This week I saw Tommy outside in a drizzle taking care of some things someone else should have handled. He could have ignored it, others probably did! But it was good for Helping Up Mission that he did it, and Tommy knew it was the right thing for him to do.
But that’s not exactly the kind of guys he has been in recent years. Tommy does come from a good Christian family with lots of ministry connections. He was taught right and had good examples in his life.
He was well equipped to live a meaningful, productive and successful life. But years of drug abuse undid any possibilities of that.
Last year, while mired in his addiction, Tommy’s brother passed away. It had a profound impact on him. Death of a loved one is such a critical times in our lives. For those who struggle with addictions, it is often a watershed moment to dive deeper into chemicals or a moment of clarity to consider something else.
For Tommy it was a spiritual awakening – he said, “I just decided I’d had enough!” All that teaching and training he grew up with came back to him. Tommy didn’t want to continue living as he had and made a commitment to do differently.
His family helped him get to HUM. In our 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program for 6 months now, he feels really good on the inside. He is also enthusiastic about his future.
For some it is an awakening to a whole new way of life. For Tommy, it was just getting back to what he knew growing up. Either way, it works…
…One Day at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director