By Mickey Starling
Riverbend News
Mayo native Lou Matthews experienced a childhood far different from that of most people. By 11 years old, Matthews noticed that her father began having nothing to do with her. “He wouldn't even be around me and my mother was no better,” said Matthews, who believes the rejection started as a result of her becoming a Christian at the age of nine.
Matthews' parents followed their family custom of “marrying off” their daughters as quickly as possible. They arranged a marriage for Matthews when she was only 14 years old. “It was really more like slavery,” said Matthews, who remained in the marriage for over 38 years before filing for divorce. Being denied love throughout her childhood and marriage took an emotional toll on Matthews, who suffered from depression for many years. “The Holy Spirit has always come and strengthened me,” said Matthews. “He brings me through every time.”
Part of what led to Matthews' battle with depression was the inability to escape her past and forgive her parents and husband for their mistreatment. “I knew I had to forgive them to move on with my life,” said Matthews. Fortunately, an acquaintance took her to a prayer group that she began regularly attending. As the group became aware of her circumstances, they offered to pray for her. “On the day they were going to pray for me, I didn't want to go,” said Matthews. “But, I knew I would be set free if I did.” True to her expectations, Matthews sensed the depression lifting from her during the prayer. “That was when I was able to forgive those who had hurt me so badly,” said Matthews.
Some members of the prayer group are also part of Writers INK, which led Matthews to join the group almost two years ago. The freedom from depression that she experienced after receiving prayer inspired her to write about her life. “The group has helped me to become a better writer,” said Matthews. The speed with which she completed her first book is proof that she learned quickly from the group's advice. Matthews started her book, “Nowhere to go but to the Lord,” in April of 2019, and it was published in May of 2020.
Feeling the story wasn't quite finished, Matthews completed a follow-up book that details the experience of raising children in such an unusual environment. “Nowhere to go but to the Lord – Volume 2: The journey with My children” was published in August. A third bi-fictional autobiography will be completed near the end of the year.
Matthews has been a member of Midway Baptist Church, in Mayo, since 1990. She has taught VBS, senior adult classes and has served as the substitute piano player when needed.