce hurts the children the most. Not a good church Not a good Christian witness as all.

[@pennycrace6456]

I am so sorry that you went through this. Sometimes so called Christians are the meanest people.

[@savannahsmiles1797]

in my life, it has been those proclaiming to be believers that have treated me the absolute worst when trials came, and all I needed was encouragement not condemnation.

[@maryham6017]

I am a independent Baptist and I pray my church would never do this! Your response was a totally Christian response. I know that is why God has blessed you and your family. Besides your hard work and wisdom. I thank you for all you do for your Utube followers.

[@moonviolet27]

The pastor never should have let this go on. So, so sad.

[@beahives]

@@family-peace-love From my firsthand experience - some pastors are the CAUSE of the meanness- which makes a bad situation even more horrible

[@ronaliveshere7422]

That’s not a church. They needed guidance themselves. They should be ashamed.

[@ginaking7939]

Unfortunately, legalism and the " holier than thou" attitude is still present in many churches. I am in my 60s and because I have moved alot, I have been part of several churches. I can see why people are put off by "the church." Arrogance, gossip, unfriendliness, judging, need for control is some of what I have experienced over the years. Not just a couple of churches....many to some degree. Thank you for sharing this painful experience. It is a reminder that legalism hurts people and does not align with the new testiment.

[@jrubybowman]

Organized religion (churches) are the least Christian, all of what you say and I'll add hypocrites. Jesus' message was simple - Love and Care for each other We don't need a church for that.

[@stephen4384]

@@jrubybowman I get the frustrations people have with some churches but you have to ignore a whole lot in the Bible including words of Jesus to say we don't need the church

[@donnawitcher5445]

It does not align with the old testament either. Jesus quoted Lev 19:18 when he said to love your neighbor as yourself.

[@maryannbroadbridge1119]

Gina King- i totally agree with you, Gina. It almost seems like the church members begin demonstrating their position in their own family of origin; the church being as one big dysfunctional family system.

[@lavished2lovedance509]

😩🥺🙏🏻 it’s true

[@WiscoGirl]

I’m so sorry for the way this church treated you and your family. 🥺 It is beyond disappointing to see those who are supposed to love others as themselves treat fellow human beings with such disregard and inhumanity. Sending lots of love your way. 💕

[@tobenrn]

My heart aches for what your family went through. You were strong, persevered, and rose above it all. Thank you for not letting it harden your heart and for giving back .

[@imtaliesen]

I’m so sorry for what you and your mom and brother went through. I cried when I saw the pain it was causing you when you were telling the story. I just wanted to reach out and give you a big hug. I have so much respect for you and your mom. Your mom is amazing in that she had 3 jobs to support the family and paid off your dad’s debts. God bless you.

[@sherriginter5792]

I’m all teated up too😢

[@deborahfehrmann1577]

My pastor taught me that it is my responsibility to help others. It’s not my business how that money is spent. They will have to answer for that. I just have to help those less fortunate than me.

[@MDSMITH9]

Yes! This is what giving truly is otherwise you put yourself in a place of “Judging” who is worthy or in need. If they are asking for food at a food pantry they must have some unmet need. Be it that they are in credit card debt and have never been taught to budget money or could it be they are without work as they do not know how to get a job. These are all unmet needs. So if we as Christians can identify all the different types of needs and create opportunities to teach others how to meet these needs. Why many churches offer Dave Ramsey financial peace classes or there is job training programs. However, if we just judge their need as not necessary we may never truly learn how we can help them meet their own needs and become a loving Christian.

[@amyhicks8683]

Several churches here have a requirement that if you come to the food pantry you have to stay for one service and hear the Word first. Then you are free to take what you need. They say they would be irresponsible if they fed the body and not the soul.

[@susanhoughton8655]

I feel your pain.. it happened to me to.. and I'm crying along with you. You and your family have helped so many people including myself. Thank you for all that you do.

