Grace

Reflecting on the journey from high school to now, I’m struck by the unpredictability of life and the profound impact of seemingly small choices. While cleaning out some totes in the garage, I found a mini yearbook my mom had put together for each of us—a snapshot of who we were and who we thought we might become. Among the lighthearted predictions, Jenny Luna believed Dan Johnson would be the most famous—albeit with a twist of dark humor, imagining him featured on America’s Most Wanted. As for me, I had aspirations of attending San Jose State University to major in music, dreaming of one day becoming a college professor.

At the time, no one seemed to think I’d amount to much, and truthfully, I didn’t either.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, ESV)

My path took unexpected turns—away from music and toward teaching, though not as I’d initially envisioned. I have spent the last 25+ years teaching the Gospel. This week, I’m stepping into a new role as an adjunct at Gwinnett Technical College, teaching World Religions. It’s not exactly the music professor I once imagined.

Dan’s path, however, took a much darker turn. Today, he’s still serving time for the tragic murder of his friend’s father. It reminds us how our choices can lead us down different roads. While Dan seemed to plunge deeper into a world of sorrow and self-indulgence, I was shown grace—a lifeline extended first through my lifelong friend, Mike Walls, and ultimately through the transformative power of Christ.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

‌The gospel didn’t just change the pathway from then to now; it changed everything. It’s a new way of being, a life rooted in the hope and redemption only Christ can offer. 

Wherever you are today, grace is there for you, too. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28–29, ESV)

‌‌‌‌~PW 🌮🛶