Audry Rider: Friends for Life

As I sit down to write this, tears are already forming.  It is so reassuring and grounding when things line up in ways you never thought possible because there is a plan for us. The Commons Church is definitely an essential part of God’s plan for me.


In November 2009, I found the courage with the support of my family and friends to leave a destructive abusive situation.  They were there for me even after I had isolated myself from them over the years.  I had ping-ponged between atheist and agnostic.  Being surrounded with so much love from friends and family, I was starting to question the true existence of God again but still didn’t feel that certainty.


After my participation in a leadership workshop; on December 4, 2010 I broke through all of the hurt and darkness that kept me from seeing and forgiving, and I felt God’s presence surround me with love and He let me know He had been with me the whole time. My heart was full and open to receive love. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before in my life.  God placed some very loving people in front of me that listened to all my questions.  Then I was ready for that next step of finding a church.


The night before the first Sunday of the New Year 2011, I was sitting in the living room with my mom and sister.  Emily said, “Alright it is the New Year, where are we going to church tomorrow?” I remembered my Cousin Amy had mentioned a church that some dear friends of hers were starting in Fort Worth; so, we checked out the Commons Church website.  The vision of the church lined up with our visions in each of our lives.  Then we looked at the location; I believe my jaw dropped when we discovered it was half a mile from our house.  We knew this was a God thing, and we would be attending the next day.


When we arrived at Pastor Steve’s house, I think they were a little surprised to see us and definitely excited.  Everyone was all smiles and a little giggly including me.  After talking with Steve, I found a friend for life.  I love the people at Commons Church, and I have found many dear friends here.  The community groups are so casual yet intimate and truly a joy to be apart of each week.  I knew I was ready to be baptized and give my life to God.  Since then I have been pouring myself into the word and walking with God facing each struggle one at a time and praising all the many blessings in my life.


Commons Church is a huge blessing in my life.  Thank you for being common people with an uncommon goal.