Because of faithful volunteers, donors, and community partners, lives are being changed through the LIFE Skills Program at Love INC Allegan County. Participants are building relationships, setting goals, and taking steps toward greater stability and hope. Together, we are seeing stories of transformation unfold, like Brian’s, below.

Brian is a recent LIFE Skills Graduate and was recently baptized! But he wasn’t always the guy he is today…

This past Sunday, a friend said something curious to me. He told me that I was different than I was even four months ago.

But you see, that guy from four months ago isn’t me, although he apparently bears a remarkable resemblance to me.

I’ve heard about that guy, and by all accounts, he was walking around with a chip on his shoulder the size of a cinderblock. He was angry all the time and did not have control of his temper. He had low self-esteem yet was arrogant to a fault. How does that work out? The poor guy must have been conflicted and confused all the time.

I understand that he offended others. I’ve been told he was critical and judgmental. He was outspoken to the point of disruption in the groups he involved himself in. Some found him obnoxious and wanted him to just shut up (and told him so). But he apparently couldn’t bring himself to do that.

But that guy hasn’t been seen around here lately. I don’t know what happened to him, but I think he might have gotten lost or was told to get lost.

I feel sorry for that guy, and I’ll pray for him, but I can’t say I’ll miss him, as I, myself, never met him.

Four months ago, I hadn’t even been born yet. By the time I arrived, that guy was already gone. I’m a whole new person and it doesn’t feel possible that I could have been him. I am somebody else now.

Now, I’m taking the first few steps in a brand-new life with a clean blank slate. Praise the Lord!

I won’t be angry.

I won’t be bitter.

I won’t disregard others for my own sake.

And in turn, Jesus doesn’t seem to remember my sins.

So I am at peace with myself. I am at peace with the world around me. I am at peace with my Maker and Lord. I am at peace… I am at peace.

My friend told me that I reek of the Holy Spirit. If that’s a backhanded compliment, I’ll take it and keep it in my pocket. I hope he’s right.