You Don't Know My Struggle (ePub)

This book was written because I was sure that I was not the only one struggling""struggling to live right, be a good parent, stay out of prisons, be a good husband and son, live according to the Bible, and so forth. The struggle is real, and I hope by sharing my story people know they are not alone and that if they feel no one else feels their pain and relate to them, someone actually does.
At times in life, we have to get knocked so far down and lose everything to look up and seek God. If left to our selfish selves, we would never do it. Just think how many times we have tried to do things in our own strength and make a bigger mess of things than they already were. Think about the heating and purification process gold goes through. It's hot, melted down, and stripped of its impurities just as we must be.
However, it shines and is beautiful when this process is complete, so too will we be, my friends. We will shine, and others will see the beauty in us. We will be able to lift up, encourage, and strengthen others. Isn't that what Christianity is all about? For those who know me by far, I'm not perfect, but by God's grace and mercy, I'm better. We can encourage because we have been through the fire. Yes, it burns, hurts, and leaves scars, but it makes us stronger and beautiful. I pray that this book has been a blessing to someone. Be encouraged.