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God Redeems Our Mistakes | More than a Mistake

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If you’ve ever felt like your mistakes were too big or too bad or too unforgivable, you’re in the right place. I want you to know that no matter what you’ve done in the past, God redeems our mistakes.

I was a teenage mom. This is my story. @ AVirtuousWoman.org

There was a time when I was not sure my dreams could come true or if I would ever find true happiness. I didn’t know if God could forgive me, or if I could even forgive myself.

You see, I was a teenage mom.

I made a lot of mistakes as a young girl. I believed I was in love with a boy. I allowed myself to be used and did things I knew in my heart I was not ready to do.

When I was only 14 years old, I got pregnant with a baby. I was faced with a big decision at a very young age. I knew in my heart that this baby was my baby and that I had to do everything in my power from that point forward to ensure he had a good life.

Christian, Pregnant Out of Wedlock

I was determined not to be a loser. I had always been a “good girl” and it was difficult to accept the shame and guilt I felt. No longer did people see me as a sweet Christian girl who made good grades. All people saw was my young face and my growing belly.

related: When You Feel Unlovable {My Story of Shame}

As it goes so often when a girl gets pregnant out of wedlock, my boyfriend was not faithful. He went off to college, dated other girls and ignored me for most of my pregnancy. It hurt like crazy. My heart was shattered. Not only had I given a precious gift to this boy, I had to carry the responsibility all alone. I am so grateful to my parents who really stood by me, even though I know how devastated they were. It broke their hearts.

I gave birth to my son when I was just 15 years old.

Thankful for Motherhood @ AVirtuousWoman.org

I found out I was pregnant in the summer of 1990. So many things played into the reasons why I got pregnant. But, regardless of the reasons, I was pregnant. I still remember the shock of it. Almost like it wasn’t real. My boyfriend showed me an ad in the local newspaper and suggested I get an abortion. But I knew I could never do that.

Later his family tried to talk me into giving my baby up for adoption. They were worried about the consequences of their son having a baby. I think adoption is an amazing option for girls in my situation, but I knew in my heart that I wanted to keep my baby and raise him myself.

I was entering the 10th grade that year and I ended up going to a special school for kids who had problems. It was a self paced school and there were about 60 other girls who were pregnant there. They had a daycare on the campus and the school buses even had car seats for your baby to ride in.

James was born in March 1991. I had made the decision to breastfeed and use cloth diapers. I called the school and told them that if I was to come back to finish out the year they would need to let me leave class every two hours to nurse my baby boy. They agreed.

During that school year I finished 10th grade, 11th grade, and half of 12th grade. I was also able to complete three college courses at the local community college. I worked so hard!

I was determined not to be a failure. I wanted to finish school in the worst way.

Times have changed quite a bit since 1991, but having a baby out of wedlock was incredibly shameful. I felt the shame every where I went. From the doctor’s office to the welfare office to church. I could feel people’s stares, questions, and judgement.

We got married when James was 3 months old. It was a simple wedding in my parent’s living room. No one else attended. I was scared to death and circumstances leading up to that day left me wondering if I should get married, but I was determined to “right my wrong” and give my son a family. And so I married his father despite my reservations.

We moved to Athens, Georgia so he could attend his second year of college. It was one of the loneliest times of my life. He was abusive and controlling and I endured things I’ve never talked about. I don’t like to talk about it. It’s hard. And because I have children with him, I generally don’t go into much detail.

I spent years begging God to take away the memories and many of them have faded, but my pain was great.

At the age of 16, I decided I wanted to finish high school. Getting that diploma meant so much to me. In my mind being able to graduate from high school meant that even though I had made mistakes I wasn’t a complete failure. I took my high school transcripts to the my local public high school.

While I was pregnant with James I had maintained a 3.67 GPA and it was something I was very proud of. I carried my one year old baby in with me and three of the school officials came in the room and listened as I told them I wanted to enroll and finish. I just needed a few more classes to graduate.

Those men and women told me that I didn’t fit in there and they made me feel so ashamed. I never went back.

And no matter where I went I didn’t fit in. I wanted to be friends with other moms who had kids, but they were all older than me. And girls my age didn’t have babies. I remember this one mom, she was older, her husband was a doctor, and I don’t remember her name now, but she went to my church and she had a little boy about the same age as James and she invited me to her house more than once. I appreciated that. We never became close friends, but she reached out to me when I needed it so much.

