When I was 17 years of age I broke my mother’s heart. She had always taken us to church but by the time I was 15 or so, I lost interest. During the next couple of years I wandered farther and farther from the God who so passionately loved and sought me.
Then one night, after an evening of drinking, I was stopped by police and given the breathalyzer. I failed the test! Now at age 17 I faced the loss of my freedom (my driver’s license), overnight in jail, a large fine, and a criminal record. But God was already seeking me! Through a strange turn of events I was charged with drinking under age, a summary conviction offense. But my parents had to know.
The next morning I sat in our living room with Mom and Dad and began to tell my tale of woe. They were shocked and hurt deeply. I shall never forget my mother’s tears. Then through the tears my mother said these words, "Derek, I hate what you have done more than you will ever know. But you are still my son - and I still love you very much!"
Three weeks later
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