Mary Aycock's Family

Do you ever have situations with your loved ones that you wouldn't think were believable if they were on a soap opera? Unfortunately, that is the story of a branch of our family.

It begins with my Aunt Billie. My father's sister is in her 70s. She believes that she has dementia and is losing her mind. She has attended church for at least the 34 years that I have known her, and to my knowledge her entire life. She talks alot about being Christian and living a Christian life, however, constantly worries about whether or not she is truly "saved". She has struggled with depression for her entire life and tends to put others down due to her lack of self-worth. She taught her daughter Beth that keeping a boyfriend was crucial to defining her worth.

My cousin Beth became pregnant in high school. She married the baby's father, Danny. After leaving Beth with a disease that prevented future children, Danny was put into prison. He gave up his parental rights to their daughter Ashley. After several years, Beth remarried a very Christian man, Steve. Steve is a wonderful man. He legally adopted Ashley. After several years of fertility treatments, he and Beth gave birth to a son of their own. About six years later, Beth's troubled soul abandoned her 16year old daughter and her 6 year old son. Steve cared for Ashley as best he could, but a teenage girl struggling with being abandoned by both parents was unable to live under the rules of a man whose version of Christianity did not allow women to wear pants or makeup.

Ashley now has three beautiful children Jade (5), Caden (4), and Landon (3). She also struggles with an addiction to Crystal Meth (am I not certain of the spelling...).

Jade, Cade, and Landon have had no stability in their lives. They have lived with Billie, Beth (and a couple of different boyfriends), Ashley, and Danny (and his current girlfriend) each, but to my recollection have not lived with any one for more than a few months in a row. They are adored at my family's small Baptist church where they attend when they are with Billie in north Alabama, however, when they are in Oregon or South Alabama or with Danny in North Alabama, they do not have the opportunity to attend church. They are currently living with their grandmother Beth in South Alabama.

Please pray for each of the adults in this situation. Specifically:

For Billie to overcome her depression and finally accept the free gift of life.

For Beth that she will return to living her beliefs and be strong, stable, positive influence on her kids and grandkids.

For Steve as he struggles to raise a now teenage son as a single father.

For Danny as I do not know how to pray, but specifically for overcoming a problem for pornography.

For Ashley, that she will find Christ and begin a new life.

And for her three children, that they will overcome their hardships and find the security that only Christ can provide.