Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to hear the most amazing testimony to God’s Grace and Providence.  I was privledged to hear Michael Franzese speak at the Fort Worth Christian Prayer Breakfast.

Michael Franzese grew up as the son of the notorious Underboss of New York’s violent and feared Colombo crime family. At his most affluent, he generated an estimated $5 to $8 million per week from legal and illegal businesses. It was a life filled with power, luxury…and deadly violence.  What turned him around?  God put a woman in his life, one who lead him away from crime and introduced him to the loving Grace of our Lord. They were married in 1985, and against what would seem to be impossible odds, have built a strong, happy marriage and have raised four children. 

Michael Franzese is the only high ranking official of a major crime family to ever walk away from the mob, without protective custodies, and survive.

You can read his complete bio here, and meet his wife, Camille, here.

Michael began and ended his testimony with a prayer request for his father, Sonny, who is serving a life sentence for his mob involvement.  Michael continutes to witness to his father, telling him of God’s salvation, but Sonny is a hard nut to crack.  Please throw your prayers to heaven for  Sonny!

My second favorite for this week are these:

These babies are my personal bribe to keep me motivated along my weight loss journey (including learning to run!)….and they will soon be mine.  Mwhahahaha!  I’ve resorted to bribery?  You betcha! Want to learn more?  Join the ride?  Visit me at Keeping the Faith -Skinny Me! Edition.

This post is linked to the Amazing Hillary’s Friday Favorites Blog Carnival! Hop over to The Other Mama and join the fun!  While you’re there, ask her about her new company, Mint Julep Monograms.