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Hi Reader!

This weekend, I stood on Deerfield Beach in South Florida.

This is where I grew up. This is where I surrendered my life to Jesus.

And honestly? I was a wild teenager.

I spent my teen years on that beach—partying day and night, sleeping in hotels, boats, friend's apartments, and even in my car. My family wasn't involved in church or really in my life at all.

So I went searching.

But here's what I want you to know...

Even in all that wandering, there was someone who never gave up on me. My old neighbor—the one who'd taken me to church as a little girl—happened to walk past me one late night on the pier.

She stopped. Said hello. And in that moment, I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time.

Pure love. Calm presence. God's reminder that I mattered.

That moment began a shift in my life. A series of events eventually led to one final moment where I knew I had to change or I'd end up dead or in jail.

I called that neighbor. Asked if she'd take me to church. And I walked down the aisle—beachy mini skirt, tie-dye accessories, peace signs and all—and surrendered.

I told God I'd made a mess of my life. But if he could help me clean things up, I was his.

Here's why I'm sharing this with you today.

Your teen might be wandering. Your child might be resistant. Defiant. Shutting you out.

But they still need you.

They need your steady presence. Your unconditional love. Your boundaries.

Even when it looks like they're pushing you away—especially then—they need to know you're not giving up on them.

That neighbor didn't lecture me. She didn't force anything. She just loved me. And when I was ready, she was there.

You're planting seeds every single day—even when you can't see them taking root.

One thing you can do this week:

Show up. Be present. Not perfect—just present.

Whether it's sitting quietly while they game, asking one genuine question about their day, or simply being in the same room.

Your presence is powerful. More than you know.

Here's to being there—even in the hard moments.

Your Friend,

P.S. Every time I go back to that beach, the pier looks completely different. The old hangout spots are gone. Everything's been made new.

Your teen's story isn't finished yet. Keep showing up. Keep loving them. You're making a difference.