Cartoonist/Illustrator - Jeff Larson
Minnesota
 I shared this blog just 4 months ago, but feel compelled to share it again after watching 'The Chosen' season 2, episode 6. One of the plotlines of this episode dealt with 'what-if' Mary Magdalene relapsed into her old sinful life far from God, but then returning to Jesus. The answer is Jesus welcomes her with no reservations all while feeling the pain in Mary's heartfelt repentance. This message strikes a cord with my alcoholic heart. I have been sober for over 6 years and while drink has lost it's appeal for me for now, I am wary that I could relapse in a moment of weakness, and again enjoy the buzz. I fear the damage it could do to my marriage, family, and health. I pray it does not happen, but WHAT IF it did? There would be consequences, and for me I should never drink again, but I believe Jesus would welcome me back like Mary Magdalen if my repentance was heartfelt. I also believe my family would too. Meanwhile in real life in the fall of 2016 I woke up crying from A VERY BAD DREAM (aka Nightmare) where I relapsed into drinking again, and my wife told me I should leave. Horrible dream is an understatement. It was still very dream like, but the thread of my past (the alcohol) shook me, and it was just 18 months after my last drink. But then even as I became more awake and realized it was just a bad dream the song by Big Daddy Weave 'I am redeemed' came to my mind. Alcohol was becoming something that is more and more in my rear view mirror, and my wife loves me (go figure). So I smiled big, became completely awake kissed Mary on the cheek and got up wanting to listen this song by Big Daddy Weave and blog the great truth. I AM REDEEMED. That was five years ago, and I still have not had a drink. (Thank you Jesus, and Mary.. in that order).. and watching this episode of The Chosen reminded me.. I AM REDEEMED. Ok here Jeff goes again.. he is a cartoonist not a preacher, and not even much of a good-er-r writer. This is all true, but again more importantly .. I AM REDEEMED. This is more of an uplifting message for me and many of you than any smile for a day cartoon. So with this intro, let me share the lyrics for I AM REDEEMED by Big Daddy Weave. link to youtube video of this song can be found -> HERE  Seems like all I can see was the struggle Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past Bound up in shackles of all my failures Wondering how long is this gonna last Then You look at this prisoner and say to me "son Stop fighting a fight that's already been won" I am redeemed, You set me free So I'll shake off theses heavy chains Wipe away every stain now I'm not who I used to be I am redeemed  All my life I have been called unworthy Named by the voice of my shame and regret But when I hear You whisper, "Child lift up your head" I remember oh God, You're not done with me yet I don't have to be the old man inside of me 'Cause his day is long dead and gone I've got a new name, a new life I'm not the same And a hope that will carry me home  I am redeemed, You set me free So I'll shake off theses heavy chains Wipe away every stain now I'm not who I used to be Oh God I'm not who I used to be Jesus I'm not who I used to be 'Cause I am redeemed Thank God, redeemed  My prayer is that each of you realize YOU ARE or CAN BE REDEEMED. All a prodigal son or daughter must do is come to Jesus and ask for forgiveness and you are REDEEMED. Don't EVER think your situation is too far gone for Jesus and a life redeemed.
PTL Blessings from Jeff (redeemed in the Back Pew) Larson 11/22/2020 I am Redeemed.. still! Remembering a BAD DREAM - In the fall of 2016 I woke up from my night's sleep crying from a horrible dream where I relapsed into the use of alcohol, and my wife told me I should leave. Horrible dream? .. that's an understatement. It was still very dream like, but the thread of my past (the alcohol) shook me. It was not a horrible dream, it was a TRUE NIGHTMARE. And it was just 18 months after my last drink. But then even as I became more awake and realized it was just a bad dream the song by Big Daddy Weave 'I am redeemed' came to my mind. Alcohol was becoming something that is more and more in my rear view mirror, and my wife loves me (go figure). So I smiled big, became completely awake kissed Mary on the cheek and got up wanting to listen this song by Big Daddy Weave and blog the great truth. I AM REDEEMED.  That was four years ago, and I still have not had a drink. (Thank you Jesus, and Mary.. in that order) Ok here Jeff goes again.. he is a cartoonist not a preacher, and not even much of a good-er'r writer. This is all true, but again more importantly .. I AM REDEEMED. This is more of an uplifting message for me and many of you than any smile for a day cartoon. So with this intro,  let me share the lyrics for I AM REDEEMED. link to youtube video of this song can be found -> HERE Seems like all I can see was the struggle Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past Bound up in shackles of all my failures Wondering how long is this gonna last Then You look at this prisoner and say to me "son Stop fighting a fight that's already been won"  I am redeemed, You set me free So I'll shake off theses heavy chains Wipe away every stain now I'm not who I used to be I am redeemed All my life I have been called unworthy Named by the voice of my shame and regret But when I hear You whisper, "Child lift up your head" I remember oh God, You're not done with me yet  I don't have to be the old man inside of me 'Cause his day is long dead and gone I've got a new name, a new life I'm not the same And a hope that will carry me home I am redeemed, You set me free So I'll shake off theses heavy chains Wipe away every stain now I'm not who I used to be Oh God I'm not who I used to be Jesus I'm not who I used to be 'Cause I am redeemed Thank God, redeemed  My prayer is that each of you realize YOU ARE or YOU CAN BE redeemed. All the prodigal son or daughter must do is come to Jesus and ask for forgiveness and you are REDEEMED. Forgiven, the prodigal son or daughter. Praise God. Blessings from Jeff (redeemed in the Back Pew) Larson |
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Back Pew - Draw Close to God
116 pages of cartoons of 'Clean Humor & God's Truth' CRITICS ARE SAYING..
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©2019 Jeff Larson - All Rights Reserved
6/25/2021
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