Amia's Path

By Paula M. Watson

Amia's Path is an inspirational story that explores one's journey through life. Raised up in the church, Amia knew that when she started her own family, she wanted to raise them up in the church as well. It's about how she went through life trying not to abandon her foundation. She eventually realized that he came first in her life no matter the situation or circumstance, and this was what helped to get her through.

Instilling those same principles and values in her children that she had learned growing up as she bounced from church to church and place to place became a challenge, but she stuck with what she knew. As she went through her journey, she wasn't trying to intentionally leave her past behind, but she was trying to find that balance. Little did she know there were people who were placed in her life who kept her from straying too far. They were a constant reminder of what she was used to, yet still, life took her away from what she had known.

She became complacent. Although somewhat content with where she was at any given stage in her life, she was constantly being reminded of her foundation. She always felt as though there was something more. Something was missing. She needed more than what she was used to but didn't know what it was or what to do.

Life happens. It happened to Amia. Although her life experiences had taken her away from the church, it was those same experiences that helped her to realize that no matter where she was or what she was doing, God was always there. She was trying to do everything herself, based on her own understanding. She realized that she needed God more than anything. What she didn't realize was that all she had to do was listen. She made changes in her life. Those changes put her in a better place, closer to God where she continued to work on her relationship with him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9781639617968

Book preview

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Amia's Path

Paula M. Watson

ISBN 978-1-63961-795-1 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63961-796-8 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Paula M. Watson

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1

That Day

Chapter 2

Family

Chapter 3

The Path

Chapter 4

Finding a Bit of Home

Chapter 5

Stateside

Chapter 6

Trouble Comes Standing Around

Chapter 7

That Feeling

Chapter 8

It's Not Always as It Seems

Chapter 9

Familiarity

Chapter 10

What's Going on Now?

Chapter 11

The Decision

Chapter 12

Reflection

Summary

About the Author

This book is dedicated to my mom who gave me the best gift that any mother could give, the knowledge of Jesus Christ. She taught me at an early age that I could not live in this world without him. She told me about getting on my knees and praying to God, my heavenly Father. Your love for family will forever be cherished. Thank you for keeping me grounded, raising me in the church, and surrounding me with love. It was your faith and teachings that kept me pushing forward, eager to learn and grow in the word. Yes, it was you who made sure we got up and out the door every Sunday morning. I thank you for those early teachings because they never left me.

To my brother who has always been encouraging and uplifting and who sets the example to follow, I thank you for being the strength in our family that we all so desperately needed. When our father left, I remember Mom telling you that you were the man of the house, and you graciously stepped into that role at such a young age. It was your support and guidance that helped me to get through. I'm sure that same support helped others as well. I listened and followed your leadership, which is a part of the foundation that has kept us all together as a family.

Mom taught us to work hard and that we could do anything in life that we put our minds to. I have come to realize that it was God who guided us and protected us throughout the years. Although as a family we all went our separate ways, those early teachings are instilled within. My hope is to pass down what I have learned over the years to my children because it would truly be a disservice if I do not. That core foundation, the church, is what I remember. Times may have changed, but God hasn't. He is the same God. We make mistakes and decisions that sometimes take us off our intended path, but it is our understanding of God and our personal relationship that keep us turning toward him in spite of. As we journey through life, know that he is there for us. As we go through those ups and downs, it can be hard and overwhelming. We do not always understand why things happen, but having a strong foundation can help you push through. Thank you, Mom, for planting that seed. And I thank God for you.

Introduction

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being (Gen. 2:7 NKJV). As Amia contemplated about what she had been through and where she currently was in her life, she could see God in every aspect of her life. He did not create us to leave us alone but to be a part of our lives, to teach us, to guide us, and to walk with us every day. He created us to serve him. It is that tiny whisper that tells us what to do, how to do it, which way to go, when to go, and how long to stay. It is that same whisper that speaks our truth. God has a plan for all our lives. That plan is revealed when we learn to listen. The road before us, and behind us, has God all over it. Sometimes his voice is oh so subtle yet loud and clear. We do what we do based on what we understand, but in reality, we sometimes make decisions based on our lack of understanding. When we learn to listen and abide by his Word, we stay on the path. Psalms 23:3–4 states, He restores my soul; he leadeth me in the path of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Amia grew up in the church, but it was around ninth grade that she decided that she wasn't going to attend as often. What she learned, however, up to that point, would stay with her. She thought she was okay because although she was not always physically present, she still prayed often and always tried to do the right thing. As she progressed through life, there was always someone or something to remind her of those early days and that she was not alone, but she did not know that. She was just living her life. Her life had its ups and downs, and it was during one of those downtimes that she found herself not knowing which way to turn. She was on an unfamiliar path, and she found herself questioning where she went wrong. A crossroad bought her to a place where she did not want to be. It was her decision that put her there. A decision that she would later regret. At the time, she knew what she had decided was wrong because it did not feel right in her spirit. She heard from God but wanted to do things her way for her own personal reasons, so she had to sit it in, live with her decision and the consequences that came with it. God knows what's going to happen in our lives before we