In this week’s episode, I have the honor of chatting with Reese - a college-aged friend that I adore. She bravely shares her testimony - one that involves abuse by a coach, a “not guilty” jury decision and God’s faithfulness through it all. Reese wanted to come on and share her story so that parents see that an authentic faith is often born from life’s toughest struggles.

When I asked Reese’s mom about this journey, this was her text to me.

“My daughter’s journey reminds us that God can use even our worst fears and redeem them. We can’t protect our kids from their testimony. God always takes what the enemy intends for evil for good. Maybe even their very purpose. Trusting him with their growth and process and pain. We were the parents with such tight controls. No sleepovers. No phones until HS. No ipads. Locked down YouTube. My control can’t protect her from everything.”

My favorite part is when she shares a story of how God spoke directly to her during some of the hardest parts of her story. It gave me chills and also great comfort. It reminded me that no matter what our kids face - they will never be alone. I can either get swallowed up with fear and the “what if’s” of parenting or I can make the choice to lean into faith and trust God has them. He has them in the best of times and the worst.

I am so excited for you to hear from an 18-year-old with a solid and authentic faith that wasn’t born out of a perfect life. Her faith is hers, it’s tested and it’s remarkable.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Reese’s story of abuse
• Authentic faith birthed through hardest times
• How she experienced God so personally
• Rees’s encouragement for parents

Enjoy,

Courtney

00:00

Introduction and Background

02:01

Impacting Children's Faith

04:18

Overcoming Abuse and Finding Identity in Christ

08:47

Timeline and Legal Proceedings

17:06

Experiencing God through Visions and Dreams

19:28

The Table of the Lord

27:50

Encouragement for Parents

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Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

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Resources from today’s show:

Reese’s ministry - Abundant Grace

God Made All Of Me - recommended book for littles

Birds and Bees

Birds and Bees Episode

Untold - her favorite ministry in Africa

Ella’s purple dress from Amazon

Identity Simplified

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org