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BIO:
May 15,
1986 was a normal day for most, but for me, it was the day my
life was turned upside down and inside out. I was in a
motorcycle accident that left me paralyzed. I was in the
hospital for 6 months, went through 20 surgeries and months of
physical therapy. After years of reconstructive surgery, I still
lost my right leg.
God used
the suffering to show me how to live for Him. I learned that God
uses suffering to mold His children just as the potter molds the
clay. God taught me to pick up my cross daily and follow Him.
Yes,
that humiliating cross that represents an unjust and painful
death. God wants all of His children to come to the place where
they are willing to give up their lives and even die a
humiliating death for His glory. The result for us is
unexplainable peace and joy.
To this
day I suffer the physical effects of my injuries. I now walk
with a cane, a prosthesis and a leg brace after doctors told me
it was statistically impossible for me to ever walk again.
My story
is not about suffering, but rather, it is about how God uses
suffering to perfect our faith. God loves us and will stop at
nothing to reach us and perfect us into the image of His Son,
Jesus Christ. (1Pet 1:7 & Rom 8:28-29)
Through
it all, I learned that Hope, Purpose and Focus are the keys to
living our lives effectively for Christ. Amidst the suffering,
we can be set free by the truth (Jn 8:32) if we:
1. Hope
in Christ, 2. Have our Purpose for Christ, and 3. Keep our Focus
on Christ.
Without
Hope, I would have never gotten past the negative advise of the
doctors who told me to forget walking and accept life in a
wheelchair.
Without
Purpose to walk again for Christ's glory, I would have never
gotten out of that wheelchair.
Without
Focus I would have given in the longing to end my life to get
away from all the pain. God taught me that life is wonderful
when we Focus outward on God and others, instead of inward on
ourselves and our circumstances. That is true love!
Today I
am married to a wonderful Godly woman and have 3 beautiful
daughters (another on the way). God has also given me success as
a trial lawyer.
The
Living Risen Savior has shown me victory and freedom by the
power of His word!
God
promises us the abundant life in John 10:10. He does not say we
will live trouble free lives if we trust in Him. Instead, He
promises us we will be set free from the bondages of sin, doubt,
worry, fear and the like if we simply believe His truth and live
it in our lives.
That is
abundant living.
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