[@corujo52]

I do understand. I come from a small town in Georgia. I was shunned by friend because my mom was a run around. Like mother like daughter. It followed me throughout my life. I love the lord with all my heart. Ive learned to took to God not man. Trusting man is like standing on sinking sand!

[@lavished2lovedance509]

😔🙏🏻

[@annettemurielle]

This breaks my heart, Tawra. Too many people think that self-righteousness is the same as righteousness. Just wanted to give you a big hug while watching you struggle to share this with us. Thank you for opening up to us. Such a painful thing to do, and such a terribly painful thing to live through. And here you are, today! A blessing to so many, many people. Thank you for being you!

[@maryannbroadbridge1119]

Beautifully said, Murielle.

[@cynthiabiel7714]

Many narcissists in Church even in leadership.. they fleece the flock...kiil the spirit.

[@lindafisher8353]

Isn't it ironic that how the "good christian families" didn't want kids from broken homes ....when those would be the children that the Lord would seek out to help. I was one of those broken home kids. And yes it was in the late 60's /70's and people treated us rudely.

[@carvertmmy]

And those are the ones HE seeks to use!!! What does someone who has never been through anything have to offer?

[@Queen-Of-Hearts144]

So true, so true.

[@Hookedonfaith-akasandramoody]

I am so sorry. I know that the saying “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger “ is true. I can see that strength in you and your mom.

[@jjm9457]

You’re raw emotion and honesty is a blessing. The worst kind of hurt is being hurt by those who sit with you and break bread with you. Been there -done that. God Has Your Back! Be Blessed 🙏❤️

[@charityluvselvis]

This story broke my heart. I grew up at the same time as you. I'm a southern Baptist preacher's daughter. We never treated people like this, for any reason. You should have came to Louisiana or Texas, we would have loved you and your family! Really hurts for me to hear stories like this. 😔

[@uphillhomestead6188]

I hate to say it, and I understood your heart, but I'm in Texas and I was shunned by my church because I got divorced from a mentally abusive husband. I mean no disrespect to you.

[@Livinginoz]

Unfortunately, this happens in every state, even Texas or Louisiana. The lesson here is that if you don’t feel supported in your church, then look around for a different one. There isn’t a state in this country that doesn’t have loving congregations with welcoming arms regardless of life situations like divorces. Find a church that loves and supports you! Most of them will!

[@daphnelattimer9952]

Never? I beg to differ. I was shunned for the same reason as the other poster. I will never, ever, ever return to a Baptist (the worst) or any church for that matter. They don't practice what they preach. I'm sorry, but love is action, not judgement, shunning, and condemnation. Why do churches punish women that are already going through hell to begin with?

[@freedomwarrior7767]

I was also thinking, southern Baptist??? I'm from Louisiana and never saw such behavior in a Baptist church.

[@victoriabenn]

@@uphillhomestead6188 me, too. Texas churches are no better. Demons are in all churches.

[@daviddianna]

I grew up in Kansas under a single mom. Our father was in prison. We grew up in church and they did help us but I know full well the stigma associated with single parent families back in the 1970’s in Kansas. I know that what you are saying was exactly true. I still have emotional scars from those days

[@lidiasoares5675]

That is what we call hypocrisy!! How can you turn against the victims?! What would our Lord say to those people?!

[@anateixeira5687]

I know how it feels to be shunned, I"m so sorry you went through that, God sees everything! God Bless you and your family!

[@The_Purringlady]

I’m So tired of cliques. I resigned my church membership this past autumn . I, as a woman, told my Baptist pastor off. I had enough of his wife constantly calling other women names, gossiping & lying. I gave precise details of what this pastor’s wife told me about other women. When I told her, in kindness, that I was NOT interested in church gossip & that it is Biblically wrong, she then turned on me, lied about me & gossiped about me. The pastor, her husband, just blew me off.

