Connie Garrett

I was born in 1951 and grew up in a loving home. My parents brought me and my brother's up to love the Lord. We were poor in worldly things but rich in love. I thought we were normal but when I got out into the world I found out we were the exception. I feel so blessed to have had the upbringing I had. First and foremost I love the Lord and believe I have a responsibility to share that love with the world. This was not always the case.

As a young adult, I decided to choose atheism over God. Why? I wanted to experience things in the world that God wouldn't approve of. For me there's no lukewarm. If you believe, you do the best you can to honor God and follow His commands. Atheism was the only option for me at that point.

Finally as a young mother I decided my child needed the ability to make that choice for himself. He needed to experience the church and teachings of Christ in order to choose between atheism and a true belief in God when he reached adulthood. As an atheist I began to take him to church. Somewhere along the line, it rubbed off on me. I have served God ever since and the incentive for that service has grown through the years.

You see, I don't really have a choice. I love God with all my heart and I'm compelled to do His work. But I fear for those who don't understand the danger they're in by rejecting God. Rejecting God doesn't have to mean you don't believe in God. It can simply mean you aren't willing to "take the risk" in the way you live your life. Sometimes being a Christian isn't easy. There are pitfalls in all areas of our lives and we need to recognize those pitfalls and be willing to do whatever is necessary to stand up for our beliefs in spite of the pitfalls. Let's face it, sometimes it hurts. Sometimes we have to take a stand that isn't popular. I hope my book is beneficial to someone who is starting to accept the fact, it's just not easy.

I am married to a wonderful Christian man. Our hearts and lives are full. We live in a small community in Oklahoma and attend a small church in another small but larger community because we love the church in which we serve. Our church family is important to us as are our children, their wives, and our grandchildren. We are truly blessed.