I suppose it could be argued that I reached the pinnacle of my success when Growing Pains hit its zenith in 1987. But it depends on your definition of success. I am a very wealthy man: I received my riches the day I pulled over to the side of Van Nuys Boulevard and gave my whole self to God—what little I knew of Him at the time.
From the moment I prayed that bumbling prayer, my TV stardom meant nothing. That’s not to say, however, that I’m not grateful for the platform. Some say that the only reason we’ve gotten The Way of the Master show on 20 networks is my fame as a teenager. I don’t understand why the world listens to me when there are far more articulate teachers and preachers. I guess it’s the pull of image and celebrity. Rather than run from it, I’ve learned to accept it and watch as God uses it for His glory.
I don’t mind fans coming to talk to me anymore. I invite it. While I used to walk with my head down, I now walk face-up and look people in the eyes. If they want to stop and chat, great! They push open the door to a conversation and I simply respond with what I’m doing these days.
It took me a while to figure out who I really am. When we were dating, Chelsea occasionally asked, “Who are you, Kirk? Because I don’t think I’m seeing you.”
Her question sent me on a discovery mission that has taken years to sort through. And in another 10 years, I might look back at this book and decide I didn’t know all that much about myself now. I’m not even 40, for cryin’ out loud. But these things I know for sure . . .
• I’m a child of God, a sinner rescued by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. As my pastor once said, “You don’t find God—He’s not lost. You are, and He finds you.”
• I’m Chelsea’s husband, protector, partner and friend. After being married for 17 years, I now know she is the most beautiful woman on the planet—inside and out. Chelsea has so many more gifts and talents than I realized when I first met her on the set of Full House. She has a deep and beautiful love for God, integrity and character. She is a very inspiring human being. Together, we’re learning that love is not a feeling; it’s a lifelong commitment. It’s a decision to love someone sacrificially, giving yourself for their good.
• I am the father of six spunky children who brighten the world every day they’re here. My kids are a never-ending source of joy and challenge. I love spending time with them individually and as a family. It’s a privilege to be their father.
• I’m an actor. I love to become part of a story that matters. I love to imagine and play make-believe. Maybe in this, I’ve never grown up. I may have stumbled into it as a child, but it’s a profession I now love. I’m grateful for what I’ve done so far in show business—and I hope to have the privilege of working as an actor for the rest of my life.
• I’m grateful. I’ve been blessed with a wonderful mother and father, whose hard work kept our family together during difficult times and who set an example of commitment and forgiveness for us kids. I’m so proud of who my sisters are becoming. Bridgette is a great mom, a committed wife and an absolute hoot to be with. (“You like crystal gel?”) Melissa is growing by leaps and bounds in her faith—pressing on to honor Christ—a shining example of a woman who loves her babies and her husband. My little sister, Candace, has her own “full house” with three beautiful bambinos and a great husband—all maturing and growing in their love for family, friends and God.
• I try to be a good friend. I enjoy being a part of others’ lives—to be a support when they struggle, to cheer ’em on and share in their joy.
I’m striving to live these roles with excellence. I may not be there yet, but I’m still growing.
If I lost everything tomorrow—and I hope I don’t—I pray that my attitude would be the same as Job’s. This was a man who went from riches to rags. God allowed everything to be taken away from him as a test of Job’s faithfulness. But Job’s response tells all:
Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him (Job 13:15).
As I continue learning, I’ve realized that everything in this life is temporary. Faith allows me to see Hollywood in its true state, with all its jewels pulled off. Faith shows me better things than the world has to offer and gives me a view of my Savior and His eternal value. Faith lets me climb up above the platform of worldly popularity into heaven to see the priceless treasure of Christ Himself—and now that I’ve seen Him, I’m uninterested in living for anything less. This is why the Christian says, “I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ” (Phil. 3:8). It is my sincere hope that you will know that same joy.1
1. Please take the time to read the appendix and recommended reading at the end of this book. I’ve added them for your benefit because I care about you, your family, and where you’ll spend eternity. God bless you.