tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post7473747764941998213..comments2023-10-30T07:34:49.823-07:00Comments on The Recovering Preachers Kid: 8 things Christians should stop doing right now! Nikki Leontihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012750979265846909noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-26131220232152049722018-02-24T20:25:27.025-08:002018-02-24T20:25:27.025-08:00I am glad I found this blog. I found a site with y...I am glad I found this blog. I found a site with your early music on it and I was wondering if it was worth listening to and then I realized who it was because I watch a lot of those talent shows. It is refreshing to hear someone open up regarding their story in such an honest way. It demonstrates to me that God is indeed working in your life. I, of course, had questions about what your story was when I heard only a tidbit of what was revealed on TV. I never know what to think about these things unless I know more details. Now reading your blog I understand your story more. You were in a bad relationship with someone who does not seem like they were a believer from what you were describing. I get it and I think you get the mistakes you made. I could talk about some of the mistakes I have made and I wonder what kind of response I would get, to be honest. Thank God for his grace, right?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01399442046717069607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-54946544294884762442017-03-29T07:14:14.976-07:002017-03-29T07:14:14.976-07:00Nikki,
As a Christian, you are not perfect on y...Nikki,<br /><br /> As a Christian, you are not perfect on your own, but perfected through the blood of Jesus. Once you gave your life to Him, you were forever a daughter of the most high God. I read how you have been healing - I pray that you receive freedom from the hurt of the "Christian" community who dropped you all those years ago. Continue to lean into your Father's arms and He will guide your steps from here on out. I also pray for God's protective covering over you, your children and your stand-up husband, for taking you as you are. May God bless each of you and may he continue to shine through you.Charles Lairdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04543689858081820001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-13121355960971755802016-12-24T06:41:15.257-08:002016-12-24T06:41:15.257-08:00You are a gift from God.
Thank you for sharing you...You are a gift from God.<br />Thank you for sharing your life with us.<br />TAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12510009079873082756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-60346306568915531702016-12-21T16:27:58.807-08:002016-12-21T16:27:58.807-08:00spot on nikki. loved you and your family on agt. s...spot on nikki. loved you and your family on agt. so sorry you had to deal with such ignorance.keep the faith,amyamy brumerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05313490173499055554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-27639988588165571382016-08-25T19:54:00.035-07:002016-08-25T19:54:00.035-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Jumpndunk42https://www.blogger.com/profile/01948195566332101133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-57867144780945446582016-08-25T19:53:48.736-07:002016-08-25T19:53:48.736-07:00I wish you and your family the best! We have all f...I wish you and your family the best! We have all fallen short of the glory of God, but thank God for CHRIST and his saving grace! You and your family do and can continue to exemplify this!! For example-David Boudia the USA divers who always glorified God on NBC but didn't shove it down the publics throat. Good luck! Jumpndunk42https://www.blogger.com/profile/01948195566332101133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-17962334626686447232016-08-24T12:09:03.712-07:002016-08-24T12:09:03.712-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Mike morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13797628597269752145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-21127183516760342242016-08-24T12:07:01.765-07:002016-08-24T12:07:01.765-07:00As a Christian who has made a life changing King D...As a Christian who has made a life changing King David kind of mistake myself, your story touched me deeply. Yes, there are religious people that judge, but I know that I've been forgiven, not only by God, but by my church family and my natural family. Pray for me and I'll pray for you. It's what we do. Mike morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13797628597269752145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-66913208494355511712016-08-24T04:06:50.450-07:002016-08-24T04:06:50.450-07:00I just researched you after hearing your story on ...I just researched you after hearing your story on America's Got Talent and found your album from 1998 the year I gave my life to Jesus. I remember your songs...they were part of my introduction to Christian music...I did want to come along to an everlasting place. I am so sorry you suffered at the hands of Pharisees but what they meant for harm God has used for good. I look forward to hearing from you more in the future.Bruce Douglass Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05843009861440881504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-48985349578319857612016-08-18T14:22:30.749-07:002016-08-18T14:22:30.749-07:00You were my favorite singer as a little kid in the...You were my favorite singer as a little kid in the 90s! I named one of my Barbies after you. Haha! My little sister and I listened to your albums all the time and even met you when you came to sing at a nearby church. We were reminiscing today about all the old Christian artists and bands we used to love and we wondered what you were up to these days. We used trusty Google and I quickly realized I had just seen you on America's Got Talent! I