Setting The Tone
Remember this line?
"You’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky today?’ Well... do ya, punk?"
Clint Eastwood at his best—cool, confident, and not messing around. The question, of course, was directed at the bank robber, played by Albert Popwell, as he stared down the barrel of Harry Callahan's .44 Magnum—the most powerful handgun in the world.
How many times has that line played through my head over the years? Too many to count—pretty much every time I schemed together some shady sin that served my survival instincts. Survival may have been a big motivator in my sin life, but it often led me further from the grace I so desperately needed.
That line really did make a huge impact on me, not just because it’s unforgettable, but because when it loomed large from the silver screen, I was actively absorbing everything I could from the first R-rated movie I’d ever seen. I was 17—finally old enough to watch one—and let me tell you, I felt that line.
My mom, a devout Catholic who sat on the National Catholic Office for Motion Pictures (previously known as the National Legion of Decency—yes, that’s a real thing!), never exposed me to anything unwholesome growing up. So, seeing Dirty Harry was a BIG deal. And that one line? It’s stuck with me ever since.
And you know what? I’m kind of feeling that way right now. I’m excited—thrilled, even—to bring Fifty Shades of Grace to the world. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t also thinking, “Do I feel lucky today?”
Truthfully, there’s a good measure of fear at play here. As Harry’s question to the bank robber was, “Did he fire five shots, or six?” my question is a little different: Will the world embrace this mission with open arms, or will it come out in force to tear it apart?
But I’m not relying on luck here—I’m relying on God’s love and His will for His people, both of which I’m striving to be faithful to with compassion and gentleness. No matter how the world responds, I trust that His plans are good, and His grace is more than enough to see this through.
Why Fear?
Think about how the world is today… it’s brutal. This is the age of cancel culture and anonymous character assassination. Some people seem to relish tearing others down, stripping them of their dignity, reputation, and livelihood to discredit their point of view—or just because it feels good to be cruel.
Here’s the truth: I tend to run toward the fire. Controversial subjects? You can bet I have something to say about almost all of them. But I strive to view everything through the lens of God’s Word—that’s how I discern right from wrong, wisdom from folly.
Jesus and the apostles were literally killed for standing on truth. Truth has always come at a cost, so I think it’s fair to say I might become a target too—maybe not martyred, but certainly a target. Let me be clear: I’m not here to be hyperbolic, to harm anyone, or to attract scorn. For years, I’ve sought to live transparently. I share my story, and I wish to address the world on the Word’s terms, because I believe deeply in the power of redemption.
Speaking the Truth in Love
I may dig into the wisdom of your Father and mine and speak to you in a motherly way, suggesting, when appropriate, a more excellent way—not as an authority, but in love and with a clear conscience, like a mom who says, “Wait until your Father gets home.”
If conversations arise that are contrary to God’s Word, I won’t shrink back from addressing them. But I will strive to speak the truth with love, trusting that when your Father gets with you, He will guide and judge rightly, building us all up in faith—myself included, always growing at the forefront of that journey.
Why Fear?
Think about how the world is today… it’s brutal. This is the age of cancel culture and anonymous character assassination. Some people seem to relish tearing others down, stripping them of their dignity, reputation, and livelihood to discredit their point of view—or just because it feels good to be cruel.
Here’s the truth: I tend to run toward the fire. Controversial subjects? You can bet I have something to say about almost all of them. But I strive to view everything through the lens of God’s Word—that’s how I discern right from wrong, wisdom from folly.
Jesus and the apostles were literally killed for standing on truth. Truth has always come at a cost, so I think it’s fair to say I might become a target too—maybe not martyred, but certainly a target. Let me be clear: I’m not here to be hyperbolic, to harm anyone, or to attract scorn. For years, I’ve sought to live transparently. I share my story, and I wish to address the world on the Word’s terms, because I believe deeply in the power of redemption.
Speaking the Truth in Love
I may dig into the wisdom of your Father and mine and speak to you in a motherly way, suggesting, when appropriate, a more excellent way—not as an authority, but in love and with a clear conscience, like a mom who says, “Wait until your Father gets home.”
If conversations arise that are contrary to God’s Word, I won’t shrink back from addressing them. But I will strive to speak the truth with love, trusting that when your Father gets with you, He will guide and judge rightly, building us all up in faith—myself included, always growing at the forefront of that journey.
