My name is Jim Morrison. I am married to my amazing and gracious wife of 12 years, Emily. We have three beautiful children together Colin (11), Tyler (10), and Miah (8). From the outside, people probably thought I had it all. I blame Facebook for the misconceptions though! Just kidding. I have been blessed with an awesome family and a career that couldn’t be a better fit. Yet, at the end of the day, my life has been far from picture perfect.
I was raised going to church every Sunday. I knew about God, but never understood what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus. When I was 7 years old, my parents divorced and by the time I was 9 years old, church wasn’t even in the picture anymore. In response to my new family dynamic and the absence of church, I started to develop a very independent way of living and thinking. If I wanted something, I worked hard to get it. I took all the credit for my success. I was in control.
After graduating from high school, I joined the military. During this time, I began attending church “as needed” or on holidays such as Christmas and Easter. I also developed an attitude of “I’m a man, I can handle this on my own.” No matter the situation, I would internalize the issues or just deny that they were even there in the first place. I started to believe being honest with my struggles was to show weakness. So, I hid behind the façade of being tough while on the inside I felt alone, confused, and incomplete.
While stationed in San Diego, CA I met my wife, Emily. Less than one year after meeting, we got married and began a family in Maryland. While I thought I believed in God, I struggled to fully accept Jesus. At this point, I turned my back to Jesus. My wife was heartbroken, but stayed committed to her faith and our marriage. She brought our kids to Sunday service and joined small groups. She continually prayed over the years for my salvation, our marriage and our family. Yet, despite how much love and grace she showed me, my heart was hardened and I wanted to continue to live life on my own terms.
Eventually, I fell into self-destructive patterns, hurting the ones I loved the most. My pride and arrogance blinded me from realizing the truth, which sadly hurt my wife and children along the way. I would find myself thinking, “Oh, I still have this life of mine under control.” Then, as my self-destructive patterns continued to spiral out of control, I hit rock bottom. It was then, in that moment, that I knew, I knew what I was missing. It was at that time that I fell to my knees and I prayed. I gave my life to Jesus!
Now that I have fully accepted Jesus into my heart as my personal Lord and Savior, my life has dramatically changed. I no longer live in denial, shame, or guilt. I am allowing God into my heart so that He can begin His work of healing and restoration in my life, especially in my marriage. Despite being hurt, my wife is loving me like Jesus and I have hope for a new beginning and life together. And, according to my oldest son, I am more kind and social with him, which has been possible through Jesus rather than myself. Overall, my perspective on life has completely changed and I have a hope I never had before!
It has been amazing to see how God is placing amazing Christian men in my life who are committed to walking along side me as I begin to truly LIVE! One of these men is Brad who is my Side by Side for my baptism. Brad is my co-worker and friend. I chose Brad because of his bold walk with Jesus. Over the years, I have learned about the impact of Jesus has in his life, especially on his marriage and family.
Today, I want to get baptized as an outward sign that I have accepted that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and that I am born again in faith. I no longer walk alone.