Thank you for the kind nomination! I was told someone nominated me based on my desire to be an advocate for others based on my experiences.
God doesn’t waste pain. I can verify that wholeheartedly. My daughter went through a sexual assault, suicide attempt, self harm, eating disorder, and clinical depression by the age of 13.
Our family has walked a very difficult road. As she reaches her 18th birthday this month, I am reminded of Cru affiliate staff members like Dena Yohe, who wrote a book about hurting parents that really helped my journey.
I am also reminded of the Oneness in Diversity team, who fervently prayed for my daughter at our team meetings. I am reminded of my then leaders in finance who embraced me when I returned to headquarters after her hospital stay.
I have had so many people support me, including my team in Orlando, who have watched my daughter grow up and love her like their own family.
Now, I have the opportunity to tell parents going through hard times that there is HOPE.
God sees you. He hasn’t forgotten you. When it seems like there is no way – hold on.
My daughter stood up last week in her school’s chapel service to tell of how she abandoned her faith after feeling forsaken by God, only to have it come to life through the mentorship of her Bible teacher. I honestly thought many times I would never see that day. There were days when my own depression took me over. Our role is to walk alongside each other when it seems like there is no answer from God.
I thank Him that He gave me a passion for mental health, for parents who feel misunderstood, and for young people who need someone to believe FOR them until they can believe for themselves.
I am thankful for all the women in my life who continue to hold me up on my own hard days.
Happy International Women’s Day!
“She said, ‘Truly here I have seen him who looks after me'” ( Genesis 16:13 ).
Rebekah Kinard has been with Cru for 22 1/2 years. She is the Director of LDHR for US Capacity and a member of the Oneness in Diversity Team for the US. She is married to the head football coach at Innovation High School and has one daughter. She was born in England and proudly carries a green card. She grew up on Long Island, New York, and moved to Florida 23 years ago.
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在〈God Doesn’t Waste Pain〉中有 22 則留言
Thanks, Rebekah, for being so transparent and vulnerable and for reminding us of how faithful God is even in our darkest hour. You are such an amazing leader who creates a safe space for our team to be authentic with one another! I am so grateful to have been able to watch you continue to press on with hope when it would have been easy to give up! I so appreciate your willingness and courage to share in an effort to help others know they are not alone.
Kristie,
Thank you for your very generous words. I am so glad to serve alongside you and serve the Lord together.
Tearing up in between meetings reading this, “My daughter stood up last week in her school’s chapel service to tell of how she abandoned her faith after feeling forsaken by God, only to have it come to life through the mentorship of her Bible teacher. I honestly thought many times I would never see that day.” Praise God!
What courage and boldness of you, your daughter, and your husband. It reminds me of when the disciples were released (Acts 4, I believe) how they went to their friends immediately to pray and ask for boldness from the Lord, declaring that he is Sovereign.
Thank you for sharing, it’s an honor to be led by you!
Thanks for your encouragement, Jade! Appreciate you!
Thankful for you and your story! I’m blessed to serve alongside you!
Back at ya’, Holly! Thankful for you!
You live out what it can look like to hold the both/and tensions of “this is painful/difficult” and “but God.” I am grateful for you as a leader, mentor, and someone who stewards her own influence well. But mostly to call you friend. Your heart for people does not go unnoticed – especially by the Lord.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Lauren. It’s an honor to serve with you!
Thanks for commenting !
God is always watching and loving us in the midst of any situation… putting people in place to help us, sustain us, and preparing us to bless others with our experience.
Thank you so much!!!
thank you for the encouragement!
Thanks so much for sharing, Rebekah. I love your bravery and persistence in clinging on even in the desperate times. I’ve been a fan of yours for a while, but hearing some of the backstory of all that’s been going on really adds context. Wish her a Happy 18th from us!
(PS: did I know you were born in England??!)
Thanks so much, Paul! And yes! Cambridge born! 🙂
Grateful for your willingness to tell of your journey–and your daughter’s. Surely this will give hope to others
!!
Thanks so much, Judy. I have so appreciated your ministry from afar! It helped me many times!
Thank you for the vulnerability, Rebekah.
Thanks for reading, Adantsi!
Thanks for sharing your story, Rebekah! It touched my heart.
Appreciate you, Linda!
Thank you for sharing, Rebekah. Praying God continues to show you and Jordan His love through those He has put in your life for support.
Thank you for your words!
Powerful and very encouraging ! Thank you for sharing Rebekah