Growing up poor in rural North Carolina with a Christian mother and an alcoholic father I was afraid and insecure. I was a people pleaser and spent most of my energy seeking the approval of others. At twelve I was baptized because all my friends were doing it. I graduated college, married and had three wonderful children. I was a leader in our community, the business community and our local church. From all outward appearances we were living the American dream. But in reality I was a lonely weekend alcoholic with little purpose in life except to work, spend time with my children and escape into alcohol from a troubled marriage. I was unhappy and daydreamed about a better life. I knew in my secret heart that God was the answer but I was not about to give control of my life to a God that might not exist and if He did probably didn’t care about me. Besides I was young; death was somewhere in the far distant future and He could wait

One day I witnessed a dramatic change in my wife and knew instantly that God was real. Terrified about where I would spend eternity, I began to read the bible and pray. But I was such a bad person that I didn’t think God could love me. One evening as I knelt at the foot of my bed God reminded me that He loved me so much that He gave His only Son to die on the cross and rise from the grave three days later so that I could live forever with Him in heaven. What amazing love; I thought about how much I loved my children and knew that I, nor any human, could ever make such a sacrifice. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says, “Come unto Me all who labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest.” I so very much wanted that rest. That day at the foot of my bed I asked Jesus to forgive my sins and take control of my life. He did as He had promised and changed my life forever. On my desk is a cherished paperweight from my daughter which says, “God’s Promises Are Forever”. That day I learned His promises are indeed forever.

My life, our lives have not been the same since that day. Though I subsequently rebelled and tried to go my own way many times God has remained faithful and active in our lives. He has given us beautiful grandchildren and a life together which we could not have imagined. No longer am I afraid but live with peace, joy and clear purpose. Though it was not easy at first, my desire for escape into alcohol is now only a dim memory. Not only my marriage but all relationships, family and friends, are being healed and restored. God continues working in our lives. My life is not perfect but His love is. Most importantly I know that if I die today I will spend eternity in heaven. Seek Him. Trust Him. He will never disappoint you. His promises are forever.