Over the next six years of our marriage I had two more babies, two precious girls – Sarah and Emily. And by the time I was 21 I was a divorced mother of three with no education, no job, no friends, and no support system.

God Redeems Our Mistakes

Flash forward 28 years: I remarried a pastor in September 1999. I am now the proud mom to five beautiful children – James, Sarah, Emily, Hannah, and Laura.

I’m so glad I chose to keep my son. Despite the hardships, I wouldn’t change anything about my life. My five kids are worth every bit of the journey I walked.

Today, I am privileged to be able to write for a living – exactly what I always wanted to do And I am honored to be able to minister to women all around the world, sharing God’s love for each and every one of us.

It doesn’t matter that we all screw up at one time or another. God loves us anyway.

I made mistakes, but God is bigger than any mistake you or I make and out of the worst circumstances He can bless. Out of the greatest pain can come the sweetest joy.

I gave my life over to Christ and have worked hard, prayed a lot, and watched as the blessings poured out of heaven.

Just because you made a mistake, does not mean your life is to be the epitome of your mistake. You can have more. You can be forgiven. You can live a life full of victory. God is waiting to fill your life with joy, peace, success, and happiness. Because God redeems our mistakes. 

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It is up to you whether you ask Him to lead you to a better place.

I’ve Been Redeemed

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119 Comments

  1. hi from Ghana, l like yr ministry and want to be part. Many women and girls in my country face similar situation you want through. thank you.
  2. Hi Melissa, I too was a teen mother, who had my life turned around by God. I am now a pastor's wife as well. I think that what you are doing is amazing, and inspiring. Please pray for me, as I keep you in my prayers.
  3. I just emailed you and then read this. I, too was an unwed Mom at 15. My parents were so disappointed in me as well. We share very much the same story. My parents gave me two options. Marry the father of my baby, or be sent away to a girls school, and give up the baby. I married her father, and after too many heartaches to mention, found the man of my dreams, too. I always say we would not be who we are today without the mistakes and lessons of our past. I'm so glad I found your blog! How do I subscribe via email? Thank you so much!!
  4. Thank you, Melissa, for sharing your story. It's nice to know we, as people (and women, especially), are more similar than dissimilar. Though my husband hasn't found me yet, as I have never been married, I know he's on his way. God is good, indeed. His grace is sufficient. And because He loves us so deeply, He provides our every need and fulfills our every desire. I am glad I truly know my heavenly Father today! May God continue to abundantly bless you, your family, your ministry, and those to whom you minister in this New Year and forever. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen!
  5. Hi Melissa, School isn't everything... don't worry. You are able to touch people's hearts for God and for good.... more than many PhDs can. You are a blessing to so many people all around the world. You are an inspiration. Love and blessings from Australia, Ann.
  6. My daughter got pregnant when she was 16 years old and the baby was born after she turned 17. She is now 20. She still does not know God and I am praying that she will. I love my 18 month granddaughter very much. Her name is Catalina. My heart was broken when she told me the news but I told myself that as tragic as it may seem now, in ten years I probably won't even think about it. My prayer is that she will come to have faith in JC and find a man who is faithful and responsible.
    1. Nancy, thank you for sharing your story. It's amazing how, when a child is born, we forget that we thought it was a mistake. Children are a gift from God. I'm so glad your daughter has such a loving a supportive mom! :)
  7. I came upon your website after doing a search regarding Proverbs 31. After reading the virtuous woman article and several of your other post in "From Chaos to Calm", I must say I was really moved by your personal testimony. I am still new to forming a closer relationship with God (I grew up in a Christian home but never really knew personally what it meant to be a Christian outside of my family). I am always thrilled to encounter other women of God and am striving to be a virtuous woman. Thanks for this wonderful website and I cannot wait to read more of your articles. Continue to be a blessing to all women :)
  8. Thank you for your blog. I just found it today. But it has helped me so much today. I have been married for 15 years or so, and we have two wonderful children, and one on the way. My life is far from perfect...I was raised in an alcoholic and drug users home. We yelled and fought all the time. I knew nothing about being a christian wife or mother. God has helped me through some very rough times. I am currently in remission for brain cancer for eight years now. God is so great. Some days I miss that. Thanks for everything.
