The word fool can refer to someone who is silly or senseless. It can also refer to a jester (court fool), an ardent enthusiast (dancing fool), or—according to American Heritage Dictionary—"one who subverts convention or orthodoxy or varies from social conformity in order to reveal spiritual or moral truth" (holy fool).

This is a very personal account of one chapter in Nels' life. It may be unorthodox to share something like this here as it deals with serious issues, but hopefully you find it uplifting. If you want to continue, here it is in his own words...

NELS CREMEAN: FOOL FOR CHRIST

My mother was a mime and fire eater, among other things. My father was a minister. So it's not surprising that I attended a performing arts ministry conference at eight years old and began clowning around at every opportunity. Fast forward a few years, and off I went to the University at Buffalo where I intended to get serious, earn a degree, and pursue a career. That's also where I met Elizabeth.

Elizabeth and I grew closer, spent more time together, and then... our world was turned upside down in our sophomore year when we she became pregnant. We believed that every person—born or unborn—was precious to God, yet we were confused about many things and had many choices ahead.

It was good that we found godly counsel through two wonderful people from SonRays Ministries. We also had the support of friends from a campus ministry. One friend suggested that Elizabeth and I spend time apart to seek God. So I did what any noble young man would do in this situation...

I ran away with the circus.

For three months my friend Andrew and I toured the Northeast with The Circus Kingdom, a non-profit Christian circus that promoted social justice and good will. All that time I put on a happy face while I was feeling confused and alone. Of course, it was a difficult and painful time for Elizabeth as well.

Well, people were praying for us. We were praying too. I won't go into the private details here, but many miracles happened during that time. Hearts changed. Relationships restored. Faith renewed. God used that time to remind us of Christ's love and this promise in Proverbs:"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

The following months brought many changes. Elizabeth and I got back together. Our daughter was born. We were finally married. And we knew our future was in good hands. As the apostle Paul wrote, "In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Over the next few years I focused most of my energy on family and academics. However, even after completing degrees in mathematics and education, I never did get a legitimate job. Instead I decided to pursue performing and presenting as a profession.

I love performing. I love my family. And I love the Lord. You could certainly call me a "fool for Christ." I desire to invest my talents and share with people the joy that never fades. Eternal joy. Eternal life.

By the way, Elizabeth and I now have five precious children, and our love continues to grow. We don't have all the answers. We still make mistakes and have struggles. Yet we are thankful for God's grace. And we have hope, for we know that God is good.

If you want more evidence that God is good, here's some news from Romans in the Bible to consider:

"God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us... For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus... There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus... For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

I believe that the greatest hope—for individuals, for relationships, for families, for the future—is found in Christ's atoning death on the cross.

That's an awesome love. The love that brought this fool home.