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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Aspired - Despair - Diapers - Praised (08/28/25)
Growing up in a small town in Illinois to parents of modest means, I had great dreams for my future. As a little girl, I admired one movie star in particular—Debbie Reynolds. I loved everything about her. The first movie I saw in which she starred was Singin’ in the Rain. I was eleven years old. From that day forward, I was going to be a movie star just like Debbie.

During playtime I would act out scenes from her movies, singing her songs and forcing my little sister to play along with me—much to her chagrin.

I was going to be the next Debbie Reynolds!

When I entered high school this dream never faded. I was more determined than ever to prove I was a good actress. I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to do this since I was actually a shy introvert. But “the stage was calling,” and I was going to answer the call.

Auditions opened for the junior play, Meet Me in St. Louis. I joined dozens of other kids hoping for a major role. For a brief moment I forgot my shyness and the dramatic side of me emerged. Much to my delight (and surprise), I was chosen for one of the major roles. I was ecstatic.

Opening night was the best night ever. My performance received rave reviews and many people praised my efforts.

I was on my way to stardom!

Naturally, when auditions opened for the senior play, I was the first to put my name on the list. This play was The Curious Savage, and again I was awarded one of the major roles. Again, people praised my efforts and said I “was a natural.”

After graduation I continued my acting career by joining our local theater group. Performing there felt like a step higher than high school drama. I was certain my career was about to take off as I aspired to greater dreams.

But…

Those dreams changed when I fell in love.

I never aspired to get married—at least not at the age of nineteen. I definitely never aspired to become a farmer’s wife. But that is exactly what happened in 1960 when Paul and I were married. My acting career took on a new look: that of being a wife, and eventually a mother. I had a starring role in my husband’s life, and soon a son would be added to the story.

My role included everything from milking cows to changing diapers—from feeling despair to being praised. But it was all worth it. I loved this new role.

But…

Things changed again in 1966 when my husband left the farm and we moved to Chicago, where he attended Bible college and Divinity School in preparation for ministry. I worked to provide for the family. I had no idea of the role I was about to step into, or what would be expected of me.

In 1974 we moved to Staten Island, NY, where we began our first ministry. I was a wife, a mom of three, and suddenly my role changed to that of “pastor’s wife.” I had NO idea what I was doing. There were no classes to prepare me. I was suddenly thrust into this role and expected to act perfectly—or so I thought.

The first few years were hard. I think I put too many expectations on myself. I wanted to be “perfect” in this role. It wasn’t just acting for me—it was my life. I aspired to leave behind a legacy that the church would be proud of. So I threw myself into everything: teaching women’s Bible classes, leading VBS, singing in the choir—you name it, I was there.

We stayed in that church for twenty-one years. When we left, I was humbled by how people praised my efforts as “their” pastor’s wife. They loved me for who I was to them.

Paul and I continue to minister together now, going on fifty-one years. I never fulfilled my dream of becoming a “movie star,” but my years of “acting” in the role of pastor’s wife have been the best years ever. I would say that I am a star—only with a different look.

A verse that means a lot to me is Psalm 37:4 “Be delighted with the Lord. Then he will give you all your heart’s desires.”

I may not be a movie star, but I’m experiencing my heart’s desire.

Story is non-fiction
Scripture from Living Bible
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Loni Bowden-Horn 
09/08/25
I loved this story.I wanted to be a star also even though I couldn't sing or dance.

I loved Debbie Reynolds in Tammie and I think my cousin was friends with her daughter if I'm not mistaken.

I was in South Pacific in High School but was put behind a lighted curtain.

But you are like a star? up in heaven. Shining Jesus's light and not hiding it under a bushel

Congratulations on your 51 years of marriage



Thank you