i too grew up in a Christian home. i was baptized when i was 8, and have always believed. i'm 15 now, and things have changed ALOT. my parents, who once loved each other and were happy, pretty hate each other are getting a divorce. it has been a big challenge. things have been spiraling out of control since i was 12 when i first was depressed. then last year my mom told me about her and my dad not getting along. which brings us up to this point! i think satan is getting to me recently, trying to convince me i'm not saved. but i am saved by what he did for me on calvary! i have never stopped believing and have a desire for being a Christian so i am saved. my depression has recently gotten better (the zoloft has been working) and after seeing everything spiraling i just said " help me LORD, just do what u please with my life thats all i want" and in the morning, i think "God help me to be a good Christian" and he has helped me. of course i still struggle with some things, everyone does, but with God by my side no one can be against me!

Like many, I was raised in the fire and brimstone type of church as a child. I clearly remember getting "saved" because the preacher said I would burn in a lake of fire. Only reason I went was because my sister got save. And, I sure wasn't going to burn in that lake by myself.

However, I have always believed; However, turned my back on God during certain times in my life. It was after the birth of my daughter that I realized the God loved me like I loved my child. More important, as much as I loved my duaghter, God loved me more. And that is not an easy task because I love my daughter very very much.

When I thought God turned his back on me, it was the other way around. I was the one with my back turned. When I became willing, God gladly shined his light back on me.

I'd love to say, this was a happy ending; but it is not. Sadly, I've taken my will back and messed things up time and time again. Fortunately, God, just like a parent, is always there, waiting for me.

By no means is he a push over parent. There are times when I know I am doing wrong; and, I know, it's coming. He will close every door available to me in order to get my attention. Sometimes, God has to get you competley alone in order to do his best work.

I grew up in Church and Baptized at 11, and was told how to act and not to act until I got out of servere depression in 2004 I found a closer relationship with God without man telling me how to do this or that.

Well I am a christian and I do believe in GOD but cant find a way back to him, I need to find a church for my kids, to go and I will sent in sunday school for them, I still think I am mad at him, and I say Im not but sometimes it sneeks back in.

anger at God is easy. We like to think he is to blame for the messes in our life. But when I look at it it was me. Or it was another imperfect human. Obie, I hope your kids and you can find the right balance or education and faith. It is important for the youth to at least be educated. I thank my mom for that now. For introducing me, and having me baptised even as a baby. Once I was old enough to decide she didnt push anything on me. But thats when I started studying the different religions and chose for myself. Maybe you introducing your children will help you too.

I would have to say I have always believed, but the close personal relationship did not come until probably high school. I definitely believe the low times are when we are the closest to God. It is when we realize we need Him the most and call out to Him. I definitely know I wouldn't have gotten through my depression without Him.