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I Am Not Alone
My Dad committed suicide October 29, 2006. My whole world shattered.
I had been drug free for over a year, but when I heard the news I ran
right back to my old habits full force. I didn’t want to deal with
the pain, so I tried to cover it by using drugs. I blamed everyone
for his death – my mom, even myself. As for God, I was cursing him
left and right. I turned my back on my family and God when I NEEDED
them most. I ended up at an old dealer’s house. I was getting high
when my little brother David, 14 yrs. old, came over with my cousin
and a friend and said, “What are you doing here? I'm hurting too.” He
grabbed me, hugged me, and said, “Let’s go home.” As mad as I was at
God, He didn’t turn away from me. I believe He worked through my
little brother because the love I felt when he showed up was so
strong. When he hugged me I knew in my heart it was something
greater. I knew then, in that moment, everything would be okay. I
didn't have to carry that weight. God would carry it for me – and He
has. Through prayer and love, I have found peace with my Dad. I feel
my Dad had demons in his head. He was addicted to alcohol. I feel he
just couldn’t fight them anymore. They overcame him and he was
seeking peace.
In December, I came to the high desert to visit friends. They took me
to the Harbor service at HDC. I left church that Sunday in tears. I
knew I needed this in my life. I needed God. I needed to change my
life or I might never fight off my own demons. I knew I would never
beat them without God – I had tried. I felt like He was calling to me
that day. I went back home to Huntington Beach that week, but I
couldn't shake the feeling that I no longer belonged there. In
January, I moved up to the high desert and have been attending HDC
ever since. I've recently started going to the Seven service and love
it. It's truly inspiring to see young people singing and praising
God. I'm 20 yrs. old and I thought after my Dad died I'd never be
happy again and would never break my addiction to meth for the second
time. But, I have and only through God and going to church. Hearing
others and knowing I am not alone is what keeps me strong. The heavy
weight of confusion and hurt has gotten lighter.