[@childofgod4614]

I’m so sorry you went through this 😔🙏🏼❤️

[@doloresamezcua2025]

yes this is a very common problem in churches, probably doesn't help to be single or whether you're married or very attractive

[@janicehoward3728]

T, I grew up in a Baptist church. The church showed favoritism to certain people who were playing at church and those who were trying to live the Bible, people who really needed help they didn’t help. That what happened to me. I was helping my parents and when my dad died my sisters tried to take advantage of me. The church knew of some of the issues and all they did was what James 2 said not to do. I found a church that helped me and now I am giving back by giving to the program that helped me.

[@kirklobban7250]

Tawra, this is my first time ever writing a comment. So please know that you are a complete blessing to me and I'm very sure to so many others. May God continue to heal your beautiful heart. Thankyou for sharing his today in such a genuine way. Sandra Lobban

[@GrammyMidwife]

Paying it forward is the best fight against Satan. You have proven to him that God does replenish 2-10 fold of what Satan has taken from you. God knows yours and your mothers heart and He will continually bless you!

[@winddance47]

People are so cruel. God Bless You and your family. People who gossip have no life and want to ruin others.

[@emmylou-y4b]

Many years ago, I volunteered at a church run Saturday soup kitchen. The women in charge ran it beautifully; the soup was served in real bowls with real cutlery to make the guests feel better. They grabbed a bowel and we ladled it and also gave them bread donated by one of the local bakeries. Deacon John was there to go from table to table and chat with the folks; he was wonderful. When they were done eating, they were to bring up their bowl for us to gather and clean with the sanitizing dish washer. Some of the men didn't want to bring up their bowl and most of us women felt uncomfortable about reminding them but that's when Deacon John stepped in and "gently" reminded them of the rules. I asked him why he insisted they do that and he said, "They have to show appreciation. Once they lose that, they lose their humanity and that is not our purpose here." He was so right and I never forget that. God bless you and your family.

[@judithscharf6318]

There was a stigma when I was a little girl in the 1960s. No one would invite a girl from a “broken home” to their house. I didn’t understand it then, and can’t understand it today.

[@bonnielaarman1878]

A-w-w, Tawra, my heart goes out to you....you learned a very hard lesson...God is always with us no matter how others treat us...I think you are so sweet!

[@cherylknight8239]

Thank GOD are heavenly father never turns his back on us no matter how we are. I'm glad that experience didn't turn you sour, and I hope those people have asked forgiveness. I felt your pain and I'm sending you big sister love and hugs. I'm so sorry that you and Dave and Jill went through that. Keep on preaching for the LORD and sending out those Bibles. GOD IS GOOD.

[@laurieherron1634]

Hey Tara, couple of things: I’m so sorry for what you and your family went through, I can see the memories of that time are still so painful for you. Every person you help by being transparent in your pain DOES heap coals onto the back of evil!! Keep up that good GOOD work ! 💜💜 Also, I love your hair, seeing it come through with the beautiful natural “sparkle”!! God bless you and your family 💜🙏🏻💜

[@laurieherron1634]

Ugghh I typed Tawra and my stupid autocorrect made it Tara, so sorry!!!

[@suzie2080]

This makes me so sad. Hypocricy runs rampant in churches. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Church is where you should feel safe and that's not always the case.

[@brendakrause5639]

My husband had a baby with another woman and because of divorce I was treated in the church the same way.

[@barefootincactus]

Yeah, so sorry. Christian churches have few who really follow Christ. It's more a social climbers club. Lots of cliques. Glad you are not that way. Your heart is good.

[@thatspersonal7910]

I call them "Social Clubs" go into your closet and pray where only the Lord God can see you

[@heartlake8971]

We lost our friends and church too after we resigned from the mission field...we gave you money how dare you resign. Etc etc.... took us over ten years to get on our feet. Feet still wobbly but I know I'm planted on the rock not sand

[@Adz2kill]

😠🥺

[@edennis8578]

Well, it isn't like missionary stipends are luxurious! Most people, in my experience, can't do more than about 3 years tops before they need to come back to their normal lives because it's hard and you're living on a shoestring budget. This is where "walking in someone else's shoes before you criticize" should be the rule of the day.

