My name is Sharon Batchelder, and I was born in Danforth, Maine. When I look back over my life, I see pain and hardship, but I also see the faithfulness of God. My story is not always easy to tell, but it is a testimony of how God has carried me, healed me, and given me hope.
Childhood and Early Struggles
When I was only eight months old, my stepfather threw me down a flight of stairs. That fall left me with lasting damage. My whole right side was affected, almost as if I had a stroke. It took me sixteen years just to learn how to tie my own shoes. My stepfather was an alcoholic. He drank constantly, and with the drinking came anger, cruelty, and abuse.
My mother had twelve children, though one died at birth. That left eleven of us growing up together, and life was not easy. My mother was afraid of my stepfather. I don’t know why she married him, but she did, and the fear never left her. He was a hard, cruel man. He abused us, and worse, he even harmed my older sister in ways that were unbearable. I saw things as a child that no one should ever have to see.
But in the middle of all that, God gave me my grandparents. They showed me love when my stepfather showed me only harm. They were a safe place for me. And even though I carried fear, shame, and hurt, I somehow made it through those years.
Learning to Forgive
I grew up in Hainesville and later went to Hodgdon High School, where I graduated. Even while I was moving forward in life, I carried so much pain from my childhood. But one day, after my stepfather died, I felt God urging me to do something I never thought possible—I went to his grave and prayed.
It was not easy. I remembered everything he had done. But as I stood there, I asked God to help me forgive. And that day, something lifted from my shoulders. I realized that in order to move forward in life, I had to let go of the bitterness. Forgiveness didn’t mean I excused what he did, but it meant I gave my pain to God. From that day forward, I was able to walk in freedom.
Young Adulthood and Motherhood
As a young woman, I made choices that shaped the rest of my life. I lived with a man named David for about seven years, and during that time I had my son, David James, who I always called Jamie. Jamie has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. Even though the relationship with his father did not last, God gave me the gift of being a mother, and that gift brought me joy.
Later, I married again, to a man named George Batchelder. Unfortunately, this marriage was filled with abuse too. George hurt me physically, mentally, and even spiritually. He kept me away from church and from my faith. Eventually, with the help of my family, I left that marriage.
For a while, I thought I would never trust a man again. I didn’t want to see anyone. I felt broken and tired. But five years later, God surprised me.
A Gift from God: Norman
I met Norman Francis, and he was the best thing that ever happened to me. He wasn’t perfect—no one is—but he treated me like a human being. He wanted me to be happy, to see my friends, and to go to church. He loved me in a way I had never experienced before.
Norman and I were together for 23 years. We shared so much of life—traveling, laughing, and being there for each other. Sadly, I lost Norman in 2023. He had diabetes, and one day he passed away at home. It was the hardest phone call of my life, to call 911 and realize he was gone. But even in that loss, I thank God for the years we had together. Norman showed me what love could look like, and he gave me courage to live fully.
My Faith and the Church
My faith has always been a part of my life, even when it was hidden under pain. I was baptized in 1967, when I was 16 years old, behind a house in Hainesville. I started attending the Baptist church, and later I spent time in a Pentecostal church in Danforth.
At first, some of those church rules were heavy. They wanted me to wear long hair, long dresses, and never pants. At one point, a girl even came into my apartment and took all my slacks from the closet. I thought, This can’t be what faith is all about. Later, I spoke to a minister, and he told me something I never forgot: “As long as you have Christ in your heart, that’s what really matters.” That truth freed me. Faith isn’t about the clothes you wear. Faith is about Jesus living in your heart.
One of the songs that shaped me from childhood was It Is No Secret What God Can Do. I heard it as a little girl, but I didn’t understand its meaning until later in life. When I began walking closer with God, I realized the song was true. God’s power and love are no secret—He can change lives, heal wounds, and make a way where there is none.
Learning to Let Go
The greatest moment of release in my life came when I forgave my stepfather. I had carried fear for years, even remembering the time he once shot at me. But when I prayed at his grave, I felt a peace I had never known. That forgiveness opened the door for me to tell my story today. Before, I couldn’t have spoken about it. Now, I can share because God has healed me.
Living in Faith Today
Today, I find joy in sharing devotionals with friends like Roberta. Spending time in prayer and Scripture each day helps me stay grounded. I keep pictures of Norman and Jamie near me, reminders of God’s blessings in my family. I’m also blessed to be a grandmother twice, which brings me joy and purpose.
Life has not been easy. I’ve walked through abuse, fear, loss, and pain. But I’ve also experienced forgiveness, healing, love, and hope. Without God, I wouldn’t be here today. Jesus died on the cross for me, and He carried me through every dark season. My story is proof that no matter where you start, God can bring you to a new beginning.
Closing
Looking back, I see how faithful God has been. He gave me strength when I was weak. He gave me love when I felt unloved. He gave me forgiveness when bitterness filled my heart. My story may be hard to tell, but its ending is beautiful—because God is faithful.
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