Here I sit, thinking to myself that my testimony couldn't possibly help anyone.

How could my story help anyone else in their quest to become more like Christ? Could my story help others to be more loving and caring? How could my story help someone see that living to be more like Jesus is all about being a Christian? Now, I still can't answer that question. However, I will tell my story, at least the short version of what Jesus' love and grace have done for me in my life.

My mother always told me that believing in God is something we have to do and that being "good" will get us to heaven. Growing up, I was led to believe this was all there was to being a "Cristian." Then when I became a husband and a father, I realized there was no way I could ever be "good enough" for God to love me. I would struggle throughout my entire life in this pattern of trying hard to be a better person, and someday I will be good enough to be a part of "The Church." That someday, I would be perfect enough for God to love me and that I would be an example of the perfect "Christian." OH BOY, was I wrong.

After spending time with some men from Cornerstone, specifically with Jim Ring. Who I now consider one of my best friends. I realized that we would never be "good enough" in the eyes of others, but in God's eyes, we are his perfect child. We are all broken and beaten down and will never be good enough, even in our eyes.

But after many evenings of talking, reading, and discussing our Lord Jesus Christ with men just as broken as I am, I've come to realize Jesus asks us for our heart, for us to accept his gift of grace and salvation just as we are. Right, where we are, and without prejudice, he loves us unconditionally if we accept his gift.

I'm here to tell you that I don't deserve this gift, but I accept it every day, strive to be the best I can be, and continually work to be more like Christ. To be more loving, more caring, and more forgiving. The more I strive for this life goal, the more blessings the Lord sends my way. I haven't lived the perfect life; Lord knows this, as no human being can. But, I have tried for the last eight years to continue my walk with Jesus and to accept the many blessings he has brought my way as an understanding that the Lord never promised us an easy life when we follow him, but a life we can be proud of. Life isn't easy, and following Jesus is not the easy way, that's for sure. The one thing I am positive of is the fact that anything worth having in life is usually the road less traveled.

So, in closing, I encourage you to travel that road not alone but with family, friends, and Jesus by your side. Let the family of Christ be your rock and the foundation for which you build your new life with Jesus as the beacon of hope and understanding in your life. Allow the family we call Cornerstone to be your cheerleaders, your guides, your rudder, so to speak, during this voyage we call life. I love you all, this church family, and I love the Lord Jesus Christ, my savior, and guide for life.

Sincerely in Christ,

Your brother,

Ben Chouinard