[@karenewald5451]

I grew up in the 50's the child of divorce. I can really relate to the stigma you are talking about. Made friends with a new girl at church and visited her home. You could have heard a pin drop when her mom found out my dad wasn't dead like she thought. She was not happy her daughter was associating with me. So sorry for all you went through.

[@robint3547]

It happened to us too. And 25yrs later we still dont know or understand what happened.But we know God has a plan and thats more important than anything a bunch of people may think or do in judgement even off bad info. Regardless God is in control. Be ye Glad.

[@OldMeanGeezer]

a "truth" is...The people who are DESERVING seldom if ever ask for help. God bless you young Lady!

[@margietucker1719]

Such a shame, the horrible behavior in some churches. Apparently none of the "Christians" in that church asked themselves the question---"WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?" They did the exact opposite.

[@Thelittleduchess]

Tawra, this has been happening for thousands of years. The story of Job and his “friends” who accused him, when he did nothing wrong. It’s sad to hear about a pastor and a congregation acting that way. the church in America is asleep. I pray that our Lord heals any hurt, and take away any sorrow.

[@melissamcbee4297]

Shame on that pastor that asked y’all to leave. He should have gone before the congregation and addressed it to them. He should have been like Jesus and took care of his wounded sheep and protected y’all.

[@stephen4384]

Unfortunately some churches are run as if the Pastor isn't the head of the church but yes I think he should have stood up for them

[@sherryannhailey6596]

He will answer for what he ALLOWED to happen. He was a weak weak pitiful man. I am sure that there were people in that church that had a heavy bearing on the choices he made---they ran the direction he went.

[@alycer.8158]

My heart literally breaks everytime you speak of that time of your life. You always break down when you tell it and that pain generally is felt. I'm so sorry....so very very sorry.

[@lindalawrence168]

I to was shunned, from my family and the church. This has had a profound effect on my life. I finally came to peace with this issue by realizing church is a business. I had nothing to offer due to my circumstances at the time. So I was a disposable. What I also learned is when people walk away let them go!

[@penelopeprimrose90]

I totally agree with you on people misusing and abusing the food pantries, school supply handouts, etc. Some people almost see it as a "freebie" just being handed out for the taking. They don't realize the sacrifice others have made through their donations or time to provide those items. They don't see it as taking from others that truly need help. They just get in line to get their stuff because they can, and because it frees up their own money to spend on more exciting things than food and school supplies.

[@Jackie_W82]

I'm so sorry you're family went through all of that. We were in an identical situation as well. My poor, divorced mother tried to take us to a couple churches and it was all the same judgmental crap. I remember being 6 years old and begging her not to take us again. 30 years later, I'm finally discovering my faith and rebuilding my relationship with God. I can honestly say though, I'm still very skeptical of churches as a result of my previous experiences and my heart hurts seeing you hurt in such a way. I'm happy to see you rise keep your faith despite the atrocities you've experienced. Thank you for being so vulnerable with us. I realize that we aren't alone just reading the comments ❤

[@margarethauff8882]

Isn't gossip one of the 10 deadly sins? How do people have time for this????

[@imstillhere3753]

Trauma can be so hard. I’m sorry this happened to you and your family. Thank you for sharing. Your such a brave a wonderful soul. We love your show. 🙏❤️💚

[@johnfourteensix4910]

The worst part of this story is how the pastor handled, really, mishandled, the situation. He should have given a sermon on how we are to treat one another. Having spent several years in an independent Baptist church, I get it. I wasn’t a single mom but attended alone with my kids. I spent years trying to connect with others to virtually no avail. It was as though they were scared of anyone not part of a perfect nuclear family. Truly sad since the pastor was great and taught biblically accurate sermons, a rarity today. I study so much on my own that I really just needed the fellowship, for myself and my kids, but sadly never found it.

