Thanks to the inspiration which came from this post, I decided to feature some stories of my readers writing about God giving them a second chance. They will be spread out over the next week or two. One of mine was here. Today’s writer is one who has quickly become a “favorite” of mine, especially due to his variety and his wit. But lurking deep in this young man are some deep stories. Here is one of them. Be prepared for a surprising story.
My online friend Bill asked me to write a post for his site on “a second chance God has given you”. My first thought was to quickly dismiss this request because my life hasn’t turned out the way that I would have liked in many respects. My biggest failure and regret occurred nearly ten years ago when my wife told me that she no longer wanted anything to do with me. One moment I was living a pretty contented existence, and the next, I was alone. Everything spun away from me so suddenly, that it sucked the life and the joy out of me. Not only did I lose my partner and my best friend, I felt like the divorce robbed me of my future. When Bill asked me to write a post glorifying God for giving me a second chance, I scoffed. My scorn was not directed toward Bill, but more toward God. Here I am some ten years after my life was torn apart, and I find myself alone. While time has a way of weathering the hard edges off strong emotions and negative memories, I still find myself deeply wounded, still stewing in bitterness, anger, and despair. Where is my second chance God? Where?
But I continued to chew on what Bill asked me. I am one who all too easily focuses on the negative when I have many positives still around me. In many ways I am plagued by myopia and forgetfulness regarding God’s blessings in my life. In 1997 before I was a Christ follower, I was diagnosed with an advanced form of cancer. My initial biopsy results indicated that it had spread into my lymph system. My prognosis for survival beyond a few years wasn’t good. The day after I found out about my cancer, I learned that I was going to be a dad. There was a chance that I might not even get to meet my little one.
Second chance? How about the fact that I am still alive some 17 years after I was sentenced to be another mortality statistic? How about the fact that I have a 16 year old daughter who thinks that I am the greatest dad in the world? How about the fact that I have come to know Jesus? Second chance indeed.
WOW! Did you have same reaction I did? What are your thoughts?
Daniel Carman posts at Return to Zero. From his blog; I am the father of a wonderful daughter and in my spare time I live out the exciting and secretive life of a research scientist. To read more of Daniel’s thoughts, please check out his blog. (He really is a research scientist).
Bitterness, anger and despair seem to be symptoms of inability or unwillingness to forgive. Not a Jesus follower but nonetheless appreciative of good advice. When you forgive the forgetting is easier. Good luck.
i would disagree with you in one aspect jeff. While those emotions are not good to have, I know Daniel to be a Christ-follower-a struggling one like all of us-but still one. His honesty and openness in telling his story is important for him and for others who are going through some of the same junk. I do believe he will heal of it in time. Thanks for the comment.
I apologize for being a bit too blunt. I agree Daniel, by telling his story, can not only help his own healing process but probably be of help to others in similar circumstance. I too was divorced after 27 years and it was not easy adjusting for a while.
But the letting go and forgiving the wrongs that were done were what freed me from the bad feelings.
Just keep reminding yourself you are a great guy, with lots to give. And keep on giving, which is what telling your story does for others.
Thanks for coming back and offering some good words.
Good to learn more about Daniel and his second chance.
I was blown away by his story.
Daniel my brother. There is life after a divorce because life is in Christ. I think different then Jeff. I don’t believe forgiveness causes the memory to forget. Forgiveness brings healing and turns wounds into scars. And our God delight in using our scars for His glory. And this is exactly what you did in your words. Bless you for sharing your heart.
I can’t improve on these words Betty. They are sensitive and loving and wise.
And this is one of the many reasons why I read Daniel’s blog. Refreshing, real, and in the end hopeful.
Totally agree on your assessment Rob.
It’s easy to overlook the second chances we’ve been given in life but I find the closer I look the more I see them. I’m pretty sure that when we get to heaven we’ll all say “wow!”
I agree Caleb. If I take the time and have the right heart, i can say WOW now.
When I think if second chances, I think of my kids. After losing our first, doctors said there was no chance we could have more.
Great story Ricky. Want to write for this series? 🙂
Great reminder here, Daniel. We get so caught up in what we don’t have or have to go through, we discount the joys we are given. Thank you.
About sums it up Jason.
Wow… You weren’t kidding, Bill. Daniel has a wonderful testimony and perspective. May God continue to bless you, brother! We’re in God’s hands, not a person’s!
Glad you think so also Floyd. It is a wonderful and powerful testimony. Thanks.
Bill, it was great to read the comments here today. A great homework problem for folks is to take a minute to think of the blessings in their lives and give thanks. Sometimes I get so caught up in my day-to-day junk, that I lose sight of them. Forcing myself to sit down and write about them was necessary for me.
it was an honor to have you post Daniel. Your story, if we take the time to think about it, will resonate in each one of us.
Thank you so much, Daniel, for sharing your story with us. I just could relate so well to some big hard things still being present in my life, like the pain of your divorce, and you helped me to remember more all the good He has done.
Glad his testimony was able to help you Deb. That is the purpose for doing this series.
Beautiful testimony. I love how our second chances will open up our eyes to things we should be grateful for that we can so easily take for granted. I love how that’s part of the redemption process…even the most painful and hard times have some form of beauty hidden in them…if nothing else but to be able to share and offer hope to others.
It is a beautiful testimony Eileen. So glad Daniel’s offered hope to others.