My friend, lets call him Preston, has always tried to fall outside the norm. For as long as I can remember he has been a rebel, always swimming against the current. One thing I can say for him is that he has always been steadfast in his beliefs and ideals, whatever they might be at the time. Ninety-eight percent of the time he has already made up his mind. He has a unique style and he is what the kids might call- “the creator of cool”.
Preston has a passionate dedication for anything and everything he loves. He always has great ideas and punctual follow through. He is most definitely a friend anyone would want to have because he would die for you.
Growing up with Preston was similar to a soap opera. Each episode was loaded with a meaty story line. Even the mundane seemed interesting if he had a hand in the affair. The supporting characters in his story would come and go but the main characters would remain the same. Sometimes his life was thick with drama and other times he would board up at home and lay low.
Every time I looked up he was into something new. Situations that were somewhat dangerous and/or controversial suited him fine. They entertained him for a time and after he became bored he would move on to the next dare. I could only assume he was trying to find himself or find something to signify and define him. As he searched for meaning and purpose he was introduced to something else, something that would save him.
I never imagined having the conversation that I did with him last weekend. I undoubtedly underestimated the significance of my visit home. Of all places, I got to hear my best friend tell me his “truth” story in Starbucks. That Saturday was an indescribable blessing. It reaffirmed all the nights that I prayed for him and all the time I prayed for God to take over his life.
In the middle of the conversation I flashed back to a time and high school that I hardly knew who he was. Drugs had taken over his life and I was close to giving up on him. One afternoon he called me and I picked him up to go feed ducks in the park. This was his desperate attempt to cry out to me from his blacked out, strung out state. In the midst of the awkwardness and silence I realized that I couldn’t fix him.
I have never seen Preston glow like he did Saturday. His story reminded me a little of my own. I was so deeply touched and overwhelmed about his new life that I cried. His words were sincere and strong. I could hardly believe his transformation.
I can’t wait to see how God uses him. He has the potential to move mountains. I love you BP!
Our God is so faithful.
“I just listened to the Salt of the Earth sermon (Matt Chandler/The Village Church/Flowermound,TX.). It was amazing. It makes me real happy that I went through what I went through. It’s humbling to fall on your face and have nothing. When you are at the end of your rope there is more of God and His. I pray he will continue to have me fall on my knees. I learn more that way.”
Text: Preston 2:23 pm- 3/9