[@jillcooper172]

Actually the pastors really did great by us and were supportive even publicly reprimanding the people of the church for not supporting us etc. but it is really hard for even a good pastor to sometimes change peoples mindsets. I feel mostly sad because the pastors we had were some of the best I have ever heard and that is part of why we stayed as long as we did because I learned more about love and God then I have from anyone else. I know that doesn't make sense but it is true. For some reason God wanted us there. I don't know why.

[@fatbaldguy3271]

As a IFB i agree 100 % that most IFB churchs forget that there is only sinless person and its not any of us. We MUST have compassion upon everyone thats falls into sin. We forget that its tge HOLY SPIRITS job to correct us, not other people.

[@Meredith471]

My husband experienced a similar type issue. We left the church and have had a really hard time with the "structured church" now and have chosen to do God's work in other ways. We moved from that town after 2 years because the emotional toll it took on me was really the beginning of the downhill slide with my health. The church turned on us and I had a been with that church from the ground up and my husband held a prominent role, so when we went through our personal turmoil, it was hard to have the whole church (except a few) turn their backs on us.

[@daphnelattimer9952]

God is there during your personal turmoil. Christians are not.

[@Rosabel718]

I went through the same thing. The church NEVER stepped up to assist me in ANY matter; my baby was still in diapers and they were quite expensive. But God… He showed me who my provider is! I never went without and my bills were paid. Through that, I learned to pray through for my needs. Can’t tell you how many times God came through for us in that 11th hour. He is never late always right! My faith in Him is strong because of the history we have together 🙏🏽❤️🥲 God is my everything. 30 years have passed and I can look back and see His hands on my life as well as my children. That little boy the church rejected now ministers in church to the lost generation … God is amazing!🙏🏽❤️ He makes beauty with our ashes 🥲

[@joanncole9603]

This is heart breaking.

[@arlenesykes1469]

How dare they treat your family like that! That’s not a church! So glad you got out of it.

[@sallyvandergraaff5622]

I have fond memories of a few people we've known in various churches, but for the most part I've found church membership very disappointing. Besides the fact that no one is perfect, therefore no church is perfect, we've seen three pastors forced to leave for virtually NO reason; have had one pastor / church school principal show his greedy side by paying his daughter $20 an hour to clean the bathrooms while we teachers were paid less than minimum wage; the same pastor further demonstrated his greedy side when my husband (unbeknownst to me) donated several thousand dollars to the church, and the pastor started creeping on me. At the time, not knowing about the large donation from my husband, I was totally creeped out. Little did I know it was a situation based on greed! It would have been kind of funny if it weren't so sad. We also had trouble with one of our sons, which showed us who the real Christians were and weren't. Good thing God is in control! Or should I say, "Jesus take the wheel!"

[@erinmiley2255]

That was very powerful. Thank you. And Be The Christian You Are Meant To Be” I had a very sad struggle growing up. Thank goodness for Grandma’s, Jesus loves you.

[@mdoreneb5315]

Read through the comments and discovered so many people were hurt by people that attended a building that pretended it was a church. Been there and done that TOO. The scares seem to never disappear even after years. Thank you for speaking out loud your hurt. I have watched you many times before viewing this one. Your spirit lifted my soul and made me think about my own relationship with my Heavenly Father. I have avoid buildings that had the name church but I never left my loving Heavenly Father. He has always been the strength I turned to. Thank you for your open loving heart.

[@robingiglio3198]

My husband and I just read in Matthew this morning Jesus talking about helping the hungry, thirsty, , sick, jailed. He never mentions those who want or demand. I feel sorry for the people in your old church when they stand before God and account for their unloving lives and I am so glad that experience helped you to see the right way to live.

