Tiffany’s Story
January 24, 2008 | T. Suzanne Eller, stories
Today I interview Tiffany Stuart. She talks about looking for love, an abortion she didn’t want, but had, and how God helped change this painful chapter in the story of her life.
Suzie: When you were in your early twenties, you said you abandoned your faith for a time. That’s interesting because there is a study out that says that 86% of twentysomethings leave their faith. What happened in your case?
Tiffany: My relationship with God grew stale in high school. I moved during my 9th grade summer to the desert away from my city and friends. My new friends weren’t believers, or if they were, I didn’t know it. So I had no accountability. No one asked me to youth group anymore. I didn’t really understand what I read in the Bible, and my family didn’t attend church.
So in my early twenties, I worked two jobs and started hanging out with my friends at nightclubs. Going to church after I partied on Saturday night just didn’t seem right. I didn’t want to be a hypocrite. I was either in or out. Out seemed like more fun.
Back then, my view of God was warped. I viewed Him as a punishing God if I didn’t do all the right things. I wasn’t exactly walking the holy road during those days. Who wants to run to an angry God who might say, “Shame on you”? Not me. So I walked away from my faith.
Suzie: What would you say to the twentysomething that is disillusioned with faith? Where do they turn when they have doubts or feel like they’ve failed?
Tiffany: I recommend being real with God. He can handle your mistakes, doubts, and questions. Pray and ask God to reveal the truth to you. Read the Word and ask Him to speak to you personally, right where you are. Stop and journal your thoughts about the verses you read. Be willing to mark up your Bible. Date it, highlight it, scribble notes in it. Mark the trial as you journey for answers. I enjoy the Psalms for honest prayers. I relate to David’s highs and lows.
I also recommend turning to a believer who they can be real with. Someone they trust who will not judge their questions, failures, or doubts. Someone who will pray and walk alongside them as they process what they believe. I never encourage walking through life alone. Not ever.
Suzie: You fell in love during that time and found out you were pregnant. What happened when you told him?
Tiffany: My boyfriend’s reaction devastated me. He told me he didn’t want a baby. He offered to pay for my abortion. He tried comforting me with, “I love you. Someday we can do it right. Get married, have babies.” That didn’t help. I really believed after a few days he’d snap out of his denial and accept my pregnancy.
Not.
Suzie: So, you were excited about the baby. Am I right? But you were also afraid. Where did you turn to for help or encouragement?
Tiffany: I was shocked because I was taking birth control pills. I told my closest friends and my parents right away. They were surprised but supportive. I was excited because I thought John would say, “Let’s get married.” And when he wasn’t on my side, I felt terrible.
Deep down the only support I wanted was John’s. I hurt knowing he didn’t approve. I felt like I was ruining his life.
Suzie: You didn’t want an abortion, but you made an appointment? Can you share why?
Read the rest of Tiffany’s story here.
Please join Tiffany and Suzie tomorrow for Part 2 of this interview.
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