My passion story begins on July 1, 1958. This was the day I was born. The doctors walked in and told my parents I would never be a normal boy and be able to walk and run like all the other kids did. I was born with club feet, so when my parents took me home, I had braces on my feet. My parents were strong Christians and never accepted that report from the doctors. They believed I would run and play, just like all the other kids. 

God had control of my life from the very beginning. All I ever knew growing up was church. We were in church any time the doors were open, and when they weren’t.  I am glad that I can tell you that I did not drink, do drugs, etc. Oh, I had my chances and could have. I never saw the purpose in it. I couldn’t figure out why you would want to drink to throw up the next morning and feel lousy. I felt great all the time without doing those things. I was happy and content with my life.

During college, things began to change. I had gone to a Christian college on a music scholarship and was chosen to sing with a music group that would travel and sing at different churches. I realized something was missing in my life and couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I began to realize there was more to God than just living right and doing all the right things. My second year in college, the professor in charge of the chapel asked me to speak the next week at the chapel service. Needless to say, my jaw hit the ground. ME? Speak? I’m a singer, not a preacher! There were so many other “preachers” who were there and had never been asked to speak. I tried to turn him down, but he wouldn’t let that happen.  Little did I know what God was up to in the next week as I prepared “my” sermon.  I struggled all week trying to decide on my topic. Finally, the night before I was to speak, I gave up and told God I couldn’t do it under my own power. As I broke down, something began to happen, and for the first time in my life I felt the power of God in me.  God said, “You can’t do this in your own strength, but rely on me and I can do anything”.  From that moment on, I have found a passion and desire to serve Him in everything thing I do. Sure, I have made mistakes along the way. I am sure there are other mistakes that will come, but I know I serve a God who loves me and wants the best for me.

This same God can bring a passion and meaning to your life.  I challenge you to give it a try.