INTERVIEW WITH PATRICIA J. DOUCET

by Rita Prochazka and Deborah Malone

Questions by Rita:

Thank you so much for being here with us Patricia. Can you share a little of your testimony with our readers?

I was born into a Christian family with strict protestant church upbringing. We went to church twice on Sunday, Tuesday night Bible Study, Friday youth group, and Saturday night prayer. As young children, we fell asleep on the pews, under the pews, and were carried home by our parents. I always loved church and felt safe there. As a teenager, I rebelled against some church rules but eventually went to Bible college. As a little girl, while swinging my little legs from the pew, I dreamed of playing the piano and helping people.

My life was filled with many detours, wrong choices, feelings of rejection, and never being good enough. I often made poor decisions, missing God’s opportunities for me while getting into situations that were not best for me. It took a lifetime to realize this.

I married after Bible College graduation, and we had three children together. During those years, I suffered from anxiety and depression but loved being a wife and mother. I was a chronic people pleaser and wore myself out. I had three surgeries for thyroid cancer when my children were all under the age of 10.

I had many ministry roles at church throughout the years, including pianist. I worked as a bank teller, a funeral home organist, and a skincare and makeup consultant.

My marriage ended in divorce after 31 years, and I went into another marriage, which was a big mistake lasting only two years. I was a broken woman, turned to alcohol, and became suicidal. After hitting rock bottom, I felt God’s love for me like never before, as I turned to Him like I never had.

Today, I am married to a wonderful Christian man (5 years) who spoils me.

In your walk with God in this season of your life, what have you learned?

In this season of life, I am learning that it is not what I do so much as who I am that pleases the Lord. No matter how broken I was, God always loved me. My life has prepared me for ministry. He has given me now. I encourage women who feel like life has broken them, inspiring them to never give up. They are not too old, and it is not too late! God doesn’t give up on us. He can turn it all around for good. (Romans 8:28)

Questions by Deborah

What would be your advice to other “seasoned” women on ways to stay active in ministry?

I would encourage women who are “seasoned” (like me) to revisit their God-given dreams, perhaps placed in their hearts by God long ago. I’d tell them to keep going and that their life may have prepared them to minister at this stage. Don’t compare their journey with others; their experience and learned lessons are to be shared to help others. In addition, I’d tell them not to hide their talents and abilities but to offer them to God to use as He wants.

Patricia, can you tell us a little about your ministry?

During the last three or four years, I have taken online writing courses and speaking courses, and as a result my ministry these days involves speaking to women’s groups and writing. I have ministered to women online with Monday coffee chats, website blogs, emails, and playing piano.

What challenges have you had to overcome in this time of your “seasoned” life?

I still deal with imposter syndrome, lack of confidence at times, and thinking that perhaps it’s all been said and done already!

Contact info: website: http://www.patriciajdoucet.com; email: pat@patriciajdoucet.com; Instagram: @patriciajdoucet; Facebook: @PatriciaJDoucet; YouTube: @PatriciaJDoucet-Author-Speaker

Bio: Patricia J. Doucet is committed to encouraging women to pursue their God-given aspirations, regardless of detours, obstacles, and setbacks. She is empathetic to women in their struggles, and she shares her own experiences with clarity, compassion, and humor to inspire them to overcome and find wholeness. Her ministry, From Broken to Beloved, helps women take the next steps toward restoration and peace with courage and conviction.

Patricia graduated from Master’s College and Seminary in Ontario, Canada, and has served in various ministry roles throughout her life. These days, she connects with those she encourages through virtual Coffee Chats, blog posts, podcast appearances, and inspirational messages. She lives with her chef-musician husband in Nova Scotia and has two sons, a daughter, and a son-in-law, all of whom she cherishes.

She loves to start her day with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. She enjoys reading, walking, interior decorating, landscape painting, fashion, engaging in sincere and uplifting conversations, playing the piano, and taking scenic road trips. Spending quality time with her loved ones is important to her, and she strongly believes in the value of authentic and honest relationships. Patricia’s journey of resilience and perseverance is a testament to God’s faithfulness, grace, mercy, and love.