I am so blessed and thank God for second chances. Well, actually several chances, but I lost count. It all started when I was 9 years old. I was brought up in a religious home and instilled with Christian beliefs. I accepted the Lord as my Savior and thought life was surely to be easy from then on. This misconception helped lead to a difficult time with my faith. My family seemed to do everything that we were suppose to, going to church, reading the Bible and praying. I remember an instance where we traveled to South Dakota to witness to the natives in the Black Hills and help start up a church. It wasn't to long after that my family started getting heavy attacks spiritually and it tore our family apart. I was so hurt and angry I left home in my early teens and began drinking and doing drugs. I blamed God and hated Him for the pain I felt. It seemed that "I" was the only one I could count on and lost trust in everyone. Drugs and alcohol quickly became the most important things in my life. This blinded me from more problems that were happening and the hurt I caused to myself and the people I love. Affecting my decisions, the hole just got deeper and deeper. I have lied, stole, murdered my son, to name some things I have done and couldn't forgive myself; However, the Lord has forgiven me. I had to find my way back and with 20 years of drinking and drugs to mask the hurt I finally realized that "I" can't do it. I got on my knees and prayed to God to forgive me. Forgive me for the hatred towards Him and the many other sins I have done. I asked God to help me with my addictions, because with His strength I can overcome anything. Since that night, I have not had any urges or temptations to drink or take drugs. A weight was lifted and I do not have that blackness and empty feeling I use to carry with me. Life still isn't easy, but God is on my side and to quote one of my favorite scriptures in the Bible: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:13

I hope this can be a blessing and help someone else that might be going through some hard times. You are not alone and no matter what you have done, it can be forgiven.