THE FOUNDATION: 'Proud of You'

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MY WHISPER: This journal is filled with pages and pages of Mom’s written words – every single one appreciated and cherished. This small note from Dad speaks to my heart, though. I can count on one hand how many letters and/or notes I received from Dad. That is one reason why this collection of words is so special to me. There are five words in this note that changed my life – “I’m very proud of you.” Dad, I’ve always assumed that I made you proud, but this was the first time in my life I remember you actually expressing it. Thank you.

THE FOUNDATION: Part Two of My Journey

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THE FOUNDATION: Part One of My Journey

MY WHISPER: I feel extremely blessed to be where I am in my life. Even though I lived it, I still can’t believe the remarkable journey I traveled to get here. It makes me smile when people say things like, “I could never do anything like that” or “your story is so inspiring.” When I started down this path, I never dreamed that this “adventure” would generate those type of responses. The following journal pages tell my story – one that started with a simple prayer.

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THE FOUNDATION: The Rules

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MY WHISPER: This is the first of many appreciated letters from Mom. For six or seven years of my life, I received one of these “ILY letters” on a regular basis. Most instances I was at a crossroads and/or crisis – college, girls, career, money, zits. Mom was kind of like my guardian shepherd who held my hand through it all. God constantly puts people in our lives that assume this role. He is working and blessing us through them. It’s been a while since I received one of these in the mail. I hope that’s because I’ve turned into a “wonderful grown-up son.”

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, 

teaching in their synagogues, 

preaching the good news of the kingdom 

and healing every disease and sickness. 

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, 

because they were harassed and helpless, 

like sheep without a shepherd. 

Then he said to his disciples, 

"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 

Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, 

to send out workers into his harvest field."

Matthew 9:35-38

THE FOUNDATION: Before Faith

MY WHISPER: In my journal entries from high school, there is overwhelming evidence that I didn’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ. I was brash, stubborn, but mostly confused. The last line of this entry – “I don’t have dreams anymore” – is nothing short of tragic, and it’s hard for me to believe there was a time in my life when I actually felt this way. (I will go ahead and apologize about the language and the third-person references in this excerpt.)

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THE FOUNDATION: Sincere Love

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THE FOUNDATION: The Postcard

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MY WHISPER: I have no idea who sent me this postcard, and I have no idea when I received it. I do know that I have kept it in a keepsake box for quiet some time, waiting for just the right moment to share it with others. The time has come! Reading over the prayer again, it makes me smile knowing that someone took the time to write this for me. In a world of mass e-mails and text, bulk mailing, and form letters, someone sent me a handwritten prayer. This person had a conversation with God about...ME. And what a tremendous prayer it is, too. Phrases like “guard him” and “send your angels about him now” drive home the power of prayer. Just think, you can have this exact same impact on someone’s life.