Growing up ... I coped with the challenges of a broken home. And to make matters worse, I had one of those "difficult step-fathers".
My step-father was so hard on me, that my mom would often be caught crying related to how he dealt with me.
Then I found refuge in having a personal relationship with God.
At a young age, I was fortunate to adapt my relationship with my father by loving and respecting him rather than rejecting or defying him.
Despite continued harsh discipline from my father, my older sisters along with my mom were continually amazed how I handled my "step-dad's" pressure.
God became more and more real to me as He taught me how to "love an unlovable person" and "respect someone who did not always deserve it"
Because of this experience, I have a strong appreciation for what God calls “GRACE”.