My third child and youngest son Britton was required to write an essay for AP English about a person who has influenced them in their life. Last night he asked me to proof read it for him… which I did… and as a Dad, the more I read the more thankful I am to God for His grace and that by His grace my son is “getting it.” Allow me to share for a moment what God is doing in his life…
Unfathomable Perfection
No human being is perfect. Everyone has a flaw, a weakness. When a friend or family member comes to you for advice, surely you would ruminate on the situation and give the best counsel possible. The problem is that we as an imperfect race cannot know everything, cannot see what would help others the most. If you put all your trust into other people, at some point, you will be left wanting. No need to be cynical, there is a perfect counselor who is always there and infinitely wise. If there is one person you can count on, it is God our Father. If there has {been} one being that has influenced me in my life and still does to this day, it is God my Father through Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit.
Everyone has rough periods in his or her life. Whether it would be losing a loved one, a traumatic event, an illness, or simply having to stand alone against society. We become who we are by how we handle those situations, often who (or what) we turn to matters most. Jesus has always been listening to my prayers and showing me the way to handle life through His Word, the Bible. In every life situation that has been thrown my way, the Lord has always been a rock that I can hold on to no matter how fierce life’s storms are. In following Jesus’ example I am going from an immature and selfish young man to one who is always willing to help anyone who asks of me.
If it weren’t for Jesus’ saving grace, I am confident I would not be half as blessed as I am today. In being disciplined by the Lord I have gained a quiet confidence, or assurance, and it isn’t necessary for me to partake in many foolish actions that most high school students find themselves doing. I don’t need any type of drug, no matter how mild, or any drink to “get through” the week. He has given me the strength and wisdom to make sound choices all through my life and I consider myself lucky not to be caught up in such things. Without them I am healthier and more competent to take on the challenges of life on the road ahead. Because of the confidence God has given me I am willing to take on task that might scare off others, and I am not ashamed to speak in front of people. No matter the platform, if it is necessary, I can tackle any problem with Jesus by my side.
Most importantly, God is making me into a young man who is able to be objective and think on a different plane {from} many others. I have been fortunate in my life to have a diverse group of friends of different races and all walks of life. I have been given the ability to comprehend the struggles of many and how to relate with each person as a son or daughter of Christ without being kept at bay by his or her outward appearance. My God-given ability to be a man of trustworthiness and a companion to anyone who seeks one is what is helping me to be successful in my life thus far. If it weren’t for God my Father in my life, I would be worth nothing… but in His strength I can soar on the wings of eagles above the world.
By God’s grace my seventeen year old son has a lot of wisdom for his age… but he has a long way to go. There are many more things life will throw at him. My prayers is that what he wrote will grow and mature with age and experience.
Britton… your mom and I love you, are proud of you, and pray for you regularly. May you continue to grow in Christ, in faith, and in God’s wisdom.
Pastor Ron
You have raised an awesome young man with a heart full of compassion and a love for God that runs mighty deep. It warms my heart to know we have young men like Britton coming up in this world. Keep up the good work! I know Pam had something to do with him to. I can’t give you all the credit.
Awesome words from a really good young man. We love Britton and the friendship he has with Brandon. God has plans for this young man.
Pastor Ron, Thank you for shareing Britton’s English essay with us. He writes as if he knows God upclose and personal, as we all should. I know you and Pam must be proud of Bitton and his relationship with God. His essay was an inspiration. May God continue to bless you and your wonderful family.
Your friend in Chirst,
Hilda, MBC
As his mom, I’m not only thankful for this precious one, but the other two God has blessed us with as well. God really IS so good all the time! I am thankful to Him for loving our children and actively being at work in their lives, especially when it is so easy to be in rebellion in this world and get drawn into things that don’t glorify God. Britton honey, I love you more than words can express and am equally proud of you as well. Can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for you and His glory in the future. Love, Mom
Wow, this essay/testimony really touched me. I can’t (even) imagine how God is going to continue to use Britton in the years to come for HIS honor and glory.
His spiritual maturity far exceeds his age! What a blessing God has bestowed upon you and Pam to have this young man as a son.
Ron, wow! THis is the second time I have read this essay and I am still crying. Wow, wow, wow. You and Pam are great parents in it shows in all three of your children. Amy, Trey and Britton are great kids. More than all that, however, God is great and He is the reason for all this. Thank you so much for sharing this essay with us. Thank you, Britton. You da man!
Wow I am left speechless. How very profound for a 17 year old. You are blessed my friend. 🙂
Wow….and that’s for you and Pam as much as I say it for Britton! That is a testimony to what great parents you guys are-through Jesus Christ! What a blessing!
Good stuff. The nut has not fell far from the tree.
You are very blessed and have a very mature son. Of course, you can tell he was raised with Jesus Christ being in his life. Inasmuch as he has this much of Christ within him, you will have no fear that he will get on the wrong path. God will take care of him. Thanks for sharing and have a very blessed day.
For a seventeen year old to write this essay is absolutely awesome. What wonderful parents you have been to Britton and the other children. He appears to be so mature for his young age, but he is so grounded in the Word that his faith just flows outwardly from him. I know you both are so very proud of Britton to have shared his faith with so many young people who never have known what it is like to live in a Christian home with Christian parents…all serving the Lord daily. (By the way, in the picture which is Britton and wich is Ron?? Just kidding!!)
GREAT essay…….what a witness from someone so young in years. We hope you all are doing well.
I know you are so thankful to our great Lord for the gift of such a son, and for the Grace which He has bestowed on Britton. What a wonderful testimony from a young man who was also blessed to be born into a truly Chrisitan family.
We need to clone Britton and make thousands of him! I know you are so proud of him . When I read his paper I was reminded of Philippians 1:6 . The work He has started in Britton : He will finish. I know he had exellent mentors in his parents.It is wonderful to be rewarded with such a fine son.May God continue to bless your family beyond measure!!! The Spiveys’.