Lloyd D. Newell - The Gospel of Second Chances

2013 Lloyd D. Newell

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publisher, Deseret Book Company, P. O. Box 30178, Salt Lake City, Utah 84130. This work is not an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The views expressed herein are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the position of the Church or of Deseret Book Company.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Newell, Lloyd D., author.

The Gospel of second chances / Lloyd D. Newell.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-60641-713-3 (hardbound : alk. paper)

1. RepentanceThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 2. Christian lifeMormon authors. 3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsDoctrines.
I. Title.

BX8656.N486 2012

234'.5dc232012041708

Printed in the United States of America

Publishers Printing, Salt Lake City, UT

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Preface

This book is about hope in Jesus Christ, about why we have every reason to believe that we can change and start anew. I believe it is a message we all need, no matter who we are, what we have or have not done, or what stage of life we may be in.

The love of God is the most powerful force in the universe and the most joyous thing we can experience on this earth. But we sometimes forget who we are and whose we are while traveling the road of mortality. This love of God and hope in Christ whisper to our hearts the sweet truth that we can be forgiven, we can begin again, and we can press forward by holding steadfastly to Christ. His mercy is the source and substance of our faith and hope.

My sincere prayer is that this volume will assist us in remembering and reinforcing the hope and truth and power found in the gospel of second chances.

Acknowledgments

An author can never fully acknowledge all the people and stories and events that helped bring to print a book or influence the authors life. Nonetheless, I express profound appreciation for the myriad peoplepast and presentwho have positively shaped both my writing and my life.

As always, Deseret Book has been helpful and supportive all along the way. In particular, Jana Erickson, Suzanne Brady, Heather Ward, and Rachael Ward have offered wise counsel, valuable encouragement, and their much-needed editorial eyes and professional expertise.

I am particularly indebted to two invaluable people: my friend and editor extraordinaire, Ted Barnes, who shaped the manuscript and provided exceptional editorial assistance; and to my beloved wife, Karmel, who always helps my writing and my life become better and who is a constant example of Christian goodness.

In addition, I gratefully acknowledge the countless people from all walks of life whose stories of second chances continue to unfold and inspire. Several of those stories are told in this short work, some with names of individuals, circumstances, and other details changed to maintain privacy. Innumerable other stories remain yet untold but deeply appreciated.

Chapter 1

A Message of Hope

As Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:4

During the last few weeks of a cold, snowy winter, hungry deer attacked the ivy in front of our home, leaving nothing but what looked like tangled brown sticks. My wife nearly cried when she surveyed the damage. We feared that the tender plants were beyond repair. We thought we would have to pull the ivy out, start over, and replant. We decided to save that somber task until the weather changed and tried to forget about the assault to our landscape for the time being.

When springs warmth finally arrived and we revisited the ivy, we could hardly believe our eyes: broken vines had somehow mended, and tiny buds appeared. In time, those little buds flourished into beautiful, verdant leaves. Today, several springs later, the ivy is robust and continues to spread its leafy sprouts across our home.

Though it seemed miraculous to us, the regeneration of our ivy plant was actually not that unusual. Similar miracles happen every year all over the world as spring follows winter in an unceasing and marvelous cycle of rebirth and rejuvenation. Its an annual reminder that renewal can come, positive change can happen, and hope is at the center of everything. Grass that looks dead, brown, and beaten somehow thrives again. Bulbs buried in the dark soil send their shoots toward the light, and flowers triumph afresh. Hope is always part of the landscape. We joyously celebrate new life in nature, but we might also celebrate the new life that comes of another spiritual opportunity, a fresh start, a second chance.

A Voice for Hope

This book came as a result of seeing change and growth all around me for many yearsin my yard and in myself. Like you, Ive certainly needed to repent, and I most assuredly need forgiveness. Ive experienced my share of heartache and difficulty. Like you, Ive watched the miracle of second chances reveal itself time and time again. The essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that we can repent and be forgiven; we can endure disappointments and setbacks; we can and must go forward into the future with faith. Because I believe in the gospel of second chances, I believe in hope and faith, redemption and renewal, new birth and new life. Without trust in a loving Father and Son who make second chances possible, life would be most miserable.

We hear the expression There are no guarantees in life. But here is one promise, one guarantee you can count on no matter where you are or what you have done: You can have a second chance. Just as a disobedient child says to his mother, I promise Ill do better next time and Can I try again? as we get older we may wonder and ask, Is there hope for me? and Can I really start over? Weve probably all felt that way from time to time. Weve fallen short and longed for another chance, a fresh start, a new beginning. Weve all wished we could take back something weve said or done, rewind time, and try again. Justice and fairness will always have their claim, but so will mercy and second chances.

I suspect that most everyone who reads this book genuinely wants to live a good life. We strive to do our best; we endeavor to live the gospel. But we all need second chances. Sometimes we question if a relationship can ever be mended or a broken heart healed. Sometimes we are painfully aware of our shortcomings and weaknesses and wonder if we will ever be good enough or ever measure up to all the Lord expects of us. Such doubts are natural and common, but they are not beneficial. As the English poet Tennyson urged, Cleave ever to the sunnier side of doubt.