This revised edition includes significant changes brought about by some of the observations of those who read the initial edition. In it, I try to flesh out the hope that I found and how the reader can find it as well.

This is a collection of true stories about relationships inside the church. I open the book by sharing my own journey toward forgiveness. After many years, I've concluded that those whom I thought had "wronged me" were either operating out of self-interest or thinking that what they were doing was best for their institution. In healing, I've discovered that love is the foundational value which should encompass all our relationships. Love should be our default value when dealing with difficulty.

The stories are sometimes hard to read. They highlight a lot of the pain and suffering which is part of the Christian life, which we learn to live in community. We often don't get it right, but God is still at work in each one of us bringing about his desires. What helped me and most of those who have shared their stories in these pages are the friends and family who have come alongside us in our journeys-those who supported us in times of crisis and helped us get back up when we were down. If it had not been for them, these stories would not have the positive outcome that many of them do.