Book Review

I Hate Mac N Cheese

By Peter Basirico

What you as a reader will experience if you choose to finish this article is a glimpse into another account concerning the amazing redemptive and transformative power of Jesus the Messiah. This review covers the sad narrative of a little boy living a life of physical and other forms of abuse from the age of four years to fifteen years. The tale is heart-wrenching as told by the victim, but even more-so as one realizes the probable frequencies that this type of household exists today! Perhaps one of the values contained in the reading of a book like ‘I Hate Mac N Cheese’ the pointers Pastor Doug gives at the end of his story for discovering if a child in the reader’s circle is similarly being victimized.

This autobiographical journal tells of a re-marriage which results in a stepdad entering the life of a small boy. This said man is six feet and 280 pounds and a seeming fine and normal ‘country gentleman! Little Doug finds out quickly he is dealing with a fiendish monster! He turns on the small child unexpectedly and viciously and regularly with vicious fury. The child takes to praying fervently for deliverance from this horrible reality that has become his life. But rescue is slow in coming. Little Doug and his abusive stepdad share a secret that cannot be revealed due to the threat that the horror may only increase! This offended child is trapped in a nightmare.

At the age of fifteen young Doug has had enough and takes to keeping a shotgun behind his bedroom door. He has threatened to kill his stepdad and like a typical bully, when confronted stepdad backs off and never touches Doug again.

At some point in Douglas’ years in High School while playing music with a band, a ‘mystery man’ enters the life of these teens and our young man is confronted with the reality of God through the message of the gospel of Jesus. In Doug’s own words, God…changed me from the insideout in a single instant…a miracle! The abused, throw-away child is to become a valuable citizen to his community. Doug marries, fathers five children, imperfectly but lovingly. But, although healing has been experienced, scars remain.

In his life going forward, Pastor Doug tells of ‘Flashbacks’ from his terrorized past resurfacing and causing renewed pain. He has fought through forgiving his stepdad, even allowing for God to teach him to love this former abuser. Pastor devotes a chapter to chronicling how he led his stepfather to Christ and how he ministered to this man even to his death.

A high-lite chapter in “I Hate’… is entitled ‘Supernatural Surgery’. Doug relates being at a pastor’s conference in Louisiana. He is worshipping along with other pastors when he begins to have ‘flashbacks’ of some of his worst experiences of abuse. Usually these recalls Pastor uses to ‘dump’ these awful memories. But this time is different. As though the lens of a camera were recording the scene, the lens panned over and there Doug saw Jesus standing with His arms extended! Fearful scene after scene is replayed, but Jesus is there present in every instance.

Douglas comes to the realization that his seemingly unanswered prayers as a helpless, tortured child had been heard and attended to by his future Savior Jesus! Because the Scripture tells us that ‘All things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose’ we can understand that Doug’s life was always purposeful. They were not ‘good things’ that our young child experience, by for, but they ‘worked together’ to give Doug Gilford an eminently meaningful existence. God does and can do for anyone who believes and fully trusts in Him to perform the same miraculous redemption and transformation that Pastor Doug, I’m sure, felt compelled to share with anyone who will listen.

By Peter Basirico >

Life Lessons

PEACE

World peace is what we all hope for…especially when we’re reminded of the message of Christmas proclaimed by the angels, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” There have been periods of peace, like the “Pax Romana” during the Roman Empire. Peace enables the arts to flourish and brings order and creative thought.

But we can’t depend on governments to bring national peace, and certainly not personal peace. Rulers promise, “Peace, peace, when there is no peace.” Wars have increased on this earth. We can only wonder how history will treat our generation!

Mankind’s priority must first be peace with God. Most people don’t realize that they are at war, and the world is their battleground. The believer fights against the world, the flesh, and the Devil. The world is the Devil’s playground. As the prince and power of this world, he is “hellbent” on destroying the human race, which was created in the image of God. The Devil uses our natural inclinations, the flesh, to overrule God’s will for us, if we let him. But God is the Prince of Peace, with the promise of victory.

What is your warfare against? We all worry and experience fear, despair, and other self-defeating emotions. As believers, even our own family can be a source of problems. (Matthew 10:36) says, “As a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.”

But (2 Corinthians 10:3 & 4) is our answer: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” What soldier fights without armor? (Ephesians 6:1117) urges us to put on the whole armor of God, “so that ye may be able to stand against the wile of the Devil.”

Once we have peace with God by having our sins forgiven, we can have peace from God: “a peace that passes all understanding shall keep our hearts and minds.” (Philippians 4:7)

In fact, it is a perfect peace “whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Book Review

Reliable Community Alternatives, LLC.

Let us be the non-medical care and support for you or your loved one(s) in

the comfort of your home.

24-HOUR ON-CALL MANAGEMENT AVAILABLE TO MONITOR YOUR SERVICES

Our services include, but are not limited to assistance with Bathing, Grooming,

Preparation, Light Housekeeping, Companionship, etc. Personal Hygiene, Meal

Our Professionals are Licensed

Orleana / Jefferson

504-779-4740 Region 1 and Insured.

St. John / St. Charles https://www.rcahomecare.net/

Region 3 Toll Free Number

985-233-4064 1-833-350-2732

Equipping Men & Women of God through Christian Education for over 45 years!

BACHELOR, MASTER, DOCTORATE, Th .D., Ph.D. CERTIFICATE & DIPLOMA PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

Earn Your Degree Without Leaving Home!

Ask about our “Degree By Testing!” Honorary & Combined & Accelerated Degrees Available for qualifi ed applicants

“Accredited by TAC”

Internal Excellence...External Convenience

Affordable Quality Education - FREE Evaluation - Credit for Life Experience 888-837-4931 or visit www.omega.edu