There is a widely circulated news now about the author of the book ‘I Kissed Dating Goodbye’. An amazing book about courtship and purity that I have read in highschool along with a good number of my classmates then. While some read it and then proceeded to live a life devoid of the principles of the book, I kept it close at heart and practiced what I learned.
Sadly, Joshua Harris has published a series of agonizing statements about his Christianity and separation from his wife. It pains me to read it but I’m certain that it pains him more to write and publish it. As a writer, I understand that whatever we say and publish to the world is used against us – to hold us accountable for every word we say.
Joshua’s ideals in his three books about dating, love and purity has changed my perspective to hold on to my heart instead of giving pieces of it away in numerous, experimental relationships. It has taught me to rely on God and ask Him for direction on who it is that I would finally end up tying the knot with.
It has increased my faith significantly in one of life’s most mysterious and elusive roadmaps – the journey to marriage.
I was able to place my entire marriage in God’s hand. And true enough, He directed it towards my wife – who is my first girlfriend and my first true love.
This I will never forget. Through all of what is happening in Joshua Harris’ life, what matters most is how he has changed mine through his words.
Yes, how the man drives himself away from God’s will or glory is tragic. But it is ultimately how God used the man for His glory to touch and influence millions of lives that matters.
This, I will never forget.
And for this, I say, “Thank you Joshua Harris.”
