Abby Bates

In the Pastor's Study Abby Bates

In the Pastor's Study is a book of poetry that follows the course of the authors's journey into self-awareness. In her words: "Due to learning difficulties and struggles with her parents, I wasn't a top notch student. My high school teachers encouraged me to express myself through poetry. The administration at the private school I attended recommended that I transfer to public school, hoping that I would not feel the pressure to succeed. So, I transferred in the middle of my tenth grade year from private to public school. So, I transferred in the middle of my tenth grade year from private to public school. But I did not know how to put my thoughts and feelings into spoken words.
"In 1978 a new minister, Reverend Dent C. Davis III, became the pastor at the church I grew up in--Oak Forest Presbyterian.
"I connected with him immediately, very deeply at all levels, and he became my counselor. In the three and a half years that he counseled me, he helped me greatly to put feelings and words together, and I wrote many new poems. I had been "awakened" spiritually and emotionally.
"Reverend Davis moved to Tennessee in 1981. Over the next eighteen years, I saw four different counselors.
"Finally in 1998, I met the Reverends Anne and David Morgan and moved my church membership to New Hope Presbyterian Church. I knew I had come "full circle"--back to some real help. David became my counselor for the next twelve years.
"My poetry along with counseling has been my "saving grace" through the years. I've been able to dispel anger and many other confusing--for me--feelings.
"Asking for and receiving counseling is a sign of strength and courage and has helped me overcome and work through my weaknesses, feelings and fears."