A few days ago I finished a book by Jonathan Daugherty called "Secrets."  I have to

admit, initially it was difficult for me to relate to some of the things he decribed in

his history.   He was "in the church" all of his life, yet he had very deep dark secrets.  I

tried to compare  his story with my own to gain a better frame of reference.  I could

relate to the fact that he was a child when his life was turned upside down by a trauma.

He did not ask for the effect the trauma had on him.  It made me angry and sympathetic

but I could not relate to his absolute secrecy and double life style for so many years. 

The obstacles I had, I found wer'e because I tried to relate from a "Christian"

perspective and I tried to relate from a woman's perspective.  Because I told someone

of my trauma early in my life and because I had too much respect for God even as a

young person to be a hypocrite I was irritated knowing that he went through the motions

for so long.  That was my problem and I find it to be so many  "Christian's" problem.  I

assure you I got over my problem by the time I finished reading his story.  When I got to

the part were his wife left him, he fell apart and God heard his cry, I could totally relate! 

I teared up, I rejoiced with him and I praised the Lord because I remembered my

own restoration experience.  As I reflected on this I was reminded of our frailties as

human beings, how we are lost without God and accepted anew the realitiy that I didn't

need to relate to everything he experienced.  What mattered most was that I like him,

came to realize how much I needed the Lord, how much the Lord loved me and

how absolute his grace is!  I am planning to purchase extra copies of this book to have

on hand and to keep in our library.  Women, you need to read this man's story.  I can

truely say Jonathan enlightened me about this "men's issue" and truely blessed my soul!

Men, I'm sure you will relate better than us, your counterparts.  Read and be blessed.

Minister Diane Jones.