[@childofgod4614]

I agree with you on the food pantries and donations! Completely in agreement! You said it perfectly! 😀

[@robyncurry6985]

Church hurt us the worse hurt. I pray that you know, and believe you do...Jesus loves you. Those people did not represent Him well and Praise the Lord that God kept your family in His hands. And thank you for sharing your testimony so transparently. 💕

[@nicolecoburn8365]

tawra wish i could reach through the screen and give you a big hug. As a pastors wife I am appalled that would ever have happened . Your faith is truly remarkable

[@carolynwilliams6248]

Our Heavenly Father sees every tear. See how He used your pain & suffering to bring you to an expected end! Praise the Living Elohim be blessed.

[@kerrynwright]

Thanks for your honest & vulnerable sharing from the heart! Awesome decision to use what you learned to help others!🥰Blessings from South Australia💕🐨

[@tammypoppino1657]

What made you go back to the church who rejected you? My husband and I have suffered many rejections from churches with no reasons known to us. So I am in total empathy with you. Love and kindness can be like finding gold on the street. You have truly been thru the fire of purification, even your trial with the barking dogs and screaming neighbors. So glad you found a nice place. Am praying for emotional healing for you. Blessings.

[@LivingOnADime]

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[@michelleelle4622]

I’m sorry this is so hard on you so many years later. I will say that God would not approve of the actions of those people. This is NOT what GOOD Christians do! That’s just horrible. Please let the “rumors” just be. I wouldn’t even acknowledge them.... lots of love and prayers ❤️🙏🏻

[@debbieviebranz8100]

I’m so sorry they treated you badly Tawra. They should be ashamed!

[@emikosan8712]

We came up similarly but my father died and I certainly understand. I'm so thankful you came out with faith in God intact. You and your Mom are encouraging!

[@Debi-1220]

To add -I have your book and love it. I cried too as you told your story.NOT a man of God but your mother and her children sure are!!!

[@kathyroberts5870]

Reminds me of a hurtful experience we had with a church that changed my heart.Not the same but still brings back the terrible memories . I won't go to another church because of it and we have been so blessed since we got out of it. I would love to never have those memories to ever surface again .

[@adeleetherton2665]

Thank you Jesus for her forgiving heart and all that she has learned

[@Debi-1220]

Your platform alone besides what you,Mike and your Mom do outside of that will earn you many crowns in Heaven.I ,myself,have felt comfort and Christian friendship just watching your videos.You really do so much for so many. I always respect and learn from your knowledge.I think you have created an amazing Christian family and you show so much love thru your helping thru this platform.I’m not good with words but I’d love to be in your family!

[@danielleandersen8179]

I just started your penny pinching mamma series what an inspiration i thought my life had been tough over the last few years but watching your story I realize what a sulking little girl I’d been the Lord has really spoke to me through you guys such love and respect for you may God continue to bless you all xxx

[@bettyqueen1235]

Oh Tawra, that is so sad and very hard on you and your family! Many have been severally wounded in the church, usually through church leaders. You are very blessed now and reach out to people through all you offer people who come to your channel. I am so so glad you have forgiven the past and are a true christian! I love the faith you exhibit and strength of character. God can change people at any time and I pray that that happens to those people you mentioned. I thank God for your program, it means so much to me! God keep you and your family safe and well now and always!

[@theresewheeler1498]

I was in that position back in days. My church helped me with food pantry., but I committed myself to clean the church one hour per week And I love it., I am out of debt now And it’s a blessing

[@LaMoynihan1]

Thank you for speaking your truth. God bless you and your family!

[@lesliefraze9685]

I give as the Lord leads me. I pray for wisdom and discernment daily. Dad left mom with six children and never looked back. My Father in heaven will never leave us or forsake us. ❤

[@tammypoling3081]

You will always be a part of God's Church

[@TheTexmomof5]

I’m baptist and this is heartbreaking. So wrong!

[@ashlieleavelle]

My Husband is a Baptist Pastor. I am so sorry you went through that. Pastors at time have to practice church discipline, but the point is to restore. The family should NOT be penalized, hurt and shunned. We are not IFB, and I agree they can be very legalistic. I feel for you guys that you were going through that.

