Thanks to my friend Jared at The Gospel-Driven Church linking to this blog (with my go-ahead), I think I have a couple of more readers. And I'm thinking those readers might be scratching their heads a bit wondering exactly what the blog is about, and where I'm coming from. So here's a quick rundown ...
- I lived a double life for all of my life, until January 14, 2008, when I finally repented of my sins and came clean to my wife, my friends, and my family. I didn't fall on the Rock; the Rock fell on me.
- I experienced grace, love, and forgiveness, from God first, and then from all those who were close to me.
- One of the sins I had hidden happened when I was a teacher in 2001. I had an illicit conversation with a student of mine, got caught, and was subsequently placed on probation (which is set to expire, finally, in April of 2012). I denied that I had done anything wrong. In short, I lied.
- On January 18, 2008, I had what might be called a conversion experience. As I wrote in Jared's forthcoming book, Gospel Wakefulness, I was "apprehended by the risen Christ." On the way to work I felt the Spirit telling me I was a new creation. I wept and felt His love wash over me. It was the most authentic experience I have ever had in my life.
- For almost two and a half years, life was bliss. Brandi and I renewed our vows (and this time I meant every single word); we had a gorgeous new baby who reminded me of the Gospel of Grace, so I named her Evangeline Grace; and we bought a home that we love, a home that we plan to live in forever.
- In May 2009 I failed a routine polygraph. I told the truth, but the machine said I was deceptive. Subsequently the authorities in my life feared (understandably so) for the safety of my children. They called CPS and sent me on a state-sponsored vacation for a month.
- I came out of the joint and promptly took and failed yet another polygraph. A few weeks later, CPS closed the case because there was no evidence of abuse.
- Despite the CPS report coming up clean as a whistle (or, to use their words, "sexual abuse was ruled out"), the probation department decided to put a stipulation in my conditions saying I can not be around my children. I can't see them. I can't talk to them. I can't mail them letters. Nothing.
- The state-appointed therapist that I've worked with for seven years now sees our situation as detrimental to our family, and has gone on record stating that his goal is to reunite us. Like many in that state, he uses the polygraph as a tool for treatment, and he believes in its efficacy, but he is not jaundiced. He knows what the machine is, and what it is not. He seems to believe in me, and that has been one of the biggest blessings through this entire ordeal.
- That's it! Thanks to everyone who stops by here, and thanks for all of your friendship and support. I don't ask for prayer for myself, but I do ask for prayer for my wife, Brandi, and my children: Nathan, Daniel, Abigail, and Evangeline. God is truly faithful.
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Eric/Brandi-
I saw where you had posted back and just wanted to give a quick reply :) You guys had me up till about 3 am the other night, lol, just pouring over Eric's posts and feeling compelled to cover your family in prayer. Both of you have an amazing testimony that needs to be heard on a much bigger scale- the ministry opportunity here is staggering! I know that God will continue to work through your family and open doors for countless others to see how Christ truly changes lives. Like I said, this is a broken world and broken people need to hear the good news of Jesus!
I sense big things, all to the glory of Christ, though you guys. I hope you have a fantastic rest of your day!
brian
oh, if you have a free second, feel free to stop by my blog at countedasrighteousness.com. It's in its infancy and I have a total of about 4 ppl that check in on me, lol, one being my amazing wife!
Praying for you guys :)
Brian,
Thanks again, man. I perused your blog last night, but didn't have much time to read anything. I put you on my reader, though, and I'll be dropping by. I'm glad you responded here, it's a blessing to know we're absolute strangers yet the bond of Christian brotherhood can overcome all of that.
My dear brother,
I happened upon your blog via the link you mentioned on what I had assumed would be a routine "blog surf" for me. As I set here in tears, broken for you and your precious family, I know it was more than coincidence.
Let him without sin cast the first stone. We are broken people living in a broken world and the consequences of the fall are so deeply rooted in us this side of Heaven.
I'm a 35 year old husband and father of 2 boys, and like you, consider them, besides Christ, my life. My heart pours out for you, and your wife, through your current trials you are enduring. Thank you for your transparency and letting others be a part of this process you are going through. Thank you for allowing your story to be used to touch and change lives!
Know that we are praying over your family here in northeast Missouri tonight, for complete healing that still might need to take place within your four walls, but mostly that Christ will continue to be your most precious reward!
Though we may never meet this side of heaven, I love you dear brother. Stay strong in your faith.