To New Heights
You might think having the cool mom -the mom you share anything with -is a kid’s dream. Not if your mom is an alcoholic whose favorite thing to share is getting high. In a bittersweet conversation, Greg shared memories of how his mom’s despair marked his first twenty-two years.
“She was great, but she had a problem with alcohol. I fought the dread of coming home in the afternoon. Dad’s schedule changed month to month, and with dad gone afternoons mom would be past drunk by the time I’d get home. I took my own first drink at twelve, and when mom found out we started drinking together.”
“My sister came along when I was about thirteen. Mom cleaned up for the pregnancy, but I didn’t stop using. I moved from drinking to weed, to opiates, to cocaine, and then meth.
After my sister was born and mom started drinking again, I would take care of both of them. Seeing mom struggle with life put me into a downward spiral.” Instead of despairing, Greg chose a self-absorbed attitude where nobody but himself mattered.
“I stole. I lied. I did things I’m not proud of at all. I abused my relationship with my dad, and took advantage of everyone to do whatever I wanted. By sixteen I was in jail and since then I’ve been to jail twelve times. Although dad wanted me to get help, I didn’t think I had a problem.”
“My last trip to jail changed it all. Every day the men in there - men in their forties to sixties - talked about going right back to it. I thought, ‘This will be me.’ That got my attention. Seeing them showed me I wanted a different life. I read Proverbs five times in jail, and I heard God telling me, ‘Keep going, I’ve got something for you.’ I decided then I wanted to get into a longterm Christian program.”
“It took forever to get into WCRM. I applied, and nothing came back. Finally I got a word back and immediately remembered some drugs I had at home. I secretly made a plan to use them before reporting to the program, and conversations with WCRM dried up. I called dad and asked him to get rid of my stash. He did, and then I got word I was accepted. Six hours after my release from jail, I arrived here.”
“This has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. On July sixth I was saved. I prayed God would remove my addiction and cravings - and He did. I hated myself before, wanted to give up. And I remember the voice saying, ‘Keep going, I’ve got something for you.’ Now that I’m here, I’m glad I kept going.”
“I didn’t think I could have it this good. I never had anything going for me, but I never had God. Now I know that I have a God who loves me. He took my addictions and gave me a future.” He has restored dreams I had from my childhood and shown how those dreams can be used for my future and for his glory. I always wanted to fly, and I’ve found an aviation school that will help me prepare for mission flights. This whole year is worth it. My dreams aren’t dead anymore. I am building a foundation for the rest of my life, a life God will bless."
Greg’s words are a reminder that life in Christ is new. Not only is Greg growing like never before, but his mom is in a rehab program rebuilding her life too. Thank you for making a difference in Greg’s life, and join us as we pray for Greg and his mom as they seek continued growth and health.
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