I was raised by a single mother of three who worked a lot, so I had to sort of fend for myself the majority of the time throughout my younger years. Growing up there was no affection, no bedtime stories, no nighttime tuck-ins, no sit-down coloring or game playing as a family. Throughout my life I really didn’t think about my leniency growing up and I always respected my mom for trying her best raising three children by herself. It wasn’t until last year (2024) that I found out my mother didn’t have affection, etc. growing up either so it made sense to me as to why I didn’t receive the same. God put people in my path when I needed them the most.
In my elementary school years, I recall only attending church when I was picked up by a Baptist Church van. I remember being baptized twice but didn’t fully understand that baptism was just a symbol of following Jesus Christ. I met my husband Russell when I was 13 when our rivalry schools consolidated. Throughout my teenage years, I made some bad choices. I was drinking and experimenting with drugs but ended up on the right path. I spent a lot of time with an elderly neighbor couple who sort of took me in and was a huge influence in my life.
The man who I referred to as my #2 daddy walked me down the aisle when I got married. I married my teenage crush in 1995. We had our first son in 1998 and our second son in 2001. In December of 2023, we welcomed our first grandson. Russell and I started attending church together in June of 1999 when our oldest son was about six months old.
After about 10 years in church and not learning much, we stepped away and started living in the world. Several years later, we began attending another church and started learning more. We began attending bible studies and helping out. We were introduced to Bikers for Christ in 2015. We patched in as members in 2017 and opened up Rushing Wind Church in 2021.
Bikers for Christ has been a blessing for both of us and we enjoy traveling and meeting other fellow believers and sharing God’s Word. I rededicated my life to Christ when I was 40. Without Jesus I don’t know where I’d be today. I’m still a work in progress as God works on me each day.
Russell, my husband of 29 years surprised me with this 2023 Breakout and I have really enjoyed it. I also have a 2001 Softail standard with a 95 big bore kit with a hyper-charger air cleaner that is a screamer. My husband chopped and bobbed that bike to fit my short legs. I have been riding my own bike since 2019. Indeed, anything is possible with God!
~ Belinda Blubaugh
Bikers for Christ
Upper Potomac Chapter, WV
