A Song for Life
Regina spent her childhood and teenage years dreaming of performing professionally. Blessed with an amazing voice and superb acting skills, Regina chased that dream into college and into parenthood.
But a series of poor choices and bad relationships – influenced greatly by self-esteem issues – kept her dream out of reach.
“I’ve battled with self-esteem my whole life, probably caused by my childhood, weight issues and a pitiful set of teeth,” said Regina. “I’ve let myself be manipulated by people because I could never see myself the way God sees me.”
It was in the midst of pursuing a degree in theater and working with a local record company that Regina got pregnant.
“My weight was already a continuous battle and I felt pregnancy probably meant the end of a professional singing career,” said Regina. “After being abandoned by my son’s father and leaving the record label, I felt like I had wasted many precious years by making dead-end choices.”
But during one of the darkest points in her life, Regina found Grace Christian Fellowship Ministry (GCFM), where she now serves as administrative assistant and Director of Music.
“God has used GCFM to change my life. It was there that I first heard the living Word of God, applied it and stuck with it,” said Regina.
Heavily involved in her church and working a series of odd jobs, Regina constantly faced eviction and was barely surviving financially. Her church referred her to Gracewood and Regina and her 11-year-old son, Donovan, moved to Gracewood in July 2013. (A daughter, 15-year-old Christen, lives with her father, although she joins Regina for family dinners at Gracewood nearly every week.)
“I have truly never felt so genuinely loved,” said Regina. “It was my desire to do more, have more, and be more, and Gracewood is teaching me how to do that.”
Through everything that happened in her life, Regina never lost her love and pursuit of music. She has performed in numerous major productions across Houston including musicals at the Ensemble Theatre, and recently had the opportunity to perform with Grammy award-winning gospel singer Cynthia Clawson, something she called “a huge confidence booster.”
As part of her dream of a musical career, Regina always hoped to have her teeth fixed. But when a dentist estimated nearly 15 years ago that she needed $12,000 worth of work, Regina knew the chances were not good.
However, when a local dentist approached Gracewood late last year wanting to give a mom “her smile for Christmas,” the staff knew just the mom for the gift.
“When I walked in to meet him, I realized it was the exact same dentist I received the estimate from 15 years ago!” said Regina. “It was truly a miracle for me, a testament that God still wants to bless me with the desires of my heart.”
Regina is working hard at Gracewood to provide her son with consistency and structure as well as learning to be a better mom for both of her children. She has also once again started pursuing her college degree and is currently substitute teaching.
“I just love Regina and the way she exudes the love of the Lord in her life,” said Debbie Rippstein, Executive Director of Gracewood. “It is evident that God is doing big things, and it is a privilege to get to be a part of it and see Him at work. Thanks to Gracewood staff and the donors who’ve made Regina’s story possible, we will continue to do everything we can to help her accomplish her goals.”
