The Story of Theo: Introduction

I am very excited and happy that it is finally the right time to tell the full story of Theo and how I became a central figure in this narrative. There have been a lot of “stories” floating around out there since this journey began, and the only way to set the record straight is for me to tell my own story. I really do not mind. I like to share parts of my life with people because it brings me great joy to give God glory, to bless people, to encourage people, to make others laugh, or to give a legitimate cause for pause. I also choose not to share my whole life because there are boundaries that we all must set to protect our emotions, our families, our security, and so on. It is especially important for those of us who live public lives and deal with the oftentimes false notion that, because of our positions, people have the right to full access to our lives and business.

If you were to talk to my sheep, they would tell you that I am very transparent and real. They also know that certain parts of my life are off limits. I fall somewhere between: “you will hear my entire life story – the good, the bad, the hairy, and the scary,” and “I will go to my grave before I share my shoe size with you.” I want to share some things, but not everything. We are all different in this realm, and we all have the right to be the way we choose to be regarding our private lives. I say all of this to set the stage for the story I am about to share. I am one of two people who have lived this experience from the angle I am sharing from. I speak on behalf of myself, nobody else. This is my story.

I have done some very deep soul searching in the last four years of my life, seeking God like I never have before. This journey with Theo has been one of the most beautiful, ugly, joyful, heartbreaking, scary, and glorious experiences of my life. My heart has never been this invested, and I have never fought as hard against the “principalities of darkness” as I did during this window of my life. I want to give you an opportunity to peer into this window as people who have shown us love, support, and encouragement, as well as being nonjudgmental or critical. And, of equal importance, who have withheld judgment and criticism. You have a special place in my heart and always will.

Watch this blog each week as I continue to walk you through this journey.