For Debra Peek-Haynes, First Lady and wife of Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, senior pastor of Dallas megachurch Friendship West Baptist, ministry is a journey that started in her mother’s womb. She was born into a pastor’s home in New Jersey. While her father led the church, her mother was both first lady and a social worker. “I grew up in a home that was about ministry and aspiring to do the things you felt led to do,” she explains.
I was devastated that my chances of childbearing were suddenly not looking so good.
My fiancé Dennis, however, dismissed this news, replying that the doctors were not God. His reaction gave me hope and courage, so I sought a second opinion with a highly respected gynecologist who had helped countless women. However, he declared my chances of having children “very low.”
May is a very special month for me. Mothers are honored on Mother’s Day, and I celebrate my birthday on the first day of the month--that should answer any questions about how I got my name. I want to seize this opportunity to wish all mothers a very happy Mother’s Day and congratulate them on the difficult but rewarding role of raising children. For those single men raising children in place of their mother, all I can say is you are blessed. Keep up the good work.
