The writing of this story has been a painful experience.  The living of it was, too.  I am certainly not proud of my sin and the resultant actions which form the subject of this narrative.
     I have hurt a lot of people—a lot of very fine people—and it is not the purpose of this work to either augment that pain or re-open old wounds.  Consequently, most of the names have been changed—all but those of my fellow felons, for I want them to know without a doubt the impact they have had, and continue to have, on my life.
     What I am proud of is Christ’s redemption and forgiveness which He freely offered and of which I finally took full advantage.
     I am thankful for His death and resurrection.  I am humbled by the second chance He has given me, and for all those wonderful souls who, in spite of myself and what I’ve done, have continued to love me, believe in me, reach out to me and pray for me.  May God richly bless you.
     So this is my story.  This is the first time it has ever been told in its entirety.  My prayer as I write is that, through the reading of it, you may see the signposts God has placed into your life pointing you to Him.
     He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  Without Him there is no life or peace or any real fulfillment.

Believe me—I know!

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that sinful nature desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.  The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God.  It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.  Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.  Romans 8:5-8 (emphasis mine)