I was born in New Orleans, but most of my raising was in Sylacauga, a small rural town in central Alabama. My father was the pastor of a church there. My brother and I were raised in a home that had strong Christian values. Even though being a PK usually stereotypes a “wild one”, my past was the opposite. I didn’t smoke, didn’t drink, didn’t party, didn’t hang with the wrong crowd… sounds boring, huh?! The big question was, “how come I need to be saved when I’m doing all the right things?”
I was saved at a church summer camp in 1973. The leader’s message was about how you couldn’t be “good enough” to be saved. Had I not been saved, I suspect I would have lived a normal, good life. But then again, I’ll never know. I could have never asked for a better family to build the foundation of my character and being. But even that was not enough to be “good enough”. I had good friends that were “good” but pale in comparison to having Jesus as my best friend. My relationship with Him continues to grow and mature as I encounter His Word, His Spirit, and His Church.
My life has been blessed beyond measure. I have a beautiful family, a loving wife, God-fearing children, and even a couple of dogs that share their love every once in awhile. But the Christian life sometimes takes a path that is not always desired. Early in our children’s life, all of their grand-parents went to be with our Lord in heaven. We have experienced hurt and suffering, physically and mentally. During these times it is easy to lose focus on what is truly important. If you have lived the “good” life, and have not accepted Christ as your Savior, then you understand how hard the tough times can be. I hope my sharing gives you desire to take your “good” life a step closer to our Lord.