    1. Renee, Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so glad that Jesus takes us right where we are at and picks us up! We can all have victory! I hope you will come and visit with me often! Thank you for your kind words. God bless you!
  9. had seen this just in time to know that even I can be encouraged to know that I could be a light in a dark place , I love it when God reminds us of things
  10. Hello Mellisa, Thanks lots for sharing your success story. I have a similar calling like ministry you are in now. Can we get in touch to discuss further how to go about it? Hoping to hear from you soon. many thanks Doris
  11. Hi, Melissa! I am Tita Wowie or Babes to some friends. Thanks for sharing your story. You are a courageous woman & indeed a virtuous one! Really,God is so awesome in working in our lives. I ,too, had some shares of unfaithfulness& doubts on Him but He worked (and still is) in my life so well I could have endless thanks. I was a grown woman when I had a difficult child, with autism,but with His love for me to pour on my child, I praise Him more because this child of mine graduated in college (BS.Marine Biology)and is now working with Path Fnd. as environmental educator. It is nice that we are bound by Christ' love to be virtuous women. Hope we can be friends & share God's works in us!
  12. i am also a mother of 2 at 24 with different Fathers at my age allready and it is out of wedlock ..i am inspired but your story and also need some encouragement as i am now a christian and have been approached by a Man of God who wants to marry me and loves my kids but i find it hard to believe and get negative at times
  13. Hi Melissa! I came across your website today for the first time...... it is nice to see that you are touching peoples lives with your testimony. Thank you for this inspiring website; a true christian listens and is obedient to God's calling and this is what you have done. Not only can we be a virtuous women but have to believe that we were made special for a special time like it is now. This young generation of today needs Godly women and Godly mothers. May God continue blessing you in many ways. God is with you! : )
  14. It was great meeting you this week. You did such an awesome job with the primary class. I love your website and your testimony is beautiful :) We will be in touch :)
    1. Hi Natasha! It was so nice to meet you! I hope to get to know you better. We enjoyed having your son in our class. Thank you for your kind words. God bless you. And do stay in touch!
  15. I stumbled across your blog when I saw a link to "Structure the Day for a Toddler". I was impressed that you added devotion and worship to schedule and wanted to see what else you've shared. You're a great example and so far I am loving your blog! Thanks for sharing!
    1. Hi Kimberly! So glad you found the schedule helpful. I do hope you'll come back often and hope we can get to know each other better. Thanks for visiting with me! God bless you!
  16. Hi Melissa. I was very moved by your testimony. Your story could have easily been mine. Thank you for sharing it and for what you are doing here. I came across your website doing a search for Proverbs 31. I'm unpacking the passage myself in part because I've been reading Dr. Tony Evans new book that he wrote with his daughter, Chrystal Evans Hurst called "Kingdom Woman." Their book's devotions are a blessing, too (kingdomwomanbook.com). I can't wait to explore your site even more. Blessings on you and thank you!!
  17. Hello Melissa, my name is Lisa. I truly enjoy this website. Inspiring and warms my heart. I share my story. I had my second child 3 months early and she was born 1 pound 5 ounces she has had between surgeries and procedures 20. we almost lost her 3 times. she has short gut. Most of her small intestines was removed at birth. This trial in my life caused damage to my first marriage. I am remarried now. i have 3 children - natural birth. Keisha was having complications and they had to take her then. But God is Good. He gave me strength to deal with the many decisions and the marriage. In all the marriage did not last. Keisha is now 20 years of age and going strong. Graduated from high school and finding herself and what she wants to do in life. i remarried and found a man of God minister of Music, sent by God and we work together to make music and share with the world. i pray to continue our talk. thank you for this page... Lisa -
  18. Hi, I'm also a Pastor's wife for almost 6 months now. I'm not new to ministry. I've been involved all my life, especially being a Pastor's daughter. I'm preparing myself to meet with the young married women from our membership. And I've been preparing them also with weekly assignments leading up to the date. In my effort researching additional info on "The Virtuous Woman" which is their last assignment, I discovered your site. I'm very delighted. I can't wait to share the treasures I've found. In addition, I will direct them to your website, so that can personally gain for themselves. Your testimony is powerful. May God continue to richly bless you, as you endeavor to bless, encourage, motivate, and uplift others! Thank you!
