It’s About Freedom

Have you ever reconnected with a friend, or maybe a group of friends from your past; and not only did it seem like you’d seen them yesterday, but it actually felt like you were closer than ever… closer than even family?

a story »
A little less than a year ago, I had the privilege of reconnecting with my best friend from high school, Mark. Looking back, we never had an epic bridge-burning episode or started hating each other over some stupid girl; we just went different directions with our lives.  Neither was better than the other, they were just different… and the same. I became a power-hungry, anger-driven narcissist, and Mark became an alcoholic.

Fast forwarding to the present, I’m happy to say that we’re both in recovery. We have been blessed with beautiful wife’s, and Mark has an awesome son with another on the way.

so what »
So what does this have to do with anything, and why should you care about mine and Mark’s story?

Allow me to explain something: I am so passionate about what we do at Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, not simply because it helps people beat debt and build wealth, but because it frees people. Because it wakes us up to what we gave away in our ignorance and brings a restoration into our lives that God always intended for us to have. This blog is not about personal finance, or marriage, or leadership… it’s about freedom.

In the words of Paul, “Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.”

I want you to know this part of mine and Mark’s story, because if God can take two of the more self-centered guys this world has ever seen and transform them into the grown men that we’ve become, then I can promise you that there’s hope for your egotistical husband, or your control-freak boss, or your rebellious teenager, or maybe for that someone who’s been hoping for you.

the challenge »
Last night was the third time I’ve seen Mark since our 5-year hiatus; and I have to admit, it gets harder saying goodbye every time I see him. I’m not going to pretend that I know what God is doing there, but I am certain that I walk away a better person every time I get to sit across the table from him.

I don’t know why God gave the two of us such a powerful connection, but I sure am thankful for it. I suppose it’s a miracle. And it’s my prayer for you that if you haven’t found your Mark in this world, that you’ll be active in seeking him. Or if you’re in the middle of your hiatus, of 5-years or 50-years, that you’ll seek out reconnection.  And if you’re currently connected, that you’ll intentionally let them know how grateful and blessed you are to have them in your life.