Read Before You Sail

When I was seven years old, I shared a bedroom with my 19-year-old brother. He loved fast cars and racing and always seemed to chase speed and freedom. One night, he had a terrible accident—his car was a total wreck. After days in the hospital, with machines barely keeping him alive, my parents needed to face the heartbreaking decision of letting him go.

That day, we began another journey in an empty boat.

I grew up Catholic—praying before meals, attending church every Sunday, putting on our best clothes, and honoring traditions. I was baptized as a child, went to Sunday school, received communion, and confessed my sins. Looking back, I am deeply grateful that my parents honored God and the Catholic faith. They introduced me to Him early, and their devotion helped them navigate life and raise a family through joy and sorrow.

My parents owned a car wash and a gas station, and I grew up to the rhythm of the family business. By fifth grade, I was pumping gas and detailing cars—earning a paycheck and learning the value of hard work. I loved greeting customers, helping people, and proving my worth. I made sure no one ever thought things were easy for me just because I was the owner's son.

After high school, I worked alongside my father restoring cars. Through auto body work, I learned to envision the finished product even before the first stroke—an ability I continue to use today as I build brands, design websites, develop products, and lead multiple businesses. Restoring cars was my way of giving back to my father—honoring what he loved. He had spent years bringing old VW bugs back to life, and I was proud to follow in his footsteps—until it was time to take my own.

In 1983, I enrolled at the DeVry Institute of Technology to study electronics and learn about computers. This decision was a pivotal chapter in my life. For more than 30 years, I have operated a business dedicated to supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired—providing products and services that empower independent living.

However, I wrote this book to share the greatest gift I have ever received: accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior and becoming born again in 1985. That moment changed everything: it filled my empty boat with purpose, direction, and hope.

Throughout this book, you will encounter references to various Bible verses—each was chosen to illuminate the paths of faith, service, and spiritual growth. I encourage you to look them up as you read, whether in your personal Bible or online at BibleGateway.com, where you can explore different translations and deepen your understanding. For consistency and clarity, all Scripture quotations in this book have been taken from the New International Version (NIV).

Walking with Jesus is more than a devotional practice—it's a daily invitation to live with purpose. The Christian life isn't just about receiving blessings; it's about becoming a blessing. When we respond to the needs of others with compassion and generosity, we reflect the heart of Christ. And in that reflection, we often find ourselves receiving exactly what we need—not always what we expect, but always what God, in His perfect wisdom, knows is best.

This book is founded on the truth that giving is a spiritual rhythm—not a transaction. It is about trusting that as you pour out, God pours in. As you lift others, He lifts you. As you walk with Jesus, you will discover that the greatest blessings frequently come through the act of helping someone else find theirs.