  19. the bible lead us to your website, it's nice that GOD is really with us..... all of us. may the almigthy always bless us with his wisdom.....
  20. How odd that I stumble upon this post?! I also had my son at 15 and now I have 5 children! Thanks for sharing!
  21. Thank you for sharing your testimony. I was blessed reading it. I have made mistakes in my life and I have felt for so long that God would not forgive me or love me. My earthly father does not show love, does not call, makes an awful image of true love. Anyway, I too have given my life over to Jesus (for real this time :0) ) and am learning to lean on Him and trust in Him. God Bless you and your loved ones. Thank you!
  22. I am so happy how you handle your pass mistake and use it for the Glory of God. I was a teenage Mom of a beautiful baby girl . However, with the support of family I was not branded and I was able to continue my education. Despite all the changes that occurs in my life I am still challenged by loneliness and trust issues. I know for sure that God will help me in his time but I do believe that by,speaking out one can developed better scoping skills as well as be a example for others. Thank you for your testimony.
  23. Hi Melissa, God bless you for your testimony. I love Proverbs 31 verses 10-31 where it explains how to be a virtuous woman of God. I have made many mistakes in the past too, but so glad God is a forgiving God and is there for us through the good times and the bad times. I am looking forward to exploring this website, and may God bless you.
  24. I am inspired by your story, I googled Proverbs 31 so I can understand it better. You ask why, I am married with three boys, I will share more at a later stage, but I feel there is need to guide men just as women are guided, so I was looking at Proverbs 31 so I can try and search on what men are expected to do. I believe more than 50% of divorces are caused by men's infidelity, so for my boys' sake, I am looking for guidance. God bless you Jill
  25. Hi Melissa! I am so moved by your story. Currently, i am doing research for a project ministry that I have wanted to do for so long. Although my story is quite different with yours but it really encouraged me even more that I have to pursue this dream or calling knowing that God can definitely use a person & change a person in the process (despite the mistakes one did in life) if she'd just allow Him to lead her life. God has led me to Proverbs 31 and as I was surfing the net, I came across your website with the article about "The 10 Virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman" which I can use as one of my references. Thank you so much for sharing this! :-) God bless you
  26. Thank you Melissa for being an inspiration. I too have suffered much of the shame you describe here and feel I am looking and praying so hard to be a better wife to my husband of seven years. I just didn't get off to a good start, but I want to do so much better. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words. God's blessing to you and your family.
    1. Hi Megan, shame can be debilitating. That's what Satan wants - for us to feel like we'll never be good enough or that we can't be forgiven. But there is always hope and Jesus is faithful with an everlasting love. I appreciate you leaving a comment and I hope you'll come again soon and visit with me so we can get to know each other better. Good for you for working toward a better today. God bless you!
      1. Thank you for the kind words. Yes, I want very much to be a less self-centered wife. It wasn't until recently that I really understood how much of an "agenda" I had that didn't necessarily fit with the rest of the family. I am opening my heart and praying that I can submit more and the funny thing is, the more I do, the better it feels. I loved your thoughts on The Heart of a Husband. I have been reading and studying this and I am finding it so helpful. Thank you!
  27. Hi Melissa what an inspiration you are. I to became a teenage mom. I married my baby girls daddy I was 19 yes old. Big mistake. Although I was blessed with my baby girl and then baby boy . At one time I thought oh my. I was so depressed my husband then was not devoted to the marriage. We divorced several yes later. Now my baby girl is all grown up with her own family now. My son went home to be with Jesus 3 yes ago. I am married with 3 more children. They all have families their own. The last one to be home is in highschool. They re all doing well. My blessings. And I have 5 grandchildren. God has been with me all the way. I have grown spiritual so much. No matter what with Jesus as being number 1 in our lives he makes all things good. Blessings to you and your family.
  28. Praise the Lord! I am OVER THE MOON excited to have come across your blog! I happened to see a pin on Pinterest about the planners you make- which i am ordering! And when I seen them i thought 'YES! Someone who took what my brain had and mastered Microsoft word/works/excel ect. and done it!' I was about ready for bed and now I am wide awake! HA! And as i explored your website and seen ALLLLL the things you offer and how you allow God to use you- it is amazing! Thank you! This is something that I have been searching for, something I need, and we all need as Christian women and I am thankful. I cant wait to sit down and comb through here and get favorites and tidbits, be encouraged, and engage with Christian women! (Sorry if there are men on here too) I always have a lot to say and love to chat- especially when it has to do with God! So i will talk to you soon! Have a blessed week!
