- Drugs
- Friends & Family
submitted by: Susanne Johnson
Michael visits a local long-term treatment facility in his role as a minister. He has baptized many of the clients living there throughout the years. He has a very good understanding of what the young men are going through since he is in recovery himself.
Michael has been on his recovery journey for seven years. Life issues led to his substance use disorder. As the youngest of seven siblings, he was used to getting away with things and leaving his older siblings to clean up the debris. He learned late to face consequences for his actions.
Michael has been married to his wife Sherry for over twenty years. Now that he lives in sobriety, he thinks differently. His spiritual growth has made him a different person. Michael is most proud of restoring his relationship with his family, his wife, his daughters and his seven granddaughters who are the sunshine in his life today. He is glad that none of his granddaughters got to know the old him. They will only remember him as he is now in his sober life.
Guilt, shame and fear have no longer power over his life. He and his wife are home owners. He enjoys the service work he does and describes his life as peaceful and serene. He says, “I am a new creation,” and his wife agrees. She always stood by his side, loving him, knowing there was another person hiding behind the alcoholic face she saw for many years. When she met him, she didn’t notice his alcoholism. It wasn’t until they were three years into their relationship that she asked herself, “What did I get myself into?” She says, “His truth and my truth were always different.” She stood at his side and supported his recovery, and she found recovery and support for herself.
Michael asks people to take recovery easy at first. He says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all else will be added.”