[@heatherpruim4470]

I truly love what you’ve said here. I worked in a church & totally agree with all you said about food pantry’s. I pray people stop judging you. You’re doing a great ministry of getting people back to living within their means.

[@joanharris8057]

I am so very sorry that you were treated so unkindly! Hugs!

[@dymondwillow2]

TODAY i am in tight times. When i go out in the snowy weather, i do wear my Merrill shoes that are 6 years old but they do look very new. yes i get the looks. I feel that I should be getting rid of my nice stuff to buy cheap stuff so i look the part.

[@marlene9682]

I've experienced that also. God blesses everyone. He knows the situation.

[@anneej1]

Thank you for sharing your testimony. It was wrong, and painful. I can relate to the emotions, similar but different experience. You are a blessing, & Jill too. The forgiveness shows your heart in spite of pain. You give and show love to others with understanding of their situation. Much love to you, and God bless you.

[@ChrisIsTasha]

I have to say that your definition of legalism is the best I have ever heard. I belonged to an IFB. I learned a lot. I learned how to accept being ignored by most because my husband wouldn't go with me. I learned to detect lies because many were told from the pulpit. I learned how to set up weaker brothers and sisters in the Lord for them to fail. I learned to look the other way when the bookkeeper was embezzling money. I learned to rebel against my husband and tithe even though it says the husband has final rule and has the right to disavow his wife's vow. I learned that church comes before family and if you stepped down from serving you would be chastised from the pulpit like a naughty five year that got stealing a cookie before dinner. I learned that putting your kids into their private school was more important than paying your bills and if you didn't choose that school your children would go to hell. (THAT was a Mother's Day sermon.) I learned you had to wear a skirt or you were a rebel. I learned to walk away after the embezzlement. All the other happened before that. I learned there are amazing churches out here that preach and teach the Bible for what it says and not what they think it should read. I have learned that God loves me for me and not for the rules I follow that a church has made up. That husband and I divorced and I remarried. I learned that although God does hate divorce he doesn't hate the people who divorced. I even got a Jesus tattoo in 2018. 😳 Now there's some rebellion for ya.😁 God is a God of forgiveness when Jesus is accepted. All this to say that I, too, am glad you didn't quit God when you were unjustly treated. ❤️

[@leesproston8754]

You are amazing,Thank you for giving me hope.Bless you and your family.

[@acloserwalkwiththee8126]

Same thing happened when my mom divorced my dad. I know the struggle. I always help others who are in need. Do as Jesus did. Learn and grow from experience. Be strong for those who need a shoulder. Thank you for sharing. I saw how hard it was for you. Hugs sister. Thank you for you and your family helping each of us. God bless

[@thespeechlady]

My daughters and I went through the very same thing when my husband left us in 2012.

[@sandynull7576]

Oh hun. I'm so so sorry y'all were treated this way. Breaks my heart in two. I grew up in much the same situation. I felt such a stigma because we were so poor and that spilled over into the school (small town). Your heart is better than mine about forgiveness. But I want to thank you for your courage to open up. I now realize why I am so fast to give and help. My problem with that is in this day and age, people will take advantage of others without an ounce of guilt. And, yes, I've been a fool more times than I should count.

[@lindaheydt3978]

Thank you so much for your example, Sister. I have been through a lot myself, and divorced since 1983 with a little girl. I have seen many lives changed over the years by people who learned to depend on the love of our Savior, and by doing the very best they could. I really have learned that sometimes the absolutely best you can do is just awful, BUT if you remember that He is not going to turn His back on you, and if you can continue to be forgiving, and courageous, you can survive. The wisdom and experience that is gained from holding on to the Gospel no matter what you are going through, and the strength that is developed through experiencing blessings that ALWAYS come when truly needed make a person a good, strong servant the Savior can count on in times of need. I can see that you are doing your best to be self-reliant and to bless us, your brothers and sisters. Aren't we so blessed to KNOW our Savior and to have truly learned that He is real and never fails. Wish I could meet you, and we could share our war stories, BUT I will plan to give you a big hug when we meet on the other side. You've no idea how much I needed to hear from you and your sweet momma today. If I can figure out the link things, I will see what else I can learn from you, but meanwhile, thank you so much. Linda

