Written By Maggie
It’s noon. Monday, January 15th, 2018. I just got to the café. Upon my arrival, I greeted Mr. Herb and we got into a conversation about my goals for the very near future. Tomorrow I will be turning in my paperwork application to be a Church Army Candidate. How far I’ve come! But I remember. Addicted to heroin, hopeless, barely surviving... not really wanting to survive at all. I found recovery and found this café. And in turn I found a home, a family, and Jesus! I remember just before Christmas 2017 last year, I was newly clean and still living in a halfway house. But I got to be present for Andrenna’s being accepted as a Candidate. I remember wanting that for myself so badly. I didn’t think it was even possible for myself. I mean, I didn’t even know if I would be strong enough to stay clean this time or not. But I know now that I am never alone - I always have the Lord. I didn’t know I was going to make any of this happen, but I knew I wasn’t going to give up. So, I showed up. Time and time again. I followed my heart, knowing that Jesus himself put this call on my heart. It hasn’t been easy. I’ve stumbled. I’ve fallen flat on my face. But I’m never alone. I’ve always looked at life as a series of obstacles I have to overcome before my life can truly start. First, I have to stay clean. First, I have to get stable. First, I have to go fight for my daughter and get her back. First, I have to become a Candidate... And THEN my life will start. I was wrong. These obstacles ARE my life. This is my story. And it is one of strength and redemption. I am so blessed to have such amazing people around me, let alone supporting, loving, and believing in me. I am so grateful for the ones who have gone before me, the ones who I look up to, the ones who show me the way. My life today is so far from where it was less than two years ago. I am clean. I have a home. I have a Job. I have a family. I have a purpose. I have a future. I have Jesus. I never dreamed my life could be so good. Even in the midst of the obstacles my life is wonderful. Things are happening in me and through me! The time is NOW! I’m loving every moment of it and for once, I can’t wait for what my future holds! So much love, Maggie UGC
1 Comment
Brian Wachtel
1/16/2018 04:09:01 pm
Maggie, thank you so much for sharing. Your story is very encouraging. I just came from a talk by FBI agent, Kelly Wesolosky, for a candid discussion on substance misuse at my work. A partner with them, Ashley shared her story with us and it was so much like yours. There is a huge epidemic in this country, state, county and town and lives. So many have the wrong perception and already made up their mind that it was their choice and they need to pull themselves up by their boot straps and get on with life so they just pass them by. What those suffering need is a hand by all of us that want to pass by to help them up and stand by them. To be responsible to them not for them. This whole epidemic started because we all turned away. We can not legislate this away, we can not arrest this away we need to change the mindset of so many, educate them and love on those who are hurting. Thank you for your courage to share. God bless you and Uncommon Ground Cafe. Brian
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