I’m Ready for the New Me

Throughout my life, I’ve received so much support, love, and affirmation that it makes me wonder why I’m not ALWAYS a grateful person, one who generously dispenses mercy and grace.

Sometimes, it helps to be still and know that God has blessed me beyond measure not only with His gift of salvation, but with wonderful people who have helped me become the man I am today.

My parents, my wife, my dear friends, innumerable teachers and mentors, and colleagues, have all influenced me greatly.

When Jesus said, “I am the vine, and you are the branches, if you abide in me and my word abides in you, you will bear much fruit”, I can see how the intricate events and relationships in life are all connected and orchestrated by Him. Through all my failures and triumphs, I can see just how true it is when He said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” But I’m also a living testimony to what the scriptures mean when it says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

I’ve learned that during times of stress, challenge, grief and depression, the act of giving thanks (whether or not I feel like it) connects me back to the Vine and renews my perspective, and my attitude.

Without that connection, I am powerless, feeble.

But with that connection, I am invincible.

And so is anyone who chooses to be in Christ.

When I’m feeling tired, worn out, and sick of my bad habits, bad attitudes, and bad behavior, I am rescued by this truth:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

–2 Corinthians 5:17

Could you use a fresh dose of a new perspective, a new start, a new YOU? I sure could.

Who has been a major positive influence in your life that you’re thankful for? Why not take a moment to consider this and give thanks for them? Please share in the comments (Leave a Reply) box below.

Joshua Graham is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, winner of the International Book Award and Forward National Literature Award. His thrillers include DARKROOM, LATENT IMAGE and BEYOND JUSTICE, and TERMINUS. Graham's works have been characterized as thought-provoking page-turners.

Legal Notice: All information on this website and blog are from Mr. Graham's personal experience and insight and should not be viewed in any way, directly or inferred, as qualified professional advice.

All creative writing on this website or Mr. Graham's books: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. (novels, short stories)