One who is born into a loving, healthy family welcomed with unconditional love, acceptance, nurturing,  protection and provision;

 

grows up with a healthy self-esteem, feels secure in the world, and blossoms into all they are meant to be. Now, for the rest of us!

 

You see, most of us did not have this idealistic childhood. Instead, we experienced some type of dysfunction (parents’ marital

 

problems, parent’s inability to be emotionally available, parent’s inability to accept us for who we really are, financial distress, and/or

 

parental alcohol/substance problems), trauma, abuse, neglect, etc. during our formative years.

 

Friend, having doubts, anger or skepticism about or towards God can happen when our lives have been or are filled with this type of

 

emotional, psychological or physical pain.  

 

If this is where you find yourself, let me share with you that it is alright to have these feelings!

 

Now, let me inspire you to know that you do not have to stay in this emotional place and can have a great relationship with God!

 

Your first step is to acknowledge why you have these feelings and assess your willingness to let them go so you can move forward.

 

God is always calling you to be in relationship with Him. When we let these feelings go, we can hear His call and build this relationship.

 

This may sound like just nice words, but it is true.

 

I encourage you to try it for yourself. Each day upon awakening, ask God to allow you to hear His call for you. Then stay aware during

 

your day to notice, here, see, and feel it so you can fully take it in.

 

As you continue on your journey of discovering God’s calling you into relationship with Him, your inner skeptic with soften and

 

eventually fade away.

 

Isaiah 41:10 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version (NIV)

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.^[a]

 

Deuteronomy 31:6 New International Version (NIV)

⁶ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,

for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

 

Psalm 34:17-19 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁷ The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
    he delivers them from all their troubles.
¹⁸ The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

¹⁹ The righteous person may have many troubles,
    but the Lord delivers him from them all;