The Before I Forget captures what I believe most Christians endure before and after they are saved-or at least what I have endured. It captures what I want to forget and what I hope to remember and how to intertwine the two peaceably while trying to figure out how to live the new life God has given me-one He has made known to me with the ever-increasing joy of His presence and a peace I can now count on. In an attempt to put the past where it belongs, rely to live guided by the Holy Spirit, and remain committed to a future in Christ Jesus, I arrived at my destination of salvation with the hope of seeing the world with new eyes. Only when I did, I hadn't planned on the struggle that would blindside me afterward: the requirement to love one another, my neighbor, and my enemies, let alone the part about forgiveness. My redemptive reflection back and forth-both before I wanted to love God and after I did-will surely resonate with most of you as you continue your own battle of balance; to be set apart as Christ representatives and extend grace to those who have yet to receive Him.