  29. People like you inspire me a lot. U are a treasure and a great inspiration to me. I feel humbled by your humility in sharing your story because you want people to learn and be encouraged. God bless you real good. Joy Ebere from Nigeria
  30. I'm so moved by your testimony and the fact that you stand to share Truth. I'm glad and grateful. Glad to know you're a sister in our Lord and savior, Christ Jesus. So glad.
  31. I am 76 years old and I hate to admit that I spent most of my life feeling shame and guilt. It destroyed my witness and my life as a Christian mother. Don't let that rule your life. I can't know your circumstances, but I know that, accepting forgiveness is a tremendous and life changing decision. Until you accept God's love and plan of Salvation you cannot know it. reach out and take it, know it, It is simple, and Satan tries his best to make you believe that it isn't for you. Think of that he cripples thousands of wonderful people by shaming them into hiding from the blessings of God. Reach out, God is waiting, forgiveness is the most powerful gift God can bestow on you. The old Christian song, Love lifted me...believe it and live it. You will be a blessing and a light to others. Love In Christ. Elle
  32. God bless u for d wonderful testimony u shared,I just came across your blog today. I am a lady of late twenties who has made lot of mistakes in life. but I prayed that the Lord that has given you the grace to standout today will also perfect my own testimony indeed cos I seriously want to be a virtuous woman indeed.
  33. Hi, I'm Amandine from France. I'm just came accros your blog and...Be blessed. Many thanks for your testimonie and your support. God is able to restore any situation as soon as we go back to Him. God forgives. God is good. I had forget this.... Be blessed
  34. Hi Melissa, I just read your testimony for the first time. I love how real you story is and how far the Lord has brought you. Truly beautiful.
  35. I am Gloria from Nigeria but lives in Malaysia. I'm really blessed going through your writings here, your past exactly looks like mine but mine is worst. I thank God for using you to comfort me and to show me that I can still make it in life. I know now that God has not forsaken me and still has plans for me. May God endue you the more for His use- Amen.
  36. Reading your testimony hit so close to home for me! I had a baby at 15 and my life as a child was plagued with addiction and abuse and I felt tremendous guilt for my decisions. I wanted to break the chain of my family history but I only knew what I saw as a kid. Its been 10 years of struggling but I made HUGE changes and moved across the United States and through this process of trying to change a life for my kids I accepted Jesus in my heart and He has given us a new life, a new start and a new hope. I look forward to following you!
  37. Thank you for sharing your testimony. I too made the same mistakes as youi did but 4 different fathers for my 4 children and 1 failed marriage and now am remarried. I literally stumbles across your page in just the right moment. I have for months been struggling with my past mistakes and reading your testimony has given me faith that i too can be forgiven. Thank you so much for all you do. Stephanie.
  38. Excellent site. As a woman who has walked with our Lord for over 30 years, pastors wife, mom of 10, grandmother 4 (soon to be 5), home educator for over 25 years, minister, mentor, speaker and writer I would like to say your site is encouraging, informative and a great blessing to many. keep up the great work and thanks for all you do.
  39. I'm glad I came across your website. I got pregnant as soon as I graduated highschool and we tried to make it work for nine years and now two children later and we just couldn't. Now I'm left with so many questions and trying to find happiness, meaning, and moving on with my life without him. It's been almost a year since we split and it's still hard. All I can think is God brought him in to my life for a reason and now that I'm single I can focus on myself and becoming a better person for myself and my family and my future husband. I came across your printable on Pinterest on the 10 virtues of a proverbs 31 woman and now I can strive to be this type of woman. Thank you for your honesty and I can only hope to be as lucky as you and find the love of my life despite my past.
    1. Marie, I don't know what God has in store for you but you are on the right track. Never forget that God has a plan for your life! The Bible says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 I hope you'll visit with me again soon. God bless you!
