“Okay.” I attempt to pull myself together even though the level of anger I’m feeling accelerates my breathing. “I know how to do this. I do this all the time. Actually, this is what I do. I make everything okay. I make it all normal when it’s not at all.” I take longer, slower breaths. “Prayer can be very powerful.” “I’m going to be eighteen in less than two months. I can handle it.” The pastor sighs. “That isn’t the right approach.” Now I’m back to mad. “No. This”—I gesture with my hand around the room—“isn’t the right approach. You and this church are not the right approach. Even when you’re
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