pastor steven
carter interview
1.
The feeling of rejection, abandonment, and like emotions are more prevalent than many care to acknowledge. Many people, including myself at one point have learned to cope and manage their feelings. This may not always be a healthy choice. I believe this message resonates with such a diverse audience because the feeling of rejection is not isolated to a persons race, gender, geographic location or even their financial status, it is a common pain that often goes unaddressed. My book allow readers to privately understand what they are experiencing and how best to overcome it.
2.
I proudly and humbly serve the ministry where God has appointed me. I am most grateful of having enough faith to trust in God as he helped me come to grips with my childhood pains. I have discovered that when childhood pains go unaddressed, they always lead to adulthood perplexities. Being able to conquer these feelings of rejection has allowed me to become more positive towards others and forgive my biological parents. Let me also say, I am most appreciative of my parents who took me in and have done nothing but loved me from my sickness to my healing, from my pains to my purpose, from my insecurities to my confidence, and from my struggles to my strengths.
3.
Sometimes I ask myself the same question. The key has been having great support at the church with my assistant and other ministry leaders. I also seek advice from others such as Dr. Joe Ratliff, Dr. Ralph West, and other clergy and leaders whose schedules are busy but whose success continues to progress. It is not easy, and I am still learning. I have not mastered managing all of this, but to whom much is given, much is also required.
4.
I never imagined nor did I desire to. My greatest desire was to stay as far away from the subject of adoption or rejection as possible. To hear the word “adoption” “foster care” or any likes would simply remind me of thoughts that I did not
want to address. I thought if I could avoid the subject I would eventually avoid the pain. The truth was contrary, it was not until I begin to address my reality of being adopted and feeling rejected that I begin to experience genuine freedom. I had to realize that I could not fix what I was not willing to face. As a result of facing these negative feelings, I was able to see that what I perceived as a setback was really a divine set up for God to use me to help others. Now I am working with foster kids, adopted kids, people who are feeling rejected for various reasons, and the joy that I have in knowing that I am being used by God to offer hope to others is far greater than I could put in words.
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