If you have been with me over the past couple of weeks, I have been featuring some of my readers and their second chances. You can read mine here. Daniel’s here. Zee’s here. Eileen’s here. Wolf’s here. Kari’s here. Today I will be featuring an anonymous Second Chance sent to me by email.
My favorite second chance story is about Mark who was my best friend through junior high and first two years of high school before we began dating exclusively, which lasted for another two years. At the end of the two years we finally had to go our separate ways due to some issues that apparently could not be resolved while staying together.
Somewhere around 15 years later my mother ran into his brother and, the long story made short, he called me. We talked long distance (back when that mattered) for 4 1/2 hours. During this time we gave each other the high speed run down of the past 15 or so years starting with our own perspectives of “the break up” and continuing on the path to what was then the present day.
I was able to tell him of my husband and our four children, our church family, the latest of my extended family, etc. It was a beautiful story and I sincerely thrilled to share it.
Then he began to share his story. As he began, it unfolded into a sad and empty life of two divorces, with an unmarried relationship in between, one adopted child, and three fathered children (one lost to SIDS), scattered into different states. The more he told me the more the tears ran down my face. His fifteen years were a sharp contrast to mine which had been full and blessed by God.
As we sat there silently reflecting, both contrasting the stories, he spoke up and said that my life was closer to the one he had dreamed for himself. I sat silently for just another moment. Then I quickly prayed, took a breath, and jumped in:
“Mark, I’m going to say something to you, knowing it may mean I don’t hear from you for another 15 years. But nobody gets a second chance like this so it would be very wrong of me to keep quiet…again.
“When we were young, I introduced you to my family, my church, and both of my youth groups. I took you roller skating with them and even to a Christian concert. But I never introduced you to my Best Friend, Jesus.”
Then I sat quietly waiting for some sort of response. I heard neither a reply, nor the click of him hanging up the receiver. Just silence. When I asked if he was still on the line, he said, “Wow, that’s what my friends Aaron and Erin (a married couple) have been telling me for three months. I can see that Someone is trying to get my attention.”
We went on talking that night and for several months after that. We spoke on the phone, in letters, email, and in person. He became a family favorite at the house. He called me from a Christian bookstore asking for help choosing a Bible. He came to the Lord, married a lady youth pastor, had two daughters and does his best by the other children (as they permit). He is now one of my strongest prayer warriors.
That is, by far, my favorite second chance story, though I have others.
Any similar experiences out there? Thanks to my anonymous friend. I kept my promise to keep it just that. 😀
Incredible, but no,nothing like that at all.
It is a great story.
That is an amazing example of how God works for the good of those who love Him. He does not force us to obey Him but loves us out of our mess. Great story.
It is that Rob. Thanks for the comment.
That is an awesome post. That is the power of God to change a life, redeem what seems unredeemable, and demonstrates His relentless love and compassion for the ones that choose to go their own way. Beautiful story.
I love reading stories of how God changes lives.
Each and every story of redemption is a testimony to God the Father’s heart towards us. Thanks for sharing!
What a testimony it is too!
I think I mentioned the man, Kent my husband is working with. He lost his first family due to his drinking and led a terrible life. But recently because God kept bringing truth to him through those who care for people God has his attention finally. He too is hungry and thirsting after the things of God. We leave tomorrow to head back to California and our prayer is for someone to come along side this man, someone who understand the grace God has extended. Love this story Bill, there is a whole world full of people like them waiting for us Christian to speak truth into their life. These stories have encouraged me and challenged me to look for such people who just need a helping hand, to step out of my comfort zone. Bless you brother for filling your blog with the goodness of the Lord.
So glad you have enjoyed these stories Betty. I have enjoyed putting them together. I suspect there are thousands more like them. Praying you and Ace have a safe trip back home to CA.
From anonymous; Y’all are right. It is a great, amazing, incredible, beautiful, and awesome story (I don’t think I missed any). It IS quite a testimony to how God works. I wish I had the time to weave in more of the intricate details of Mark’s story as God’s work always fills my heart and, being human, those directly connected to me are all the more dear to me.
I will take the time to tell you that, as a young man, Mark was a “good person.” He was kind, loving, and compassionate with a special place in his heart for the elderly and the underdog. But, he proved, as so many we know have also proven, that working by our own might and power, and even heart, just isn’t enough. We are not meant to stand the test of time and face the friction of this world without the Lord. The Holy Spirit’s power within us…Christ within us…that is where things begin to really change our hearts and thereby our actions and choices.
I thank God that Mark was given that second chance. Or maybe it was multiple chances. We think of it as a separate analogy but we are really talking about the other end of the plant/water/fertilize/reap analogy for witnessing. I just got to be there for some watering and some of the reaping time (which may be unusual). His mother planted, others did so much. God worked from many directions. “Intricate” is one if my favorite words when speaking on the topic of God. It fits so many aspects.
I’ve likely overrun my allotment and Bill will cut me off shortly, but I get excited when speaking on God’s grace and works. The words tumble out and I spend an enormous amount of time on the delete key. Thank you for allowing me to share one of my favorite stories. God Bless
Surprise! not only did I keep my promised I also did not cut you off. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your story.
I didn’t know how to respond to this one last night but I decided to pop back in to read the comments.
I like Mr. Anonymous’ reply. Good stuff.