How a relationship with Jesus has enriched my life Part 4

by Darren Handy (Director of Stewardship)

Simply stated, Jesus has made my life as fulfilling, meaningful, and filled with joy as possible. Notice, I did not say my life is easy or void of hardships, for Jesus said I would have trials and tribulations but to “take heart for he has overcome this world.” Having a relationship with Jesus is, without question, a life with purpose. A life that is experiencing conversion from selfishness, rebellion, and independence, through the gift of grace, to a life of hope and a mission to share what I have received with others because of my redeemer Jesus (“in him I breath and move and have my being”). Through others sharing their testimonies of Jesus with me, I have come to know Jesus for myself and my purpose as a bridge builder, a disciple, assisting others to cross the chasm that I have crossed, into a relationship with Jesus.

My life is a work in progress. I often express my early years as having a “drug problem.” My mother “drug” me out of bed on Sundays and “drug” me to Church. My foundational understanding of Jesus was rooted in my parent’s faith. They loved me and wanted the best for me; however, I was more interested in playing sports and receiving recognition and accolades for my athleticism. My “lord” was my reputation. I was more interested in being known than in knowing Jesus. I continued living a life of mediocrity in ignorance. By the world's standards, I was living the good life. It was not until I was married, with a young family and managing music groups and producers signed to major record labels gaining both money and notoriety, before realizing this life was no longer appealing or satisfying. There had to be more to life than what I was experiencing. I walked away from the music business thinking a change in work would be the answer. It was not the and I was left unfulfilled for some time.

Through unusual circumstances I was offered a position to serve a population of homeless and economically disadvantaged people. It was through serving my brothers and sisters in need that I realized my own impoverished state of being. It was through serving that I began to recognize the Lord’s invitation to my redemption. My path to redemption came in relationships with Catholic brothers and sisters, possessing hearts of service, laying down their lives for others volunteering at the community center. I witnessed their joy and hope in their love for Jesus. I desired what they possessed. The men offered me friendship and invited me to encounter the reason for their hope - Jesus Christ. Their hope and joy were not tied to their material possessions nor their titles, rather their reason for joy and hope was tied solely to having and sharing a relationship with Jesus - the source of all that is good, true and beautiful, the One who in the midst of trials and tribulations has and is the answer. These brothers are living disciples sharing their life in Christ Jesus and encouraging others to enter a life-transforming relationship of their own. My enriched life is the product of having a relationship with Jesus and laying down my life for the benefit of others in hopes they encounter Jesus Christ for themselves.

The evidence of my transformation, as an imperfect vessel, though very challenging at times, continues to garnish the Lord’s fruits of mercy and unity of the body hoping to encourage others to accept the invitation of our Lord Jesus to a life-transforming, intimate relationship. Knowing the depths of my selfishness, rebellion, and independence in relationship with Jesus, I journey in joy and hope trusting Jesus makes all things new. One of the brothers used to say, “everything

has changed, but nothing is different.” Responsibilities exist, challenges are faced, and victories occur, but how they are viewed is with the hope and joy which comes from a relationship with Jesus. An abundant life amid living in the world.