I grew up the youngest of 10 on the east side of Des Moines. My family was chaotic most of the time. My parents were alcoholics that usually left us kids fending for ourselves depending on the mood of my stepfather. I never really had a childhood due to the fact that we all moved out of the house at a very young age.
By age 13, I was experimenting with drugs – weed mainly. I dropped out of school due to thinking I didn’t need it. I got a job and for several years and thought I was doing good. However, this consisted of being a womanizer and a taker through just trying to fill a void in my life. I ended up getting my first wife pregnant before marriage. I only married her as a last ditch effort to do the right thing. Through all of that relationship the chaos and disruptive paths continued, but I just wrote it off as “it wasn’t meant to be”.
At this time I met my second wife. The same thing happened but it took longer to figure out that the problem was me. I wasn’t ready. My addiction was in full swing and nothing was going to deter me from getting high. I continued being homeless and in trouble with the law. I abandoned my children and faced a lot of years in prison due to my lack of ability to care about others. By this time I was the lowest I’ve ever been – sitting in jail and reading the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. The Jail Chaplain came around, and as I talked with him I completely surrendered to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Since that day, 11/16/22 at 4:50pm, to say my life has been one of a miracle is an understatement. I’m no longer in a fight with myself or a taker of “what can you do for me?” My personal relationship with God is the most important thing to me. My kids are back in my life and there is no turmoil or chaos. My soul is at peace. I’m thankful for every minute of every day. I’m hungry for the word of God and His plan for my life. 1000% my life has changed for the better, and I could not be more grateful.