Faith is something that was instilled in me at an early age. I grew up in a family that went to church every time the doors were open – I can confidently say we were a worshipping family. I owe this to my dad and mom who made sure their five children were in church every time the doors were open. I know this had to be a huge challenge as my dad worked two jobs and my mom solely took care of five children and also volunteered her time at the church whenever she could. I want to thank my parents for instilling in me the importance of faith and the value of being with a community of believers.
As I got a little older and started thinking for myself, I had to make my own personal decision to either follow the faith of my family or go off in my own direction. I remember this specific Sunday like it was yesterday… it was a Sunday evening service and I was confronted with something that my spirit had never felt before. I couldn’t say what songs were sung that evening that could have stirred my heart or what sermon was preached that could have convicted me…but, something happened when the pastor opened the altars for people to come down and pray. I was compelled to walk to the front of the church and kneel at the altar… as I did this, I immediately knew in my heart that I couldn’t depend on my “family’s faith” forever. I needed a personal relationship with God where my sins were forgiven and that could only happen through Jesus Christ. At that moment my faith went from trusting in the traditions and spiritual legacy of my family to personally trusting in God.
Because of the faithful intercession and prayers of my mom and dad through the years, their 5 children all know the Lord in a personal way. Has our family’s faith been tested and tried over the years…yes! Has our family had hardship and sorrow through the years…yes! But through all the “real life stuff” that ALL families go through at some time or another… there is a strong love and bond we all share together because of the spiritual legacy that was imparted to us. Thank you John and Jackie Bullard for helping me be the man I am today – I love you.
As the years go by, I often find myself confronted by
situations that challenge my faith. It’s
during these times where the “real John” can come out. I’ve learned down through the years that life
is never going to be perfect…it’s what you do during those challenging times
that really matter.
Many of you know that I love football - especially Notre Dame. When I lived in South Bend, I used to go to Notre Dame and listen to the motivational sessions that Lou Holtz had. One of his quotes that I love is: “You're never as good as everyone tells you when you win, and you're never as bad as they say when you lose.” I have applied this to my life over the years. When a challenge enters my life, I can dwell on it and it can bring me down big time… but, I try and keep things in perspective and remind myself that the situation could be worse (in some instances) and look at all the positives in my life. The key word here is “balance”.
When hardships or challenging times come along, the beautiful thing is – we have a source we can turn to who will help us not only face those situations, but will give strength to get through them as well.
I love the old hymn that begins with, “My hope is built
on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Then when you get to the chorus is goes on to
say, “On Christ the solid Rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand…all
other ground is sinking sand.” If you have time today, listen to this hymn
which is a part of our heritage:
May we always remember that Jesus is our solid rock,
protector and foundation in which we stand in our faith and trust in Him.
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