Oh Boy.. Let's see how the audiance responds.

I have spent a life time looking for what Love means. From the family I grew up in. To the beds of many where I thought sex was Love. That didn't work out so well. I have spent the last 16 years married to a woman that has shared the journey of knowing love with me. Man did we screw it up at times didn't we. There is no one else I would have taken the journey with though!!!

If you take the time to listen to this song. You will see what is the best explanation. "It wouldn't be love if it didn't hurt a little... if you think any different it wouldn't be love." I am in the process of writing a book. I am thinking I will post parts of that book here on this blog. Love involves risk and vulnerability. Both are dangerous to us. I like that about both. Some people have read the book in full. For those of you that haven't, I hope you find something that helps you find Love and all it brings within the next few posts.

Introduction

“We have all been wounded. We were just shot with different caliber guns.”
(Frank Tomlinson)

Simple words from a man that has impacted my life in such profound ways. The “Road to Lazarus House” is the story of life. It contains the stories of many people that have had a part in making me a better husband, better friend, and over all a warrior that finally found the war he was meant to fight.

Lazarus House Ministries is a ministry for abused women. Actually there is a lot more detail to it. We are basically the last hope for abused women. They have gone through the legal system where it failed them as well as their safety. They have gone to counseling from traditional therapy to pastoral counseling. Most, I have found were told that the beating would stop if they were just more submissive. That the situation they are in is the way God intended their life to be. These women are wounded on all levels. I have seen the wounds that ignorance leaves.

When they come to us it is by a forceful intervention. A small group of detectives, former abused women, and a couple of Marines that know the system has failed. Yet they took the job because they wanted to help. By doing what is right. Not always what is legal. All these individuals are great friends and warriors. I love each of them more than I can say in words. They are men and women of honor and integrity. Each one of these people carry their own wound as well. We have all fought. Each one of us carries a battle earned scar. Individually when you look at those involved in this ministry you wouldn’t see much. Collectively you would see a cadre that depending if you were friend or enemy, would make you laugh your ass off if called friend. If you are on the other side. Lets just say your sphincter will pucker!!!

We are all Biblicists. What does that mean?? Simple we use the scriptures to guide us. As it is the one book that tells the greatest love story. We believe in Gods unending and amazing grace for we have all been taken out of hell. We rebel against conventional “Institutional Christianity” as we have all seen first hand the damage that can occur when some ones safety is brushed off by those that are more worried about getting their salary covered. Then they are about actually getting out of their institution to help, literally the most broken of God's image bearers.

By the Grace of God alone we exist to save lives. By healing the wound, from inside a person’s heart. By exposing our own hearts and our bodies as we walk right into the middle of a man beating a woman and her children.. Like anything else we have our wins and our loses. We just don’t stop fighting. Physically, Spiritually, nor emotionally. Life is a gift bathed in riches that can only be understood from our hearts.

I hope as you take the time to read this book, you enjoy the stories that are light hearted. May the hard stories make you stand up in your own community to fight for those that have never been fought for. My life is just part of the greater story. It goes to show how God can and will use anyone, anytime, anywhere for His own purpose!!!!

If this book and the stories within offend you. We make no apologies. Truth has a way of stinging at times.

S/F
Patrick T. McAlister