Ben McEachen | May 6th, 2021 10:55 AM

For the first time since her husband Carl Lentz was dropped in November as Hillsong NYC pastor for ‘moral failures’ – including having an affair – Laura Lentz has returned to social media.

Lentz drew comparisons with the palm trees she photographed and their “symbolic meaning” in this “season of my life”:

“They are strong, can weather the biggest storms, they always grow upwards. Freedom, righteousness, reward, resurrection just to name a few,” she wrote.

“I have taken time away from social media because it was not good for my soul, I have blocked and deleted more people and comments than I can count. Trolls are cowards, SOME ‘Christians’ are anything but kind, gracious, or loving … but that won’t stop me from growing upwards and getting stronger.”

Laura, Carl and their three children Ava, Charlie and Roman moved to Los Angeles following the public collapse of Lentz’s ministry. The Hillsong pastor who became internationally recognised for his guidance and friendship with celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Lentz has acknowledged mistakes he’s made and his wife Laura has stayed with him.

“I have learnt a lot about myself over the past few months,” Laura Lentz explained. “Now more than ever I know the kindness of God, his grace, forgiveness and strength.

“I have found true friendships – the ones who have been with me on the mountaintops are the same ones who are with me during my darkest valley!”

“I don’t want to judge others nor do I want to be judged.” – Laura Lentz

Laura Lentz added that she always will remember those who abandoned her family through the public scandal but wants to not let bitterness overpower her.

“I don’t want to judge others nor do I want to be judged,” she wrote.

“One thing a friend told me during this time is, ‘I would rather be accused of being too gracious toward someone, over being accused of judging someone too harshly.’

“I want to be known as a woman who sees the good in people and truly loves people unconditionally …”

In an email sent to church members late last year to announce Lentz’s dismissal, Hillsong Global Pastor Brian Houston said issues with Lentz’s leadership were not limited to his marital unfaithfulness.

“This action has been taken following ongoing discussions in relation to leadership issues and breaches of trust, plus a recent revelation of moral failures,” wrote Houston.

“In terminating his tenure, we in no way want to diminish the good work he did here.”