[@teresathompson4236]

I’m so sorry this is so raw for you. That treatment should have never happened and those church members should be ashamed of themselves. This is not God’s way. I hope you are part of a loving Christ centered church now. Thank you for sharing your heart and using your truth to help those who need it. Your Heavenly Father is proud of you

[@kathyvorwerk7055]

I am so sorry your family had to go through that. Praise God that he does not turn his back on us! I don't know why people have to comment and start rumors. I think the videos were very well done. Ever single detail is not something that is our business but there is always those that think they need to know. Praise God for how he is using you.

[@margaretbedwell58]

I am so sorry Tawra, I can see how much you are still hurt by this. Thanks be to God and your hard work ethic. y'all have been blessed to the point you're now able to help others. I agree with what you say about people not willing to work for help that would be extended. I asked a man holding a sign "will work for food", could you please come and rake my pine needles. The answer I got was I don't do do manual labor. Most of these street corner beggars make more in a day than I ever did and drive high dollars cars as well. They just have to walk a block or so to get into it. Thanks for sharing your story again even through the pain of it. Have a Blessed day.

[@robindrake6556]

I just found this video. Somehow I missed it. The words you spoke towards the end about HELPING those who are NOT willing to help themselves is so TRUE. They should be WILLING to work towards the FREE items that they NEED. GOD BLESS YOU!

[@cherylhubert2713]

So glad God was with you & your sweet Mom & family. My heart hurt to hear this happened in the Church. I haven’t watch your channel very long, new to your Videos. May God Bless you! Thank you for helping others in hard times. I enjoy your helping me prepare, to help or there too. 🙏🏼❤️ Cheryl

[@shareenj.2602]

You shouldn't have to explain your personal life to anyone. It's really no ones business. You provide a service and your personal life is your own to share when and with who you want. God Bless

[@childofgod4614]

I’m so sorry you went through this! Thank God you kept clinging to Jesus Christ, He loves you so much! My mom and dad kept us out of church. We believed in Jesus Christ and our home was church. Where two or more are gathered in His name, He is there! God bless you for staying strong in Jesus Christ! Love you sister! 🤗❤️

[@lcfloret]

Thank you for your transparency. Praying for you and your family. God bless.

[@carvertmmy]

You are so right when you say you have to get through those things, forgive, move on and be the Christian you are supposed to be. It isn’t glamorous. But we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. I think the hardest thing I have had to do is love people that had abused me sexually. Love is an action word. Not just something you declare, but something you show. I can testify it is possible and you will be better for it if you can truly forgive and not become bitter and use your experiences and past pain to help others.

[@cecepsweet]

This video has ripped my heart out! Absolutely ripped my heart out! God will honor your courage.

[@lowinbob2568]

Amen my sister in Christ, you survived and came out stronger and your faith was deepened thru this adversity, you are a true child of God, well and truly loved by Him.

[@res6769]

Now I understand you so much more, thank you for allowing us to see your experiences and vulnerabilities.

[@spacebears6418]

Im a southern baptist and proud of it. Hope you find true peace in your life. Stay true to God and stay focused the time is at hand. Blessings to u and your family.

[@chesterjohnson3660]

Thank you. You are exactly right. Keep on keeping on

[@junkjournalmavenwannabe]

So sorry for this pain in your past; and, so glad that on the other side of it you became such a strong, loving woman who has a mission of helping others help themselves.

[@lisawheeling7412]

I am so sorry this happened to you. I can see that it still causes you pain. I will never understand. Im glad that you have turned it around and now help others in need. ❤️