I’m glad that you’ve given me this opportunity to tell you some things about myself. I could begin with less than interesting biographical information that might cause you to stop reading and race to Starbucks for a quadruple espresso beverage in an attempt to revive yourself. But for fear you’ll bill me for your caffeine resuscitation (with the multitudes that read my bio daily the cost could be exorbitant), I won’t. Instead, I’ll share with you some juicy personal tidbits that would make even the most jaded paparazzi drool.

For instance, few people know that between age four and twenty, I enjoyed the companionship and affections of a pet Siamese cat. Only later in life was I allergy tested and learned that I was allergic to cats. Sixteen years of itchy eyes and a runny nose (a large red nose at that) makes me wish I’d bought stock in Kimberly Clark- Kleenex. Who would of thought that my Siamese cat could teach me the virtue of longsuffering?

Life is like that, isn’t it? Our experiences with people, circumstances, and even with pets inform the kind of people we become. As my Allergist can attest, this has been true in my life.

I’ve seen God at work in my life in a variety of ways through a number of circumstances that reminds me that “I was created by God for God.” I can see that God’s artistry on the canvas of my life is distinct and very intentional. The son of a prison inmate; a product of two broken homes; the victim of abuse from an alcoholic stepfather; and the death of my mother when I was twenty years old left me devastated.

However, these things that could have destroyed me, God transformed to good. He gave me a heart for the broken and strength in ministry and leadership that was derived from personal anguish and weakness. It was when I surrendered to him, God was able to manifest his healing, hope and power in my life. As a result, I’m certain that the one and only solution for the brokenness of our human condition is the transformation that occurs when one embraces Jesus Christ.

My commitment to share this “good news” is best stated by Paul in Acts 20:24, “However, I consider my life nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me- that task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” Not bad from a guy whose high school Campus Life club leaders could have voted me least likely to serve in the ministry.

In the beginning of his memoirs, Ulysses S. Grant wrote, “Man proposes but God disposes.” I’m thankful that by his grace God has given me a life and future hope that transcends the adversities of my early years. Twenty-three years of marriage to my best friend and love of my life, Lori, over twenty years of ministry experience in several churches and Para-church organizations and five dogs later ( I’m not allergic to dogs and my Kleenex expense threatened financial ruin; so much for cats) I can say life in Christ is never boring and always meaningful!

By the way, I enjoy dogs, USC football, reading, talk radio, museums, hiking, nature watching, scuba diving, and chocolate- pecan “turtles.” And in case you’re wondering, I still maintain a warm but distant appreciation of cats. So if you’ve read this far and need to revive yourself with that quadruple espresso drink I mentioned earlier, go ahead, but can you get me one too? Just one more thing, the drinks are on you. Thanks!