A Christian woman in a secular world

by Patti Merris
(Winter Garden, Fl)

About me...
I am a 50 year old married woman with one grown child. My husband and I live with and take care of my 91 year old father. We just moved from Tampa Florida to the Orlando area to be closer to family.

I am a fairly new Christian, who has always believed in Jesus but never took that "leap of faith" until this year. As I grow in my walk, I have had many set backs, but even more prayers answered. I would love to share this journey with you all.



Scripture(s):

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.-Psalm 143:8


Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.”- Psalm 1:1-2



My thoughts...
I would love to say that it happened in a flash of lightening and a clap of thunder, but the fact of the matter is that it took years of wickedness and humiliation to bring me to my knees and to the Lord. I, like so many others lived my life my way, believing that if what I did was consentual and hurt no one, it was ok. But, no drink or party or friend could fill the empty place inside of me. So, one fateful night, I lost my grip on what I thought was my life and fell on the cold tile of my bathroom, begging God for help.
The truth is, He had been waiting for me to come to Him. He is such a patient God. That night He lifted me off the floor, stood me on my feet and took my hand as we began our walk together. Now everyday is an adventure as I learn how to be a Christian in a Secular world.

One of the first things I had to learn was that if I wanted to walk with the Lord, I had to walk away from things and people that used to be a part of my world- to repent. It wasnt too hard to walk away from some of the people, because when you become a Christian they often walk away from you. It's like repellant perfume to the wicked. Old friends dont want you around them if you arent doing what they do and quite frankly, I didnt want to be around them. It's funny how drunk people arent as amusing to watch when you are sober! So, party invitations dwindled and that was ok. However, one person I couldnt walk away from was my husband.
God told me one night that I was to stay with my husband and the rewards would be great. My husband knew of my new commitment to Christ, but he wasnt quite in the game yet. I had to show him, not tell him, how faith not only changed my life but how it could change -our- life together as well. I needed him to see the change in me and he did. I believe in the old "show and tell" approach in bringing others to Jesus instead of "do as I say" it works and it worked on him.
We now substitute church events and classes for Happy Hour and tailgate parties and found the company of other Christians to be helpful in our walk. Jesus has become my best friend, the One I turn to with all my worries and questions, he is my personal consultant. Friends may come and go, but my God is forever faithful. I have trusted Him with my life and soul,and to Him I give my life.
My husband and I now walk as a team towards our reward promised by God. We know that there will be distractions and obstacles on this journey, but what a journey it is!


Questions if brought to my mind...
Why do people find it so much easier to accept us when we are bad than when we are good? When did honesty, love for one another and faith become negative personality traits?



My closing prayer...
Heavenly Father, I pray for all those who are worried and troubled as I was and dont know what to do next. I ask that you will let them know that you are with them, that you love them and that if they will seek you, their lives can change. I pray that you give me the opportunity to reach out to others with your Word- through my written words Father,as I continue to seek you.