Don't Give Up

I have been in ministry for over 17 years now and a born again Christian for almost 19.  I still remember my first step into what would later become my vocation; not just my job but my life.  I had been counseling with the pastor of my grandmother’s church for several weeks. I was 18 years old and suffering from deep depression.  After several sessions he invited me to come to a Sunday morning worship service. I excitedly told my mom about the invitation and she agreed to come with me. When we arrived to church that beautiful Sunday morning I decided not to sit on the back row like many first time visitors do because I wanted the pastor to know I was there and I wanted him to see me. I found three available seats on the second row and me my mom and my sister all sat down.  The pastor  saw me sit down and he came over and hugged me. He introduced himself to my mom and my sister and I remember feeling like I was home. It was unlike any other church I had ever been to my entire life.