didn't even realize it was you so I'm in awe right now! You and your family sounded amazing! It seems as if you have been very busy and doing lots of awesome things. Keep up the great work! I loved your post as well. As Christians we are supposed to lift each other up, not be overly legalistic, pushy, and judgey. I'm so sorry there are people like that acting in God's name. It is not their place whatsoever! I wish you the best and thought it would be nice for you to hear from a childhood fangirl! :)Rachel Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12789889576662537221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-31989374155858546302016-08-04T12:52:52.035-07:002016-08-04T12:52:52.035-07:00Nikki, I'm a Christian and a music producer ba...Nikki, I'm a Christian and a music producer based in memphis, tn. I knew who you were because I had your first album. However, I did not know your testimony. It pains me to see Christians kicking other Christians when they are down. Of course, I am aware of how the ccm industry kicked Michael English, Sandy Patti and a couple others I know basically out of the industry. Forget the industry...they basically helped destroy their ministries. Admittedly, their sin started the ball rolling but Christians are supposed to jump in and war with Christians who fall. Lift them up not tear them the rest of the way down. Nikki, I still feel the anointing on you. I felt it on Americas Got Talent. Not only did you and your families talents blow everyone away... but your anointing touched souls in that audience. <br /><br />In Christ Alone,<br />Joey Anderson<br />www.joeyanderson.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-55499915958752928162016-07-24T05:17:29.894-07:002016-07-24T05:17:29.894-07:00The first I heard you sing years ago I knew you we...The first I heard you sing years ago I knew you were a catalyst (such good change!) in God's hand!<br />Welcome to more joy, and lotsa love!!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16930441457346898100noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-63989745126788627492016-07-14T18:08:39.931-07:002016-07-14T18:08:39.931-07:00Wow. Nicely said.Wow. Nicely said.ashipmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00151260738687422944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-62221270937194791512016-07-14T14:10:45.474-07:002016-07-14T14:10:45.474-07:00Love, love, love, LOVE!!!! I grew up a pk in the &...Love, love, love, LOVE!!!! I grew up a pk in the "no secular music, long dresses on the platform required" era. We've come a long ways baby!!! My husband and I are working in full-time ministry that *gasp* ISN'T within the walls of the church. But it's changing lives with kind words and practical help day in and day out. And because we never make it to Wednesday night church and sometimes Sunday mornings, there's been judgement. Questions. I'm thankful for parents and in-laws (all pastors) that are so supportive of us and the path we've chosen. We feel so close in our hearts to God, and have given up defending our choices and what we feel is our calling. I find myself becoming infuriated with comments and snide remarks and practically biting my tongue in half to not respond to people with their stupid questions, which, just as you pointed out, are none of their business. We have accountability and mentors and have chosen to keep those people close to us and out of the public eye for various reasons. Mostly so they aren't subjected to questions and comments. <br /><br />Thank you for your candor and sharing such practical truths. THESE are the things that need to go viral. No more hate speak. No more taking sides. No more judgment. God does indeed love the poor, the ugly, the messes, the gay people, the hateful people, the racists and the unloving and unlovable. (I'm probably leading the parade of the the mess and unlovable group haha) <br /><br />Your honesty is amazing. And I'm soooooo rooting for you and your fam. Keep doing what's right for YOU guys and block out the noise. Diary Of A Blabber Mouthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14951742507582747947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-7620755492079646292016-07-13T12:25:56.330-07:002016-07-13T12:25:56.330-07:00I totally agree with your ideas about what Christi...I totally agree with your ideas about what Christians should stop doing! When I saw you on AGT, I recognized your face and your voice, but I couldn't quite remember where from. Now, I realize that I had your "Shelter Me" CD as a teen! I am a year older than you =) I, too, grew up in a super-Christian culture. After college, I found my own way. I stopped over-committing myself to church, and I found a balance in my life. I still consider myself a Christian, but no longer feel the need to justify my life to anyone else. I spend time mostly focusing on my marriage and career, which is how I honor God. I got sick of the buzz-words: "equally-yoked", "Sold Out", "backsliding", "on-fire", "Born-again", etc. A real Christian's life is so much more than a cliche. I am so glad that you finally found happiness! This 90's Christian culture pressured young people to get married to either fix a "sin" or to keep themselves pure...it was better to marry young than risk a sinful relationship. Over the years, I have seen many of these young marriages end in divorce. Instead of focusing on only purity, young people need to understand how to establish themselves as adults, establish a career, and choose a partner wisely. There are many other strategies to choose a partner other than "pray about it" and "ask God to reveal the perfect person." I wish you luck with America's Got Talent! I hope your family wins, and if you do not win, at least you have more exposure that may lead to another opportunity.Liannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02018775164726146330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-81193057431099893662016-07-13T04:24:23.564-07:002016-07-13T04:24:23.564-07:00Nikki - I remember you visiting to do a concert in...Nikki - I remember you visiting to do a concert in my hometown and playing your CD non-stop growing up. I have always loved your voice and always appreciated your down-to-earth vibe you gave. I am thrilled to see your blog <3 Candacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16832709464105778091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-9533432803701868392016-07-12T20:05:50.455-07:002016-07-12T20:05:50.455-07:00Nikki, unfortunately I was fairly new to Christian...Nikki, unfortunately I was fairly new to Christian music during the time your career was taking off in the late nineties and somehow missed your music. I was in seminary at that time and was still into rock music (I haven't changed that much since!). I caught Edgar's cover of Let It Be tonight and love it. I Googled you and read your story and found the blog site. I've been a pastor now for over 15 years, and sometimes "Christians" astound me by the sense of self-righteousness they can show to others. I applaud you, young lady, for the courage and stamina you undoubtedly have to maintain your faith through the trials you have faced. How I wish I had known you then so I could have prayed for you and supported you. I am sorry people were so cruel to you and your family. That is not what Christ is about. Know you and your husband and your beautiful daughter are in my prayers and you have all my votes in the competition. Keep the faith and rock on.RevGeneShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08126461830348996989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-81153130980580436162016-06-27T21:19:20.999-07:002016-06-27T21:19:20.999-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Happy Eating!! ~ Chef Amy https://www.blogger.com/profile/18033176957313610264noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-64687225517046362602016-06-24T21:14:27.268-07:002016-06-24T21:14:27.268-07:00YES!🙏🙌👏YES!🙏🙌👏Karen Darwinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15292112133196628014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-33168046432114008902016-06-23T16:41:51.773-07:002016-06-23T16:41:51.773-07:00Such good stuff. Wholeheartedly agree!Such good stuff. Wholeheartedly agree!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11251895175445962471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-20166603374802263072016-06-23T16:41:42.098-07:002016-06-23T16:41:42.098-07:00Such good stuff. Wholeheartedly agree!Such good stuff. Wholeheartedly agree!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11251895175445962471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-76698412536785866422016-06-23T16:06:43.621-07:002016-06-23T16:06:43.621-07:00You definitely hit the mark my friend. You are in ...You definitely hit the mark my friend. You are in your sweet spot and His Love Light shines thru you with His word pictures of encouragement and truth. The words to an old hymn keep going thru my mind...<br />Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet Heavenly Dove. Stay right here with us, filling us with your love. And for these blessings, we lift our hearts in praise. Without a doubt we'll know, that we have been redeemed, when we shall leave this place.<br /><br />God is using you, big time to show His unconditional, no strings attached, come as you are, broken into beautiful LOVE. It looks good on you. Love you.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13582272022954348246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-79948269905298716282016-06-23T15:50:19.240-07:002016-06-23T15:50:19.240-07:00YES YES AND MORE YES!! God is LOVE. Period! YES YES AND MORE YES!! God is LOVE. Period! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16956175022069392617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-31235548277931216032016-06-23T14:44:29.907-07:002016-06-23T14:44:29.907-07:00Nikki. I really really really applaud you. Thank y...Nikki. I really really really applaud you. Thank you for being you and writing this.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04035879973187807052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3811414634370125091.post-32933170153898131152016-06-23T14:42:50.195-07:002016-06-23T14:42:50.195-07:00Well said, Nikki! I am a recovering Pharisee who i...Well said, Nikki! I am a recovering Pharisee who is enamored by the Grace of God. As the kid of a teen mom, I did my darndest to be the poster child of holiness. I was 31 when I married my equally virgin wife and am thankful to have 3 girls within God's covenant. I know that is not the norm and am thankful for Him keeping me, because there were many times I did not want to be kept.<br /><br />As a youth pastor, I tried to encourage those under my care to stay pure as well. Most of them who did not were well into their late teens/early 20s before having their child out of wedlock. My heart always break for those situations because I was that kid and know what it is not to have that father figure in my life. Yes, I had my brothers' dad for some support and being raised by my grandparents gave me the testimony I have. I recently reached out to my birth father last year and discovered I have 3 more brothers in addition to the 3 I grew up with. Other than my paternal aunt and some cousins on facebook, I still don't have a relationship with them.<br /><br />I'm amazed at God's grace and am thankful on how He's using you to show the world how good He is. Your children are a beautiful gift of God and as my mother had to stand up in front of the Church and "apologize", God turned what the enemy meant for evil to be a blessing! The wild thing is that all of us born of my mother are in some sort of ministry. Take that, devil!<br /><br />Love and appreciate you, Nikki! Praying Edgar goes far!Dion R.https://www.blogger.com/profile/06464002757702642886noreply@blogger.com