My Agenda
I think it’s natural to wonder about someone’s agenda and motivations, especially when you see a “give now” button. So, let’s lay it out: My agenda is to share my thoughts, beliefs, and experiences openly while recognizing God in everything I do.
That Give Now button? It’s not about us—it’s about doing good deeds by God’s people, for God’s people, and for God’s purposes. Every dollar will go directly to projects that align with His work in the world, whether it’s digging wells, feeding the hungry, or meeting the needs of His children in tangible ways. Nothing stays with us, because this isn’t about building a brand—it’s about building the Kingdom.
I want the same for you—not just with me but with your brothers and sisters in the Lord worldwide. Unity in the Trinity is one of the driving forces behind Fifty Shades of Grace.
This is an active call for Catholics, Evangelicals, Pentecostals, and all who believe in the Trinity. Jesus prayed for unity in John 17:20-23. He couldn’t have been clearer—He desires His followers to be one. Why? “So that the world may believe that you sent me.” Unity isn’t just an ideal—it’s a mission. It’s how we show the world who Jesus is and the transformative power of His love.
But my heart doesn’t stop there. My hope is that this space also draws in those who don’t yet know God’s love or His grace—those who are searching for truth, healing, and redemption. God’s grace is for everyone, and my prayer is that through this work, even those who feel far from Him might come to know His love and experience His transforming power.
We will see results if we unite and pray in God’s will. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
So what will we pray for? We will pray for hearts to turn back to God and for healing in the broken places of our world—division, poverty, injustice, and despair. We will pray for freedom from the grip of sexual immorality, addiction, greed, and the pursuit of power. As the needs of the world change, we will continue to lift up whatever weighs on humanity, always asking God to be at the center of it all, transforming lives and bringing His peace to the world.
I want us to move forward in boldness but with humility and love, speaking truth boldly and without fear, with gracious tones that invite rather than repel, and setting the world on fire in the most positive ways. Imagine living the gospel together as one international Grace Nation—an unstoppable movement of God’s people.
I want to answer the world’s controversies—not with anger, division, or condemnation, but with grace and love. I want to show that there’s a better way, rooted in truth and guided by compassion.
If we all experienced and shared the life-transforming power of God’s grace together, the results would speak for themselves—a world more aligned with His love, His peace, and His will. That, to me, would be a success beyond measure.
Our Patron Saints: St. Francis de Sales and St. Josaphat
As Fifty Shades of Grace seeks to inspire, unite, and transform, it’s only fitting to draw strength and guidance from two remarkable patron saints whose lives echo the mission of this project.
St. Francis de Sales: Patron of Writers and Journalists
St. Francis de Sales (1567–1622) was a Catholic bishop and Doctor of the Church, known for his compassionate, gentle, and approachable style in both his writing and ministry. His profound ability to communicate deep spiritual truths with love and simplicity continues to inspire countless people today.
A prolific writer and spiritual guide, St. Francis believed in meeting people where they were, helping them grow closer to God with patience and understanding. His works, such as Introduction to the Devout Life, remain timeless resources for those seeking to live a life of holiness and love. Canonized in 1665, he was named the patron saint of writers and journalists—a perfect intercessor for a project like Fifty Shades of Grace, which aims to bring the transformative power of God’s grace to the world through compassionate and thoughtful communication.
St. Josaphat: Patron of Unity
St. Josaphat (1584–1623) was a bishop and martyr who devoted his life to fostering unity among Christians. He worked tirelessly to reconcile divisions within the Church, striving to heal the wounds of disunity with courage and love. Though his mission ultimately cost him his life, his legacy endures as a model of perseverance, humility, and faith in the power of God’s grace to bring people together.
As a patron of unity, St. Josaphat’s intercession serves as a reminder of the call to bring Catholics, Evangelicals, Pentecostals, and all who believe in the Trinity together in prayer and purpose. His example inspires Fifty Shades of Grace to continue working toward the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17:21: “That they may all be one.”
These two saints embody the heart of Fifty Shades of Grace: communicating truth with love, fostering unity among believers, and sharing God’s grace with the world. Through their intercession and example, we hope to carry forward their legacy in our mission to inspire, heal, and transform lives through the Gospel.