By Harold Keller-Get High on Life

After a group discussion two weeks ago, a young, macho-looking man approached me and wanted to talk. In the conversation that followed, I found out he was 33 years old, had a girlfriend, and they had a 3-year-old son.

He shared that he had just been released from prison for the second time. “After my first prison term,” he said, “I met my girlfriend and we lived together and had a little boy. I was on probation from my release and violated the terms of the probation and had to go back to prison.” Sadly, he continued, “My grandfather was an alcoholic and went to jail. My dad was an alcoholic and spent time in prison, and now I’m following in their footsteps.”

I could feel his hurt and detected a desire to change. “Do you believe in God?” I asked. “Yes, sir,” he answered. “Ever read the Bible?” I asked. “Yes, a little, while in jail,” he replied.

“Let me tell you what the Word of God says,” I continued. “First of all, you’re living in sin not being married to the mother of your child. Secondly, the Bible specifically says that the sins of the father will be passed down from generation to generation. Your family history is proof that the sins of your grandfather and father have been passed on to you. The bad news is that if you don’t break the family curse, your little boy will most probably follow in your footsteps.”

He looked at me and said convincingly, “I don’t want him to grow up like me!” Then, it’s up to you to change,” I said. “Almost anyone can convince you to change your mind, but only Jesus can change your heart.”

“What must I do?” he asked. “Have you ever heard of the term, ‘born again’?” I asked. “Yes, but I don’t understand it,” he answered.

I explained to him the meaning of a born-again experience. We then prayed together and asked God to forgive him and that he would allow Jesus to be the Lord of his life. He made the commitment. I continued, “The Bible says that now you are a new creature in Christ. The old person you were is dead.” He cried like a little baby as we hugged.

I gave him a Bible and said, “Only God knows your heart and if you’re sincere. If you are, you have to get married and live as God intended the family to be.”

Last week, his girlfriend and I spoke on the phone. She told me that he wants to marry her. She cried as she told me the news.

I’m again reminded that the greatest miracle is a changed life.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational organization. Call 652-8477 or write to P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084.