About a month ago, I read a book written by Paula White-Cain. It was her autobiography.

While she has a large ministry, her life is more than stellar. She had a difficult childhood, a marriage too young - which resulted in a divorce and her single parenthood. She met her second husband who was the son of a preacher and the couple started a church and ministry. It grew very rapidly, which caused her and him to travel and spread God's good news.

As time progressed, she knew he was cheating on her but. She continued with the ministry, hoping things would work out. It didn't! Now she is married for a third time.

Several mornings ago I was watching a Christian program where Rick Warren of "Purpose Driven Life" fame, was telling of his son's suicide at 27 years old. The family knew of the son's mental illness all of his life. Medical treatment, consoling, praying for him were all part of the son's past. He would have good times and then bad.

Warren told how hard their loss was, especially being in the public's eyes. "We got more then 35,000 sympathy cards and letters," he said. "Some from well-known names and leaders of churches and governments, but the most touching notes were from those who said, 'your son led me to Jesus'. 'Your son impacted my Christian life'.

He went on to say, "Even broken branches can bear fruit!"

Paula White or Rick Warren's son:  used by God in  spite of and because of their life and lives.

Makes me think. God can use us. He can use me. In spite of and because of:  'God uses broken branches like us to bear His fruit.'