Many people know me as Lauren Tran. Many more know me as the wife of Jackson Tran. And I am okay with that.

Because Jackson doesn't just preach the gospel, he lives it.

The man I married nearly 11 years ago did not become who he is today because of an easy life. His character, his faith in God, who he is, was forged in the fire of difficulty, opposition, and even abuse.

I have shed tears over the brokeness of the world, over a lost childhood, a shattered innocence, and deeply inflicted wounds that will always show their scars on this side of heaven.

Had I had a choice, would I have chosen this painful path for my husband to walk? Probably not. But God, in his grace and wisdom did. And it has formed in Jackson a strength of character, an integrity and compassion that I can only be grateful for. None of it has come easy. But perhaps God has and is redeeming it. From the broken pieces, emerges something even more beautiful - a piece of pottery in the Master's capable hands.

It takes immense courage to relive a past of abuse and racism and share it with others. Yet raw, honest stories like this one (and there are millions of others like it) offers a chance to see the world in a slightly different way - to walk in another's shoes, if but for a moment. This is not an easy story to share - or even to read. But perhaps that is what makes it worth reading.

I am so proud of this man I call my husband. And so grateful that God has allowed me to walk by Jackson Tran's side in this messy, beautiful life.