The first time I heard the name, Ted Haggard, was in November 2006. Ted was the pastor of a 14,000+ congregation in Colorado Springs and President of the National Association of Evangelicals. In November 2006 his name was plastered all over the media as shocking allegations against him surfaced. He was accused of drug use and having a 3 year affair with a gay "escort". I remember my heart aching for him, his family, his church and the name of Jesus. How could someone live such a lie? What would happen to him, his family, his church now? Those were the questions I asked. I am not a big fan of the media so this whole story fell off of my radar until recently, when I noticed Gayle Haggard's book sitting in my church library. I decided to read it and I am so glad I did.
Once I started reading I could barely put it down. The book not only told the whole story, even the shocking details, but challenged me in my faith on many levels. Gayle responded by choosing to forgive Ted, love him and stand by his side. Her testimony is a challenge to any wife to view their marriage from God's perspective. Her decision cost her in ways she never imagined. She was treated as guilty by association even though she did nothing but obey God's call to forgive, love and remember that marriage is "for better or worse". Despite the cost she gained a deeper love and intimacy with Ted and a new perspective on a world full of sinful people who need Jesus.
Almost 4 years after Ted's shameful "fall" he and Gayle have started a new church. I can imagine that with that decision came some criticism but after reading Gayle's book I can honestly say, I think it was a good decision. In less than a year the church has grown to over 300 people. You can read more about the Haggards at:
This post is linked to
Wow, this would be amazing read...I am going to have to add it to my list
ReplyDelete