Today, when the bullet fragments still embedded in my shoulder hit a nerve junction and pain shoots throughout parts of my body, often I have asked God, "Will you please remove this pain?" I know he can. Yet I am left with only a sense of knowing that "his grace is sufficient for me." With that grace comes the strength to endure the pain and keep on doing what I know God wants me to do.
I do not want to give anyone the impression that I think I am - in any way, shape or fashion – an apostle Paul! I am just trying to say that the bullet fragments are a constant reminder of the darkness I was redeemed from and the pain brings victory to me.
God answered the prayer of a sinner when I was at my lowest point and finally humbled myself enough to surrender my whole life to him. Then changes in my spiritual life exploded. He became my focus. My self-seeking ended. I came to realize that when we live only for ourselves, it is impossible to connect with the God the apostle Paul met. It is when we choose to live fully for the Lord -- that we discover what true living is all about. Everything else is just a counterfeit.
Peace at Last
Since then I have been convicted by his Spirit to help other people in need. God "recruited" me into his Kingdom, and now he has given me a chance to recruit others into his Kingdom. What a blessing it has been, to have such an eternal purpose! It has given me such joy and peace. God truly granted the desire of my heart - to have that void in my heart filled.
Upon my release from prison, I was escorted by police officers to "Peace at Last" ministry. From the moment I walked through the front door, I knew one way or the other, that I would be a servant with this ministry. Since graduating from their six-month discipleship training course, my life has been a wonderful spiritual journey, being filled with a spirit of forgiveness and love.
As of today, I have sought to heal and restore the fractured relationships of those I may have hurt from the past. I have made life-long friendships with my mentor and his family. I work in a loving Christian environment. I have recently been voted onto the Knoxville Clergy Task Force Board and completed my chaplaincy training for the Knoxville Family Justice Center. I have a wonderful dog, a Lab-Basset Hound mix named Hoagie, who brings joy to my life each day. The Lord continues to open avenues for me. I have been so blessed. I have purpose, and I have peace at last. I pray you find your place in God's Kingdom also. It is available, I assure you. Just knock on the door.
I would like to leave you with this thought:
Enough
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear bigger.
I wish you God's grace.
I pray he becomes your shield.
May God spread his blessings upon you, your family, and friends today and forever!
