Every St. Patty’s day my sister and I would take the day off and venture off into every bar that had four leaf clovers and green beer. We would spend all day bar hopping being entertained by all the non-sense happening around us. Not any more. Today starts a memory I don’t like to think about. You know those days when something tragic happens? Like for example, Sept. 11th? You remember exactly where you were. Today is that kind of day for me. 3 years ago today was the day I had my last conversation with my dad. It consisted of him telling me to be careful, have fun and if I was going to drink, stick to top shelf. He said he would talk to me later. “Ok I said! , I love you.” he replied “Love you too Kid”. This week starts when my dad was rushed into the emergency room and he never did come out. nine days later, he passed away.
Today I am reminded how quickly life can change. How fleeting and fragile life is. I am sad today. I miss my dad today. This event with my father is what started making me question life and what my purpose was and the whole time the Lord was drawing me in, placing people in my life that told me about Jesus and eventually, after about a year and a half, I gave myself to the Lord and my life has changed ever since.
Listen, we all messed up, we all sinned but God has given us a way out because He loves you. If you believe in what His son did for you then you have a way out. Think you are good enough to go to heaven? Who are you comparing yourself to? Compare yourself to your creator, who is Holy, perfect, who has given you the breath you just took. Its a gift. This isn’t some inspirational message, my heart is heavy for the people I love who aren’t following Jesus Christ that could be gone today and be tormented in hell forever….”confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9.
I love this my friend! After my Dad died it was a very similar situation, it seemed everywhere I turned someone or something was telling me I was a sinner, and I needed a savior. I appreciate your honesty and your ability to cut to the heart of a matter….it’s a huge blessing! So much that I am going to share this. So many folks are right there where you and I used to be. And I was thinking this morning how a few years ago tonight would have been a good excuse to drink as much Guinness as humanly possible….not something I am proud of but I am so thankful that God reached out to a sinner like me and that I don’t live for those things anymore. I am so sorry that you had to hurt like you did when your Dad died, but I am so thankful that God used it to bring you home my Sister! I love you and thank you for your words…..blessings to you girl!
Amen sister! Your post here is a true response to God’s unfailing love making itself the driving force of your life. So happy to see you writing!!!
praise God sis, you words are so encouraging. our testimonies do have many familiarities. A brother tonight told me that even in my sadness, even my sad memories I can bring to the cross and He will help me. It was so encouraging. I was just dwelling in it today but just like everything else God does, He takes something broken and turns it into something beautiful. I am glad we don’t live for those things anymore either sis and I am glad I have you in my life to walk with narrow path with. kisses, peace and blessings to you.
thanks Lou! I’m not that deep, lol….but I love Jesus and what He is doing in and though me. YOU my friend are a blessing.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8, esv
the new testament bears witness that we are witnesses, martyrs, if indeed the holy spirit has saved us by gods grace. a martyr, a witness, is really nothing more than the personal testimony of one whose life is empowered by the spirit to glorify our master, the christ of god.
beloved sister, that you have expressed more of the love of christ in you, than many preachers through their multitude of words, men much, much better than i, so i dare say that only with great fear and trembling.
the new testament gospel is made up of many testimonies made new by christs magnificent testament of grace. yours is one such testimony of his grand and glorious testament.
thank you for sharing the work of the savior in your life.
Jon…I am overwhelmed. With everything that is going on in your life I am humbled that you find the strength to encourage me more then you already have in the past. I am humbled. thank you Lord for the grace you have given this man. your lamp shines bright brother and I thank God for you. thank you for your commitment to Christ.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
Great testimony of God’s love, grace, and faithfulness! And, I can’t help loving every word that Jon printed here!! I love you, sister!
Thanks for sharing your heart, your story, and the Gospel! Amen to that.
hey! thanks brother! sorry it took so long to respond. it was a beautiful series to read. happy new year to you and your family!