I'm a mother of three and dance fitness instructor who always eats things crust-first. I'm also a professional gospel teacher, but honestly, I don't fit many of the ideal church molds. I'm right there with you—I've wondered if there's really a place for me:

Divorced single mom. My ex-husband and his boyfriend are very involved in our family. Interfaith co-parenting. Lifelong mental illness warrior. Recovering food addict. Trauma survivor. Faith pushed to its breaking point, then pushed more. . . .

I've had to learn to not be afraid of sitting with painful or uncomfortable doctrines. Instead of feeling shame or doubt when life and the gospel seem irreconcilable, I've found ways to hold space for both.

By choosing to lean into the things that make me not fit the church mold, I've discovered how to use them to make the world a better place for God's children.

And I can help you to do the same.