Wednesday, February 26, 2014

A Powerful Story of Self Renewal

Note from Hawke: We get notes, queries, and fan mail of all kinds--and we hope you understand that, as much as we'd like,the volume of it precludes us from responding individually to everyone...but every now and then we get a note like this one that resonates to the core and just have to share...

Hi Mykel,

First, let me say thank you for your service to our country!  I grew up a lot like you.  I was seen as nothing but poor white trash all my life and started believing it early in life.  I have struggled hard to make a life for my wife and three children who are now mostly grown up. We were very poor and growing in poor health; in fact I was supposed to be dead five years ago. I was so deep in anxiety, self doubt, and depression that I could barley function. Then I read your survival book, at the end of chapter ONE I was amazed with all the things my mind was putting together for me, and it had nothing to do with the wilderness, a tree, a rabbit or finding water or shelter! I applied all those things you talked about to LIFE and relationships and my future, and let the past die! I was amazed at all the Biblical concepts in your writings, and hope that they were intentional even though maybe covert?

 Anyway It changed my life and gave me huge lasting energy that I had long ago lost, and the "never stop" understanding in life that I had shamefully surrendered, and a renewal of my Christian faith. I "made" my wife read it as well, (haha) and we started college from scratch. We finished our Associate degree at Catawba Valley Community College, our Bachelor of Science in religion degree from Liberty University, and are now halfway complete with Seminary and Masters of Religion and Biblical Studies degree.  Oh, we are still poor, but happy, and are looking for any opportunity to serve other people and give them hope and resources while serving and walking with our Lord and Savior. Thank you for your down to earth common sense and inspiration to move forward.

We grew up and live here in the rural foothills of NC and are now applying for positions as pastors all over the USA and hope to make a difference in the world around us. Again thank you for your service to our country and for inspiring me.

David

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