  40. Hi Melissa, Thank you so much for being willing to share a little of your testimony. I am sure there is much more to your story, but God takes us on some amazing adventures, doesn't he? He walks us through the depths and holds us when we are on the highest mountains. I just read your post on the Proverbs 31 Woman, as I think it is a good goal that we should continually strive for. Thank you again for sharing, puts it in perspective for me. I will be praying for you and your ministry.
  41. Hi Melissa. Wanted to thank you for sharing your story. I started having children young as well. I married my children's father shortly after having them. We went through some very difficult times but God saved our marriage and blessed us with a beautiful baby girl soon after. I have 3 beautiful children and I am so deeply passionate about my journey with God. I want to be more for God and I feel that He is calling me into a higher place . Thank you so much for your blogg, just what I need to start a new part of my journey with God
  42. This blog is not only exactly what I was actually looking for, but it is also exactly what i truly needed to find right now..i am a somewhat newlywed and also a new mom. My son will be 1 the day after we celebrate our 2 yr anniversary..i have been struggling lately with feeling like I'm not being the wife and mom that God called me to be. And I've been doing some Proverbs 31 studying. That's what brought me here. Your 10 virtues post brought me to tears. As did your testimony. Thank you for sharing. God's timing is always on point huh.
  43. thank you for sharing your story, Melissa. i love how open and transparent you are. God's love is amazing and overflowing. <3 i love the song "Redeemed" and it fits perfectly. another song that came to mind is "You are More" by Tenth Avenue North. may God continue to bless you!
  44. Hi Melissa, I found your website today after doing a search on Prov 31. I read the virtues of the Proverbs woman and also listened to your podcast "How to encourage your husband". Really meaningful and so relevant. Read your testimony as well. Our God is the God of many chances. I've experienced that in my life in so many things! God bless you and I'll be reading all of your posts one by one :) Warm regards Kalai
  45. So glad that I found this site! Your testimony is quite powerful and one that I can relate to well in may ways: becoming a mother out of wedlock at 19, 23, and 31. I always wanted marriage, but something, God, kept telling me, not yet. It wasn't until after having endured years of abuse, did I change my atmosphere and removed the toxicity from my life. I have since met and married my husband and this time, God said it was right!! Amen! We have 9 children between us...and 2 together :0) God is good and I wouldn't change anything, even if given the chance.
  46. Thank you for giving me the hope I have been searching for the last three years {{{hugz}}} I was raped at 18 and had my beautiful baby girl at 19 after having been molested by my own father from the age of 6 until I finally moved to another state to be with my sweet husband (2nd marriage) . My mother forced me to give my daughter over to them in the guise of getting her put on my father's work health insurance. My mother made me lie in court the day I was forced under duress to sign Temporary Custody papers. My mother forced me to from that point on to call my own daughter little sister. So at that point I got really rebellious and moved in with several different men until I married one from school with whom I had a son. This man beat me and stole money from me to support his drug and alcohol habit. I finally got brave enough to divorce him. I once again moved back in with my parents. My mother then forced me to give my son back to my ex-husband as she and my father though he was demon possessed. I have not seen my son since he was 2 1/2 or my daughter since she was 12. My mother told both of them that I do not want them and that I had abandoned them when I left to be with my now husband to get the Medical and mental health care that I needed that they neglected to provide for me. You see I have Fibromyalgia, Ankylosing Spondylitis and now I am getting ready to be diagnosed with Parkinson's. Now my children hate me and want nothing to do with me, but I truly love them both very much and I pray for their safety and that they would come to know Christ as their Saviour. To add further pain, my parents disowned me when I left to get help. and now I am sitting here weeping because of all the suffering my father has gone through with the Ankylosing Spondylitis and Parkinson's pain dementia and yet is still without treatment for either. I now know all the physical pain he has been through and is going through as I am suffering with it myself now. He was also a 3 tour Viet Nam Veteran. I have forgiven him for what he did to me but it does not mean I condone. I have set up healthy boundaries but it just hurts knowing the suffering he is still going through.I have also forgiven my mother but it still hurts so bad I was robbed of raising my own two children.
    1. Karen, my heart breaks for your painful past. I am so grateful that we have a God who redeems the past and gives us hope for the future. Continue to pray everyday for your children. I'm so sorry you have suffered so much, but you have a story to tell. Share it with others so they may find Hope too! God bless you! P.S. You may want to read my recent post: Unlovable - http://avirtuouswoman.org/2014/11/09/when-you-feel-unlovable/
