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CHAPTER 7: A HOUSE THAT WAS NEVER HOME I grew up in the 90s — a time of innocence, struggle, and quiet prayers whispered in the night. I was raised by a single mother, a woman whose strength I only truly understood much later in life. We lived in a house that was never really ours. Not by ownership, and not even by belonging. It was a home miles away from what we called home. A place where we lived — but never settled. A family we stayed with — but never truly became part of. We were taken in, yes. But there was always a silent line drawn in the sand — a reminder that we were not “them.” That we were different. Dependent. Displaced. And as a child, I carried that weight. I remember watching other kids laugh freely in homes filled with warmth and their own blood. Meanwhile, I was trying to fit into a space that didn’t recognize my voice, my presence, or my pain. But even then — even in that lonely corner of existence — something beautiful was beginning to grow. My mother, despite all the odds stacked against her, made sure I went to Sunday school. She didn’t have much to offer in material wealth, but she gave me something greater: hope. Hope that God would one day visit our sorrow with joy. Hope that the God we sang about in church would rewrite the story of our home. Hope that the tears she tried to hide at night would one day be wiped away by His hand. In Sunday school, I found a kind of belonging I didn’t have at home. There, I was taught to sing. To pray. To believe. There, I heard about a Savior who didn’t reject anyone — especially not the broken. And I held on to that hope, even when life outside those walls said otherwise. Every time I saw my mother cry silently… Every time I was made to feel like a burden in the house we lived in… Every time I was reminded that we were not part of the “real family”… I whispered a quiet prayer: > “Lord, make this pain worth something. Turn our sorrow into songs of joy.” And He heard. Not immediately. Not in the way I expected. But in the perfect, redeeming way that only Jesus can respond. Because God doesn’t waste pain. He collects every tear. He remembers every prayer from a child trying to belong. Looking back, I now understand: That lonely season shaped my heart for ministry. That pain taught me how to recognize outcasts. That rejection gave me eyes to see the ones others overlook. And today, when I preach about God’s love — I’m not speaking theory. I’m speaking experience. Because I know what it’s like to live in a house that wasn’t home. I know what it’s like to be part of a family in name, but not in love. I know what it’s like to be the one who didn’t fit. But more than that — I know what it’s like to be picked by God. Chosen. Adopted. Welcomed into a Kingdom where nobody is ever “extra.” Where nobody is rejected because of their background. Where every tear, every ache, every prayer — is seen and heard. > “Even if my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” — Psalm 27:10 That verse became true for me. And now, I live not just as a survivor of childhood sorrow — but as a son of God, called and beloved. He took me from a house I never belonged… …to build me into a temple He would dwell in.

HEY SUWANEE – looking for a church where families grow stronger, friendships run deeper, and faith comes alive? 🙌 You belong here! 📍 Hi, we're Pastors Travis and Tina, and we’d love to personally invite you to experience a warm, welcoming church family right here in Suwanee. 👋 Join us this Sunday at 10am for uplifting worship, practical messages, and meaningful connections. At Grace & Purpose Church, we believe God’s grace brings freedom, and His purpose brings joy. Whether you're looking to grow spiritually, find encouragement, or simply connect with others in this season of life, there's a place for you here. 🏠♥️ Plus, if you have kids or grandkids, they’ll love our safe, engaging children’s program designed to make learning about God fun and memorable. 🎉 We can’t wait to meet you! Click the link below to plan your visit—see you Sunday at 10am! 👇 📍 We meet at Peachtree Ridge High School: 1555 Old Peachtree Rd. NW, Suwanee, GA 30024

Church isn’t just a place—it’s people. Whether you’re new to faith or looking for a fresh start, you’ll find a welcoming, authentic community right here in Greenville. ✔ Dynamic worship ✔ Encouraging messages ✔ Engaging kids & youth ministries ✔ A place to belong

Church isn’t just a place—it’s people. Whether you’re new to faith or looking for a fresh start, you’ll find a welcoming, authentic community right here in Greenville. ✔ Dynamic worship ✔ Encouraging messages ✔ Engaging kids & youth ministries ✔ A place to belong

🤩2025 is here ‼️ Let’s welcome this fresh start with gratitude 🙏🏽, hope, and excitement for what lies ahead. As the season of gift-exchanging 🎁, family gatherings 👨‍👩‍👦, and festive meals 🥩🍤winds down, remember the true meaning of the season ✝️. Reflect upon the love ♥️ of our Lord and reflect that love back onto someone else 😁. Let's step into the New Year with a made-up mind to be and do better spiritually 👐, mentally 🧠, emotionally 😩, physically 🏋🏼‍♀️, and in every other way imaginable. God is about to turn some things around this year❗️ Blessings are on their way‼️ Take care, beloveds ❤️. Happy New Year❗️ May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV) Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season from Mount Carmel, MBC, Dickinson, TX. ~Rev PL Stafford . Pastor, Rev Dr Lewis D little Sr and Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church invites you to join our weekly services in person or on Facebook Live. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Sunday school: 9:30 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 7 PM