My Story of Redemption

Before I received eternal life I had no real realization of life after death. Facing death was something I did on a daily basis because I was a Marine parachute instructor and jumped from aircraft as often as I could.

Eventually, I was truly in a situation where I knew I was going to die when on a display jump, my parachute collapsed at about 60 to 70 feet off the ground and the very last thought I had was "I'm dead" I did not know that had I died that day I would have gone straight to hell based on the lifestyle I was living. I was given a second chance, but still, it was not until 17 years after that accident (which damaged my spine and caused paralysis in both legs), that I asked Christ to come into my life. In that interim, I partied, drove drunk, used foul language, slept around, broke the law and through it all I now realize that God was with me. One example that stands out was that I had a sports car as I loved speed and the adrenalin rush I got from it. One day I was coming from Miami to Broward on the Interstate and got into a drag race with a similar type car. We were both doing well over 110 MPH, yet we were not stopped by the police or caused any accidents nor did we crash. I know now that God was always watching over me. I still face many challenges with anger, and the need to get back at others when I'm hurt, to name a couple of areas I'm working on. I am still a work in progress and lean on Him who is faithful daily. My Jesus, My Lord and Savior

Seemed like everything changed. I stopped drinking, I cleaned up my language, I lost my car and had to take the bus, which was truly humbling after owning 3 sports cars!! I felt that I did not have to continually prove myself in any way to anyone, except to please God.

That's the truth, now I have eternal life I do not fear death, however, I still struggle with certain sins and keep having to come to His Throne of Grace to ask for forgiveness. I also wonder if I am saved because of the thoughts I have and the things I still want to do.

When our youngest daughter was only months old, we were out of money and had no formula for her. After my wife told me of our situation, I knew right away that we had to get on our knees before God and make our need known and ask for His intercession. Sometime later, and not too long after we prayed there was a knock on the door. A family member was there with a case of formula that had been given to him sometime before we had even prayed. I then realized that God knows what we need before it even occurs to us and will answer when we ask.

I know my Redeemer lives and I will live in the House of The Lord forever as the Psalmist said