You often hear about the dangers associated with a life of organized crime, but rarely are you allowed a glimpse into the life of organized crime by someone that lived to tell about it. Most people historically have only found a way out of organized crime in one of three ways, either by death from unnatural causes, a witness protection program or a lifetime in jail. The same principals apply to gangs as well.
Michael Franzese, on the other hand, talks like a “wise guy” but the more you listen the more you realize how wise this guy really is. He literally had the world at his feet earning at times upwards of 8 million plus a week through illegal schemes and a life of crime, but one encounter with a dedicated devout Christian that would later become his wife changed it all. I had the opportunity to hear him speak at an Austin Gathering Event last week and I must admit that he has a powerful testimony that can and has changed many lives.
He opened up by telling us how he went from a pre med student to a soldier in the mob and eventually a captain because of his father being sent to prison.After his encounter with his future wife, love compelled him to walk away from the mob. He decided he would take a plea and logically as a result would not be allowed to associate with his “old friends” when he got out. This move however resulted in even his father approving a hit on him according to his accounts. Whereas some people have a tendacy to glorify their life before becoming a Chritian inadvertantly, he clearly is thankful that God has allowed him to walk in purpose. After an astonishing 29+ days in the hole reading his Bible the whole time during his last stint in prison, he completly surrendered to God.
“Sometimes we can walk in parallel with God and eventually those lines will intersect,” Franzese said,”Was it good that I found a good woman, yes…was it good that I left the mob, yes…but I did those things for me, not for God.” He contrasted clearly the difference between a good move and a move that is a true surrender to God.
“I know about evidence, and their is no doubt in my mind that Jesus is real and the only way to the Father is through Him,” he said, “I have nothing in common with an ameba!” He was unwavering in his faith, inspiring in his delivery and determined to help others to see they can have a life with Christ too no matter what they’ve done. “God will take your past sins and use them as a tool to inact His purpose in your life when you surrender to Him,” Franzese said.
Franzese expressed true regret for the things he had done. “I don’t have to tell you how violent this life was and if God can bring me out when I thought I was too far gone, he can bring you out too…nothing you’ve done is beyond redemption,” he said “If you want a mob story, buy my book, but I am not hear to tell a mob story, I am here to talk about the goodness of Jesus Christ”
He is a true testament of the power of redemption purpose and change. He now travels the country talking about the goodness of Jesus. He also trains athletes in Major League Baseball, the NBA, the NFL, and the NCAA about the dangers of gambling and a life of crime. He is still a “soldier”, but now he is in the right army.
He summed it up best when he said,” When God has a plan and a purpose for your life, nothing can stop it but you.”
