I tell people Jesus came and got me by the hair. I had been a church attender since my childhood, had even entertained dreams about becoming a medical missionary. In Africa, of course. I think I was about ten at the time. But adolescence derailed my plans, and my life became a succession of poor decisions, resulting in a shredded life swirling scarily out of control. When pressed by a gentle pastor to "give it all to Jesus," I told him that was a good idea. I would do that. Soon. But I could lie, smiling. When I reached age 32, with four children and a second failing marriage, Jesus came and got me. I have no other explanation. In the years following, I wrote all manner of poems prompted by all manner of circumstances. This book is a culled version of that spiritual journey, one that took me into a deep and abiding love for Jesus, despite pain, failure, victories, loss, just normal life events that could have left me, well, shredded without him.