Sam,

Great post. Thanks for being so transparent about your own faith and struggles. I think part of the problem is that, so many times, when faith is mis-defined people are afraid to face those doubts and struggles because they fear it is in indication that they have no faith. Thanks for reminding us that it is through exactly those kinds of struggles and challenges to our faith that we can find true faith in Christ alone.

As a dad and husband, I struggled with the same thing when I was "new in the faith." I wanted to see my kids grow up and grow old with my wife. I would give lip service to verses like "to die is gain" but I didn't really believe it. Only as my relationship with Christ has deepened have I come to understand the truth of that verse and the immeasurable beauty and depth of My Savior's love for me.

Even still, I have not arrived. I find myself frequently praying the prayer of the father in Mark 9: "I do believe; help me with my unbelief."

Thanks again for the thought provoking and challenging article!

If you hang a sign above your children's ministry door that reads, "American by birth, Texan by the grace of God"...you might be a kidmin redneck.

If you refer to the people of the Old Testament as "Them Good Old Boys"...you might be a kidmin redneck.

If your Easter celebration includes skinning and roasting the Easter Bunny....you might be a kidmin redneck.

If you end ever prayer with "In Jesus' name....Yee Haw!"...you might be a kidmin redneck.

Bob,

Thanks!

Steve,

Thank you. I sincere prayer is that God will use this time not only to strengthen my relationship with him, my wife and my family, but also to prepare me for even greater battles yet ahead. Thank you for your prayers and your kind words. We should definitely still meet up next time you are down this way.

Henry,

Thank you very much. I have found it hard to say no to good things for the sake of even better things. I think that is what God is teaching me through all of this. Thanks so much for your prayers. They mean the world to me.

Greg,

Thanks you so much for your kind words of encouragement. While I don't intend to drop off entirely from the kidmin community, I am fairly certain that this time is ordained by God, and I know that He will honor it when we seek his will! Thanks again.