Experiencing God's Love

            His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog. There, up to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.

            The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy that farmer Fleming had saved. I want to repay you, said the nobleman. You saved my son's life. No, I can't accept payment for what I did, the Scottish farmer replied, waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the door. Is that your son? The nobleman asked. Yes, the farmer replied proudly. I'll make you a deal. Let me take him and give him a good education. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll grow to be a man you can be proud of.

            And that he did. In time, Farmer Fleming's son graduated from Saint Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin. Years afterward, the nobleman's son was stricken with pneumonia. What saved him? Penicillin. The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son's name? Sir Winston Churchill. Churchill was Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II and ultimately saved Europe from Hitler.

            Growing up life hasn't always been easy.  I have had to go through so much to get where I really am today.  My name is Charles John Ignatius McVan.  I was born to two absolutely incredible parents who have nurtured me into the man I ma becoming today.  My sister Katie is 22 years old and she just graduated from Bowling Green State University last May.  Currently I am attending Kent State University where I am in my first year and majoring in Computer Science and Business Marketing.

            God has not always been all that prevalent in my life.  I went through catholic schooling for 13 years of my life which I am sure many of you can relate to.  However, I was always just going through the motions.  I could never really grasp the whole God thing or what is was supposed to mean to me.  There was God and then there were people, my friends, my family and even my enemies.  But God wasn't on the same level.  I said all the time that I loved God, but I never really knew what I was saying.

            We all go through our lives not knowing what is in store for us but one thing will always remain constant.  No matter if we are young or old, rich or poor, black or white. God will always be there, pleading us to grow closer to him.  He will never leave our side.  That is unconditional love that is what we must strive to show others.