    2. Dear Karen my eyes could not stop tearing while I read your story. Your so much broken. One hope I can give you is that the God who created you and came down as human was totally broken physically and emotionally He is so much into suffering that he is able to understand every pain of every person on this planet earth. He is the one who is able to straighten every ill-knots in your life dear. Also can you watch this Christian movie -"The Encounter". It can strengthen you more. Love you dear. God bless you.
  47. I just want to let you know how much you blessed me. Your story is much like mine. You have given me hope and I thank you for being so transparent and sharing. I pray that God adds a special blessing to your life.
  48. What a beautiful story of redemption! Thank you for choosing life for you child....I know you know it was the right choice, but I know it had to have been a difficult choice at least at the time knowing all that was ahead of you in raising him etc. I love how God has allowed you to be an encouragement to others through this story of yours. Blessings to you!
  49. Thank you Melissa for sharing that. My daughter has had a beautiful baby son and her partner left her right at the beginning of the pregnancy. I was shaking with fear for both of them and prayed and prayed for a husband for her, someone decent and good. Baby grandson is now three and the right man seems to be on the scene for her. But it took ME a long time to accept that my daughter was in this situation. However, I worked hard on myself to acknowledge that the child was not responsible and in a way, neither was my daughter (she had thought the man would stay with her). Our relationship is still strained but each day, I try and do something positive.
    1. Stephanie, I know you are truly trying to accept your daughter's situation & it is full of emotions. I have watched this scenario unfold a few times & I wanted to share my two cents out of heartfelt hope that it may help your relationship. -- Your daughter knows her mistakes & is paying for them. If she is anything like me she has beaten herself up pretty bad about it. More likely than not for every negative thought you have, she has 5. There is a saying used by counselors.... "Be Kind to Yourself". It is important for you, her, & your grandson to forgive. Help her forgive herself. Jesus forgives & loves unconditionally. Let's follow his lead. :) Just as important Jesus has control. When you forgive: Take your hurt, shame, worry, disappointment, all of the negative & give it up to the Lord. If it tries to creep back in remind yourself that He is in control. Your job is simple, to love your daughter & grandson. Even her flaws.
  50. Hi Melissa, I am Sharita and I am so glad that I found this page. Just being honest I was searching for the wrong things in the wrong places. I am a wife and mother who strongly believes in Christ. However I was on the internet looking up the latest fashions and makeup tutorials. I also was wanting to soon start doing makeup videos on youtube. It sound simple and innocent but to me its not. Wanting to do all those thing kept my mind off of Christ. I noticed that I slowly began to be selfish and grieving the Holy Spirit. I said all of that to say I am glad that I found this website. Its something that can keeping me occupied but occupied in the righteousness of God. I still would like to do videos on make up and fashion but I want to do unto the Lord not for my self. #Hiswillnotmine Thank you for who you are and what you been through. Reading your testimony gave me hope today. These past couple of days I was highly disappointed in myself and just didn't think God had a plan for me but you helped me to realize if that God is so willing to help just as long as I allow him to. Thanks so much:) Sharita
  51. Melissa, thank you so much for sharing your story! It made me cry. My story is similar, although I'm not sure I am brave enough to share all of it just yet, if ever. Thank you for being so open. It definitely inspired me. You've gained a new reader. Can't wait to see what is next!
    1. Hi Lisa, it's hard to share your story sometimes, but when you're ready, it's freeing! God bless you and thanks for following along with me. I hope we can get to know each other better. :)
  52. Hello I read your testimony & it's wonderful ! God is so good, just curious did you ever finish high school or get GED after you had your baby?
  53. I'm always thankful to hear or read testimonies like yours. None of us would need God if we lived perfect lives. The bible tells us that he who has been forgiven of much loveth much! What a great blessing!
  54. I am needing a direction to begin putting my life together. Thank you for your direction that I saved on Pinterest some time ago & just looked at today. May God continue to use you to bless others..
