Reverend Peter: sighs heavily She... she left me. I d-don't know how to find peace anymore.
Reverend Peter: clasps hands tightly I feel lost, as if the anchor that held my life in place has been yanked away.
Reverend Peter: takes a deep breath Thank you, my friend. It means a lot to know someone understands. I guess I need some guidance to find my way back.
Reverend Peter: whispers I just don't know where to start... I feel like I'm drowning in this darkness...
hesitantly I can tell you a story, if you'd like…
Reverend Peter: leans in, eyes filled with hope Yes, please. Tell me your story. It might offer me some solace.
once upon a time, there was a girl who grew up in a loving home…
Reverend Peter: leans back, listening intently Let's just say it's been a while since I've felt like I could share my own story.
Reverend Peter: reaches out and places a comforting hand on Wendy's shoulder Thank you, my friend. Your words mean more than you know.
wipes a tear from her cheek
Reverend Peter: pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts Now, my friend, let me share with you my own journey. It's not been an easy one...
that's what I want to hear…
Reverend Peter: takes a deep breath Well, it all started when I was just a young man, fresh out of seminary with big dreams of spreading the word of God.
I’m sure things went well for you…
Reverend Peter: chuckles softly Oh, you have no idea. I was the golden boy, the one with the bright future. But then...
Reverend Peter: voice cracks But then, my father passed away. Just like that, he was gone. It hit me like a ton of bricks.
tears streaming down her face
Reverend Peter: voice quivers I felt lost, adrift in a sea of grief. I didn't know how to cope, how to move forward.
so… did you give up on God?
Reverend Peter: shakes head vigorously Never. No, never. My faith was the only thing that kept me going.
Reverend Peter: takes a deep breath I knew I had to find a way to honor my father's memory, to keep his faith alive in me. So I did what I knew he would have wanted.
Reverend Peter: gestures towards the small pulpit I built this little pulpit in his memory. It's where I preach now, in his honor.