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PLANO, Texas, Nov. 9, 2023
In the new White Chair Film released by global storytelling organization I Am Second, Canadian-born talent Meghan Patrick shares about her journey from hopelessness to fulfillment, including how unexpected friendships and a newfound faith directed her purpose.
Growing up, Patrick had a young, successful start in competitive snowboarding and an ever-developing interest in music. Following a sudden significant injury, her snowboarding vocation was halted. It was then that Patrick found a deepened comfort in music as she began to avidly play and sing, not knowing at the time that this would be the divinely inspired grassroots of her future career.
But before her move to “Music City,” Patrick found herself in the middle of a violently abusive relationship.
“It started as emotional abuse and then led to physical abuse,” Patrick shares. “I used to be the girl that said, ‘Oh I’ll never be that girl; I’ll never stay with a guy that abuses me.’ But when you’re in it, that person has taken a lot of time to make you feel like you’ve done something to deserve it. It was the loneliest time in my life.”
As the abuse got worse and worse, out of desperation and utter fear for her life, Patrick cried out to God in prayer, begging him to save her. And while she hadn’t grown up with faith — and didn’t know if God existed — she continued to pray.
“I felt so silly at first, [thinking], ‘What are you doing? Who are you talking to? There’s nobody there; nobody’s coming to save you.’ But I just kept doing it. I didn’t know what else to do,” says Patrick. “I [thought], ‘God, maybe it’s too late for me to talk to you; I know I never have before. Maybe I’m too far gone. Maybe I’m not worth your love, but God, I just want to feel like myself again. I just want to feel safe again. I want to get out of here, and just help me do that.’”
Patrick attributes her rescue to those answered prayers. Following a miserable night of violence, she called the police, and a divine conversation with a “God-sent” police officer ultimately helped her escape her situation.
Shortly thereafter, Patrick moved to Nashville, where God orchestrated several chance encounters, resulting in friendships with Nashville Artists Lainey Wilson and Kasey Tyndall. These friends showed her something different: authentic, Christ-inspired love. They encouraged Patrick in her talents, confidence and faith but also empowered her in ways she had never known before, ultimately compelling her to share her powerful story with others — specifically through her songs. In fact, the film highlights the context for Patrick’s testimony song, “Praying Right,” inspired by these faith-filled friends and her personal experience attending church with them for the very first time.
“I was really scared of judgment or that I wouldn’t be welcomed [in church].” Patrick explains. “And I’m happy to say that’s the complete opposite of what my experience has been. So, I wrote this song.”
Today, Patrick lives a life she could have never imagined. Beyond her vindication journey, the Christ-centered friendships formed and a divinely ordained career, the added elements in Patrick’s story (including her baptism and recent marriage to country music artist Mitchell Tenpenny) reveal just how full-circle her life has come, serving as an empowering message of hope for those in the darkest of circumstances.
For anyone who might be a victim of domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
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