Why We Do What We Do
Yesterday, we had the awesome opportunity to share our story with the people of Waterfront Church, in Schaumburg, Illinois. Every time I stand on a stage now and speak into a microphone, I am reminded of the amazing grace, love and mercy of God. There was a time not too long ago that I never thought I would speak in a church again.
Before the service one of the staff members of the church asked me if it was hard to revisit some of the demons of my past and relive the story as we share it. There are times that it hard to go back to those dark places…hard to admit to a new group of people how messed up and broken I am, hard to talk about sexual abuse, lust and failure…hard to hear my wife speak of the pain and anguish I caused her. It is really hard…but as Trisha and I have spoken to churches and met with so many people, we have discovered it is worth it.
The night before we spoke we were told by some of our best friends that their marriage was coming to an end. After we spoke, we met with people who’s lives had been torn apart by sexual abuse, pornography, lies, affairs and hiddeness. On our way home yesterday, we learned that a pastor of a growing and thriving church in Georgia had resigned due to an affair he had with a staff member. I got a text message from a wonderful friend of ours this afternoon telling us that despite her efforts, despite our prayers, her husband wanted out of their marriage. Then I read this post by our good friend Brad Ruggles, and it just broke my heart.
As Trisha and I sat on our deck tonight with our boys and explained to them some of these marriages that were coming to an end; some of the relationships that they have known for most of their life that will be forever changed…we shared with them that this is why we go to Chicago…this is why we blog…this is why we fly to Virginia…this is why we meet with people at Starbucks, this is why we mentor couples over dinner…this is why we are so open and transparent about all the crap and all the junk and all the sin and all the mistakes…because there is a HOPE that rescues. There is a grace that redeems, there is a freedom that comes with truth and there is a power that comes from living in the light.
We know that God is calling us to a new adventure in ministry. But we are more convinced than ever before that our marriage was saved for a reason. Our relationship has been restored for a purpose. We are committed to telling that story and sharing that hope with every person that we can believing that there are marriages that can be saved, kids that can continue living with both parents, and broken relationships that find healing and redemption through the powerful love of Christ.
That is why we do what we do.
We love you guys. You have been an ongoing and amazing support for us in SO many ways. We will continue to pray for your ministry and for God's amazing Glory to be seen through you.
We miss seeing you guys!
Thanks Jenni we love you too and are continually encouraged by you and Brian! Thank you for trying and believing that God works at our darkest moment! Thank you for being a woman of truth and grace even when it hurts. So thankful to call you friend!
You do what you do because God uniquely enabled you to spread this message of grace and restoration in His church to His people. You've been through the fire and allowed Christ's love to bring healing to your marriage and your lives. You bring hope to those who feel they have none. You show others that what the enemy meant for evil God has used for His plan and purpose.
That is why you do what you do and why you went through what you went through. And that is why we pray for and support you. Keep letting Jesus speak through your lives and bring hope and healing to those who desperately need to hear it.
Thanks bro! We so appreciate your partnership in this journey!
Thanks guys; My husb. & I have a very similar story, Praise be to God for being our Restorer & Rebuilder, 5-6 yrs later we are still kickin' – but need to read/hear/do important things to prevent distance & attack from the enemy…so thanks for the 2 pages you wrote on "8 things" that destroyed & restored. Sometimes just living life as a couple can get routine and you forget to make intentional efforts.
I pray that God uses us & our testimony like he has yours.
I absolutely love your heart, commitment, and humility. You guys are an inspiration!
You two (and other restored couples actively ministering) are a huge blessing. I know what you went through was painful, but God will use it to benefit so many others. Even if just one couple's marriage is saved by hearing your testimony, I believe it is worth it – though I also believe many couples will be saved.
I hope someday to use my marital trials to help and encourage others, though I'm beginning to think God's will for my situation is that I'll be a shining example of how NOT to be a Christian husband.
Keep sharing, keep blogging – I know I'll keep reading, and many others will too.
You do what you do because God uniquely enabled you to spread this message of grace and restoration in His church to His people. You've been through the fire and allowed Christ's love to bring healing to your marriage and your lives. You bring hope to those who feel they have none. You show others that what the enemy meant for evil God has used for His plan and purpose.
That is why you do what you do and why you went through what you went through. And that is why we pray for and support you. Keep letting Jesus speak through your lives and bring hope and healing to those who desperately need to hear it.