Our story began with faith - we first engaged each other giving praise to God for bringing us together. As I was working in a mission thrift store as a student of an addiction program, Sala came in to do some shopping. I was immediately attracted to her because of her kind personality. My journey was one that had many disappointments. I was actually afraid to engage in a relationship because I believed that God had forsaken me. It was the kindness of Sala that gave me hope. I was back in treatment because after being saved there, graduating after a 13 month treatment, I was moved to go to Bible College to learn more about Christ as my Savior.
I relapsed after my daughters rejected me as their father and that took me back into a spiral because I believed there was nothing else that mattered. I was wrong, Sala showed me how to hope again. I owe her so much because she did not give up on me. All my life people have taken advantage of me and have never really given me a chance. Sala was that one person who believed in me. It is because of her that I have hope to be more and to do more. She is driven by life on life's terms. I am constantly learning from her how to be forgiving, loving, and giving.
Our relationship started off great until my old habit took a turn and our marriage spun out of control for several months. Once I realized that I wanted better for myself in life I reconnected with Sala and admitted that I was afraid of my past and that I did not know how to properly appreciate her love. I have made so many bad decisions in my life and I can only blame myself. Sala accepted me back as I was taking chaplain Joe David Fore's classes here at FBCA. My life had meaning again after being with Joe, Carl, and Richard. These men have inspired me to embrace life of God’s term and not mine.
I felt ashamed after graduating from Bible College, being licensed as a minister in my local church, ministering to men with addiction (made me feel like a hypocrite), and leading a bible study for our elderly group in church. I felt so tainted. I could not continue to be this man in the eyes of God, and I reverted back to self. It was FBCA where I found myself again after being around such loving and friendly people. I knew that this has gotta be where God has ordered my step become whole again.
In short, I have fully decided to do only God’s will. I no longer look for solace in what I want out of life, but what I can now do to please God. I can honestly say today that I only want to learn more of God’s desire for my life and how I can be more of a vessel for Him. I have decided to go back to school only to keep my promise to God to get to know Him better. I thank my wife Sala in supporting my dreams, and I thank FBCA for showing me that all is possible.
Prayer:
God of peace and mercy, thank you for always offering us the grace of another chance, to live the life you have called us to live. Thank you for those who support us and love us along life's journey. May we all embrace your will and come to know and love you more deeply each and every day. Amen.
