John 8:32 “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NIV)
At 6pm on this day in 1987, I came home from work on a Sunday and walked into my living room. My wife, brother, boss and a recovering alcoholic and addict named Rusty brought the truth to me in the form of an intervention. The rest, as they say, is history.
For the past 8,766 days, one day at a time, I’ve been turning my life over to God (i.e. the Truth).
It’s been a pretty good deal. Handling life on life’s terms without drink or drug is also a pretty good deal. Things haven’t been perfect but things continue to get better. There’s been storms, battles and challenges but peace always prevails in the end. I love my family and I think they love me.  I have no enemies and for those who consider me an enemy, they don’t know me. My core being has turned from one of living inward with a self-focus to one of living outward with a world-focus. I could go on and on, but if you want to know how to get over the selfish, self-centered life a life fueled by self creates…read my blogs because they are all about my personal experiences in battling and conquering ME one day at a time.
I will never forget what my treatment center counselor, Wendy, said to me 24 years ago. She said, “Jay, the moment you realize your best thinking and efforts got you everything you have in your life right now is the moment you will realize you need help.” I didn’t like her for saying that, but the truth often hurts and it will always set us free. I know some people think “I’m a Bible thumpin’ religious-type” and that can only be the farthest thing from the truth. I really don’t like religion or the religious type.
I’m simply a person who has formed a personal relationship with the Truth (Jesus) as it came and walked in the flesh with us over 2,000 years ago and because of His death and resurrection, walks in the Spirit with me today. No preaching, no Bible thumping, no hell and damnation for those who don’t do what I do…just sharing what has worked for me.
Lori, Jim, Tom, Rusty and Wendy…thanks for delivering the truth to me…it’s so much easier than living a lie…it’s been a pretty good ride.
P.E.A.C.E.
