Jimmy and Christine (not pictured -- their three precious children:)
“We must endure — and by grace we can and will endure — whatever means God may choose in order to do us good through discipline. Part of the wonder of our salvation is that for each of us there is a unique and fore-ordained plan (the farthest possible thing from a series of random or pointless circumstances) by which God is committed to seeing us live a cross-shaped life (Hebrews 12:3-7a).” Jimmy Davis, Cruciform: Living the Cross-Shaped Life
Jimmy and Christine Davis are the real deal. I first observed their authenticity, courage, and deep faith when they were yet a young couple, dreaming of having a baby, and ministering to our church’s youth while they waited. Even though my kids weren’t youth pastor age, we knew Jimmy and Christine, because they recognized that all of the church’s children would be theirs someday.
And then they underwent a tragedy that could have floored a couple seasoned in many years of walking with Christ. That’s where I first witnessed that their love for Jesus was real, their faith in him was true, and their hope in him indestructible. With their kind permission, I include my perspective on part of their story in Learning God’s Story of Grace.
But, better yet, Jimmy has now written a book. I love this book, because it’s about what I am passionate about —LIVING THE CROSS-SHAPED LIFE. Even if I didn’t know Jimmy and Christine I would love this book, but knowing their story (which they tell in part of the book) makes me love it even more because I know it’s true. As Jimmy tells us that we were created and redeemed to be cruciform, shows us how that plays out in being sons and servants of God, and encourages us to take in and take up our crosses, I know this is something he truly believes.
