Recently I heard Michael Harris sing and share his testimony in a concert in our community. After his concert I purchased his CD of music and book, both entitled Set Free.

Michael and Amber Harris’s book is an inspiring love story unlike any other I have read. It is more than a narrative about drug abuse, a tragic automobile accident, and paralysis. It’s an unforgettable love story about a spiritually broken man, a physically broken woman, and an all-powerful, all-loving God who specializes in mending broken people.

It is virtually impossible to hear or read their story without being moved first to tears, and then to embrace and praise God who makes us all “Free Indeed”. (John 8:32)

Addicted to drugs before his marriage to Amber, Michael felt he could control is own life.  He perceived no need for God in his life.

 Michael finally hit bottom. In one horrifying, drug-dazed moment, while he and Amber traveled through the desert, at a high rate of speed, he lost control of the vehicle and they awoke in a ditch out of site of the highway.  His once-vivacious bride, Amber was sentenced to a life of confinement in a wheelchair. 

The suffocating weight of guilt Michael felt drove him deeper into narcotic oblivion and the near breakup of his marriage.  The hell of addiction hurled him into a pit of despair from which there seemed to be no escape.  But a desperate prayer for forgiveness, from his bathroom floor, proved to be the key that would set him free from his nightmarish prison.

Today Michael, now a renowned baritone and gospel recording artist, is  telling his story of a miraculous deliverance from drugs and alcohol to thousands of people worldwide during his concerts.  Amber also shares with him in his music ministry.

“Never in my entire life – not drugs, not sex, not even the thrill of standing on stage before thousands of people – can even come close to the stability and satisfaction Christ has brought to my soul,” he declares.  “My standing in Christ and my ongoing relationship with Him are the greatest blessings I’ve ever known!”

Michael concludes,“I’m always amazed at what the Lord can do. What breaks through hard hearts and brings hope to the hopeless is the simple, timeless story of the Gospel of Grace.  The source of our freedom and the basis for our security and joy is the beautiful story of a God who loved the world so much ‘that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’” (John 3:16)

In his CD recording, Michael sang a powerful message originally composed by Helen H. Lemel, 20th century author and hymnwriter. 

O soul, are you weary and troubled? 
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Thru death into life everlasting,
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us, sin no more hath dominion,
For more than conq’rors we are!

His word shall not fail you – He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect Salvation to tell!

Chorus: Turn your eyes upon Jesus;
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.