Why I’m passionate about serving teen parents
Posted on Monday, May 9, 2016 by
By Ashley Robinson, Parent Life Coordinator
Since I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a part of a family. Growing up, my mom was a single mom and worked a lot in order to provide for us kids (my younger brother and I).
My junior year of high school, my boyfriend and I decided that we would make our own family and tried for a year to get pregnant. Once senior year came, however, things changed and I decided that I didn't want to get pregnant anymore. My boyfriend and I weren’t doing well, I was playing sports, getting out of the gang affiliated life, and things seemed like they were going in the right direction. But just as I decided not to get pregnant, I got pregnant! Devastated, but also cheerful that I'd have a family, I decided to keep my baby and now 7-year-old son.
My boyfriend, who is my sons father, and I split up after several chaotic turns of events including domestic violence. I was working graveyard shifts, taking care of my son during the day, and just felt overwhelmed. I asked my mom to help with my son and she said that she would. The next day she had me meet her at a lawyer’s office and I gave her what I thought was temporary custody. In reality, she ended up with permanent full custody. I cried my eyes out at the office that day because I just knew I needed help and I had just lost my son.
My life spiraled downhill from there and I got into using and selling drugs. I barely saw my son and I ran away from all my troubles including legal, parental, and employment.
I then found Jesus and became a follower of Him. It was a pretty drastic change. Almost instantaneously I dropped the drugs, got my act together, and of course pursued getting my son back. My mom fought me hard and I had to get a lawyer and go through months of court obligations in order to get custody of my son.
Today, he has been living with me for almost 3 years. This ministry, Youth For Christ and Parent Life specifically, has been a redeeming story and a true "love tap" from God encouraging me that I have not failed as a mother.
The reality is, however, that there are many mothers out there who feel like I did and don’t have someone to help walk through life with them. They don’t know the redeeming love of Christ like I do now!
My passion comes from my story. I desire to support young mothers in practical ways because I want them to feel encouraged and supported. I want them to continue to press towards their goals and experience joy when they raise their kids. Although having kids is hard, at any age, it can be an enjoyable and positive experience. This is what I hope to pour out to our young ladies throughout Pierce County through our Tacoma YFC - Parent Life ministry.
Ashley Robinson serves as our Parent Life Coordinator. If you would like to get in touch with her or learn more about Parent Life, email her by clicking below.