03/06/2023
It seems so long ago that I was blackout drinking almost daily, destroying my lungs and nose with ci******es and drugs.
A Few photos exist in my possession of those days. But wow, what a journey it’s been.
When I first met Kaitlyn I was just 14 months out of jail.
No drivers license, no house, no car, no money, and a felony arrest record… and pretty much the last person someone would trust.
But God... He truly directs our steps. I had to just simply acknowledge His existance.
I was born to an addict. And even though he wasn't very involved in my life, I obtained my father's habits. Generational curses DO exist, but they also can very much so, be destroyed.
(That God for men bold enough to be step fathers)
It still shocks me at how my personal addiction to ci******es, drugs, and alcohol was completely dissolved at my decision to serve Christ. For the first time, I was able to stop smoking after numerous attempts, my last stronghold; and forget the life I once known.
God used me when I hadn't even set foot in a church until the age of 23, when I didn't even completely surrender to Him until I was 26. (It's never too late, and you're never "too far gone")
His promises aren’t lost on me. When I think of all the stupid situations I put myself in. I’m in disbelief of how I'm even alive.
I have to remind myself that He brought me out of an absolute mess, and that He has bigger plans for me. And for you.
I want my pursuits to glorify Him. I want my talents to be used, not wasted. I want ALL OF US to live to our fullest potential. For Him.
And when those times creep up on me like “whats it all for?” I’m reminded of my bigger purpose; Glorify God, share the Gospel to youth that most, come from a very similar background as me.
And it re-roots me. It grounds me in my duty to serve.
He’s given me a calling, I just had to answer it. Connecting a generation to a relationship with God, and change the trajectory of their lives, like it did mine.
I’m reminded often, if you invest in the next Gen. the dream won't die.
Operate with a ‘back against the wall’, ‘soul on fire’ mindset.
It’s so much bigger than us. It’s lives changed. Communities served.
That’s why I’m here.
That's why I want to obey God everytime He speaks.
That's why this is my last post on this page as the Youth Pastor of Gravity Student Ministry. As we step into a new season, a new title, a new location, with new uncertainties, but the same mighty God that we serve.
Kaitlyn and myself love each and everyone of you.
