It took seven years after I was baptized before Jesus could even introduce me to a loving father,

meaning God the father. Seven years. Seven years of falling and being exhausted and just saying,

I can't do this Christian thing anymore. And I would act out out sexually and I would come to Jesus as a mess

and I was just, you know, I was so used to rejection beginning with my father, the kids in school that called me names and the illicit lovers that I had for 20 years that would use me and I would use them. You know, so I thought that I could even wear out the patience of God and I would come to to Jesus as I was dirty and defiled and just thinking, you know what, it's not working.

You know, you know what,

it's not working. You know, you've got to let me go. And I would just, you know, say to God,

you still want me? You see what I am. You saw what I did. And it was amazing because his answer

was always the same. And he said, I love you, Mike, and I want you.

I'm Dean Cullinane, and you're listening to Why They Did That, a show that explores the motivations of biblical characters and how their choices can guide yours. Today's guest is perhaps one of the most infectious people I've ever met.

I've had the truly blessed privilege of speaking with him at numerous events, and every time I sit down to listen to him,

I know my heart is going to be touched. Today is no different. My guest is Michael Carducci.

And without wanting to give too much away before the episode even begins, Michael's story has

never been more relevant, never been more needed than it is now.

And already, we want to encourage you to take the few seconds necessary to share this episode

with someone that you know needs to hear it because you all know someone that will.

Now, we've received countless messages from you all know someone that will. Now we've received countless messages from you all, stating that this podcast has been

able to help you see yourself in Bible characters that you once thought you had nothing

in common with.

That's exciting.

But on the flip side, one has to ask, is there anything more discouraging than seeing yourself

in Bible characters that you wish you were nothing like?

You'd think that King Solomon had everything anyone could want.

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