By Ronn Jones

I remember hearing it said, “Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me!” That is NOT true! Words have a lingering effect no matter if they are good words or unkind words! Words can leave scars that nobody can see! The harsh words spoken to me as a child gave me a distorted view of myself! The Bible says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” Proverbs 23:7

There were six boys in my family! I was the middle kid! It seemed like I could never do anything right! I left the cap off the toothpaste, I’d spill the milk, and make the biggest messes while at the same time, I was always seeking approval! I rarely got it at home or school!

My favorite TV show growing up was “Leave it to Beaver!” The Cleaver family never fought or argued! I guess it wasn’t in the script! Why couldn’t my family be like Ward, June, Wally and Beaver?

In the middle of my youthful heartache and dysfunction, God sent a precious lady that lived across the street! Her name was Lena. Somehow, she always knew when things weren’t good at home! Lena would say to me, “Ronnie Jones, God has a special plan for your life!” She imparted to me that I was special and valuable to God! Lena knew that somehow, I would make it! With every visit to see her, there came an invitation to the church she attended! Whatever Lena had, I wanted! She made church sound SO exciting! I wanted to go and see for myself!

I didn’t know what I was in for! This was a long way from the type of services we had at St. Peter’s! At St. Pete’s, I just wanted to be an altar boy!

Lena’s friend, Katie Crank was at the front of this little Pentecostal church. When Katie saw me walk in the door, she came up to me and said, “We’re so glad you’re here, what’s your name?” I wondered why anyone would be happy to see me!

The guest preacher, A.J. Turvey quoted John 3:16; “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life’” He quoted the same verse three times! I thought he was talking directly to me! He was! Why would God love me? My perception of Father God was not good! The preacher gave clear instructions how I could be born again! Oh, I was so hungry for a change in my life!

When I got back home, I locked myself in the bathroom, knelt down next to the bathtub and prayed with sincere, childlike faith, “God, I want what those people have!” Father God heard my innocent prayer! I was born again at the age of 13!

Did that genuine experience make my life a flowery bed of ease? No! All I can say is, life is hard at times but God is good! He has kept me, provided for me and allowed me to share His amazing grace around the world!