The narcissistic Pastor
Episode 3: A Life on Hold
Ruth sat by the window, staring outside as the church members gathered for the weekly women’s fellowship. Laughter and chatter filled the air, but she was not allowed to be part of it.
Pastor Daniel had made it clear—she didn’t need to attend. “A pastor’s wife should not be mixing with just any woman in the church. You are above them,” he had said.
Above them? Ruth thought bitterly. If only they knew the truth.
She sighed and stood up, heading to the kitchen to start preparing lunch. It was the only thing she had control over in this house. As she diced vegetables, she heard the front door open.
Daniel walked in, removing his clerical collar. He was back earlier than expected.
“You’re quiet today,” he said, eyeing her.
Ruth forced a smile. “I was just preparing lunch.”
Daniel leaned against the counter. “You should be praying instead of wasting time in the kitchen. Have you even fasted this week?”
Ruth bit her lip. “I have.”
Daniel nodded approvingly. “Good. You are my wife, Ruth. You must be an example to others. They look up to you.”
She wanted to scream. Who looks up to me? I am not even allowed to talk to them! But she knew better than to argue.
That evening, Daniel announced he would be traveling for a three-day minister’s retreat. Ruth felt a strange sense of relief. Three days of peace.
But just before bed, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her close. “I hope you are not thinking of doing anything foolish while I’m away,” he said, his voice low.
Ruth swallowed. She knew exactly what he meant.
She simply nodded, waiting for him to finally let go.
As he slept beside her, Ruth stayed awake, staring at the ceiling.
Something inside her was changing.
And for the first time, she thought, What if I start living my own life?
Narcissistic Pastor
Episode 4: A Taste of Freedom
The morning after Pastor Daniel left for his retreat, Ruth woke up feeling something unfamiliar—light. The air in the house felt different without his presence. For the first time in a long while, she didn’t have to look over her shoulder.
She made herself a cup of tea and sat by the window, watching the world outside. The laughter of children playing on the street, the sound of neighbors chatting—it all felt so distant, like something she used to know.
Her phone buzzed.
Sister Grace: Mama, I know you might be busy, but I’d love to see you today. Just for a little chat.
Ruth hesitated. Daniel would never approve. But he wasn’t here.
After a long pause, she replied: “Okay.”
For the first time in years, she stepped out of the house alone, dressed simply in a flowing gown. As she walked to the small restaurant where she was meeting Sister Grace, her heart pounded. What if someone saw her? What if Daniel found out?
But as soon as she saw Grace’s warm smile, she relaxed.
“It’s been so long since we sat like this,” Grace said as they settled into their seats. “How are you?”
Ruth wanted to lie, to say she was fine. But for some reason, the words didn’t come.
Instead, her eyes welled up with tears.
Grace reached for her hand. “You don’t have to say anything. Just know that I’m here.”
For the first time in years, Ruth felt seen. Heard.
As they talked, a thought crossed her mind—this is what life should feel like.
When she returned home, she felt something stirring in her.
A desire for more.
A life beyond just being Pastor Daniel’s wife.
Follow me for more.
Next episode 5
