8 years

There are 2 really important days in my life.

The first is the day I became a Christian - April 6, 2000.

The second is the day I stopped drinking.

For years I've fielded questions regarding why I don't drink. I'm amused when people ask me if its because religion which I generally answer "No, there's great freedom in Christ." Sometimes I'm asked if its because I hate alcohol. I usually confuse them when I say "Its because I love drinking alcohol."

I don't drink because I'm a recovering alcoholic. I have been sober for 8 years today.

It hasn't been easy but I've had some great people around me and an organization in AA which has helped me sustain my sobriety for years. I've got a great sponsor for years who I go to with my struggles. And it has been my privileged to help other people with the same affliction.

Someone recently challenged me as to what was my mission field. And for obvious reasons (the nature of the organization is anonymity) I never openly discuss it unless directly asked. But helping other alcoholics realize that there is grace and forgiveness in Jesus has been my mission field. And that mission is furthered by the fact that I move from city to city because of the nature of my professional industry. Its been a crazy ride and I never thought I would get here, but I am.

8 years.

If there is anyone to thank it has been the men of AGO who's compassion and understanding has helped me with my struggles and my AA sponsor who has been with me from the beginning (and will obviously remain nameless) and got me an awesome new chip.

For 8 years I "take it one day at a time" and remember to "keep coming back." And with the support and prayers of friends around me I hope to stay sober and continue spread the message of hope in Jesus to a community that desperately needs it, because as a member of that community I've desperately needed it.