2In 2006 after pastoring for just over 20 years my relationship with God took on a radical change. In January our grandson Andre' passed away suddenly and everything in my life began to spiral. How could this happen to my grandson, after all there was power and passion in my preaching, there was faith in my prayers, and there were systems and protocols established in my church. How could this happen? Did God cause this devastating event in our family, because perhaps I was falling short in my religious duties? Absolutely not! Out of the ashes of mourning I walked away free from the noose of self based religion into the understanding there was nothing I could do that would cause God to love me more, nor, was there anything I could do that would cause God to love me less. God revealed intimately and personally His unconditional love demonstrated on the cross through His Son, Jesus Christ. Now I have a takeaway that has set me free to extend that love to others without judgement but with the hope that others would come to know and understand who God desires to be in their lives as they hold onto His promises and let go of the pressure of the invisible mark that religion tells us we must strive to achieve. Now sixteen years later Gods grace never ceases to amaze me and the fire of His love continues to burn bright on the inside. This amazing journey is what has inspired the pages of this book that you too will Discover Your Takeaway.