  55. Hi Melissa, I too made many mistakes as a young girl. I was also 14 when I began doing things better left for a married woman. I thank God I never got pregnant with my first boyfriend. While I take responsibility for my actions, I've also realized that he coerced me into having sex too young. I have guilt tripped myself for so long over my mistakes, and am finally beginning to let go (and "let-God"). I still had my first child young, at 19, but Thank God with a different man. We now have 4 glorious children, two boys, 11 and 5, and two-month old twins, another boy and a girl. We still are engaged to be married, but we both have committed ourselves to each other and our family. Thank you for this post. I've always been so ashamed of my past choices, and finally understand I'm not alone. God bless.
  56. Dear Melissa, I am so thankful to God this morning that I could be led to your web site. First off as I read your testimony, I was reading my own. Fast forward 34 years and I am preparing to do a bible study with young mothers and wives and the Lord has given me the text of what I will use: Proverbs 31. I have ordered your book to use in the study. Just recently I had the opportunity to share my testimony with an unsaved lady; and her first very harsh words towards me about my situation of having children out of wedlock were words that awakened the shame and guilt that I buried when I was saved 28 years ago. I know God will use it for good and He has, but reading your testimony helped me not to feel alone in that and for that I am thankful. Aside from a very short marriage to my second daughter's father 28 years ago, God did not have me remarry. But, He has used me in the most amazing ways to serve Him and His people. And in these later years it is the young struggling Mom mostly new to faith that He has me working with and that is an unbelievable blessing! God Bless you and your Ministry. I have bookmarked it and will be returning to it regularly.
  57. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your story with us! I had two boys from two different fathers and have been married and divorced three times, and had a miscarriage when I was 16 before I gave my life to Christ just four years ago. Redeemed was the very first Christian song I heard and it was on the day that Christ came into my life. Mistakes don't define us, as we can see from your testimony! What may seem like our life going downhill can really be a blessing. What mattered in your situation was that you kept going and were faithful. I think you did the right and courageous thing by keeping that precious baby boy and working so hard! You would have regretting it had you done it differently. Mary, the mother of Jesus was likely TWELVE when she was betrothed to Joseph and had our Lord and Savior. Blessings happen in the most difficult circumstances! God bless you and all of your readers :)
  58. Thank you for that. I am encouraged that through your heart wrenching experience when you were younger, who God brought you to be! Those hard times definitely draw us closer to him. I'm blessed that you're blessed.
  59. Wow! What a powerful story. Thank you for sharing your story. I think so many times we/Christians are scared to share because people judge our past. But God forgives our sins: past, present & future. In the end, it all comes down to Him.
  60. I need a prayer I got my girlfriend pregnant out of wedlock, please as God to have mercy on me through Jesus
  61. Thank you so much for sharing this! I remember your sharing with me this story before when we lived nearer you all, but it was so much more meaningful to me now after some of the things that have happened in my life since then. It hit a lot closer home and gave me a lot of encouragement. Thank you.
  62. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and having this site. I'm 37 and just yesterday, recommitted my life to God. I've been away for 18 years and committed countless things I'm ashamed of. I've been looking for a way to get close to God again in these crazy, alienating times, and I think your site might fit that bill for devotions and such. I've struggled as a mom for 11 years now (my son is autistic and I left his DNA donor when he was 2, was single with him until I met my now-husband in 2012). Even with my 6 year old daughter who brings joy to everyone she's around, I still struggle to find joy in life because I'm so drained every day. In addition, my husband is law enforcement, so there is a lot of stress in our family--always, but even more so now. Thank you for helping me find peace in my journey to come back to Jesus.
  63. Hi! My Name is Ramona, I love your story. I to had a child at a young age but I was in the 11th grade and of course my mother was disappointed but she just told me I would have to take care of it. I remember being so ashamed and the looks I would get from people in general, but I made it through with the help of God, family and the man God sent to be my husband a pastor also. I found your blog by searching, how to start a women's ministry blog.
  64. Your story is all too familiar...I got pregnant at age 13 and again out of wedlock at age 24. I am now a Ph.D. chemist, business owner, and fiancee to a wonderful man of God who loves me and my sons. We are sharing our first kiss at the altar. It took some time but I finally got myself together. You have encouraged me to start sharing my story more often with other young women of faith :)

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