When I left my parents’ home, I never considered that my life just might not turn out as I had planned. My plan would usher me into success that I would define. I had spent my high school years knowing that I would attend the University of Southern Mississippi, which I did. I would graduate in four years and begin my pursuit of the American dream. Five years later, as I finally reached graduation, my plan was beginning to unravel.

***

My friend David was taking his youth group on a weekend retreat, and he asked me to go along as a chaperone. I had not done much youth group-type work before, but David said I wouldn’t need to do much more than just be there. It sounded like fun, and I wasn’t doing anything that weekend, so I agreed to go.

I began to...

Please subscribe to keep reading.