As a kid, I was determined to find and live a deeply satisfying life. My mother was angry most of the time. Her distress lit up our home like lightning. Dad and the rest of us were lightning rods. All I wanted was the same thing everybody else does. To be loved. To belong. To be at peace. I didn’t resolve the impact of my mother’s anger until I encountered the love of God through Jesus Christ. This encounter is what the New Testament calls “born again.”

At that moment, a person becomes a new creation. Realizing that God would forever forgive me and place His Spirit in my heart was mind-boggling. Yes, I’m still a mess! Just ask my children, my lovely wife, or my friends. But my heart is filled with His Spirit, love, peace, and forgiveness! That’s called being clear!