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Hi, my name is Nick. I am new to Abundant Life Chapel. I have attended Sunday Worship Service in person the last 2 weeks. I really enjoyed it, and I look forward to attending each Sunday Worship Service. 

I have come to realize that I am at a point in my life where I need some spirituality and guidance from a higher power. I have had a lot of struggles and difficulties in my life, dating back to my childhood years. I'm 48 years old now. And sometimes, even now, I feel like a lost soul, still trying to find my place and purpose in this world.

I had a difficult childhood growing up. I was a shy, awkward kid. As an adult, I had a long battle with addictions. First with alcohol, and then later with drugs. I have done time in jail as a result of alcohol and drug related offences. I have lost jobs, relationships, and friendships as a result of my addictions and bad behavior. I have battled anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder for most of my adult life. And, probably worst of all, I have found myself alone often in my life, and have gone through a lot of loneliness. 

I am happy to say that I have been clean and sober for 16 months now. I manage my anxiety and loneliness as best as I can. I've learned a lot from my past mistakes. I'm definitely a different person now. I realize a lot of the problems in my life were caused by my own doing, and I have taken responsibility for that. 

But now, I find myself searching for something or someone, just trying to make a connection. I want to feel like I'm a part of something. Something that has been missing in my life for a long time.

And that's where I'm at now. A prayer and a hope. One day at a time. 

Nick

5 Comments


Cindy over 1 year ago

Nick, welcome to ALC! It is soooo good to have you here in our church building and in The Writing Room! It is an honour and gift for all of us here that God has guided you to this place, at this time, with an open, searching heart.

I know your story and your words made me pause and reflect on where I've been personally and spiritually in the past, where I am today, and where I want and long to be. I think most of us, if we are honest, are living on a prayer and a hope. In my mind, one day at a time is a pretty good place to be.

I pray that your soul finds the peace, hope, forgiveness, love and purpose that it is seeking and longing for. Our messes don't scare Jesus. He loves us anyway.


Melayni over 1 year ago

Welcome Nick! So thankful you had the courage to share your story. We are happy to have you part of our church family and know God has amazing plans for you. Keep coming! Don’t give up! We are here to journey along side you!


Kristen over 1 year ago

Thank you for sharing this, Nick. That's a whole lot to go through. I've experienced depression and loneliness, and that on its own is a huge struggle. With your challenges with childhood, addiction, spending time in jail, and losing jobs and relationships too, that's a lot. Congratulations on being sober for 16 months. That's a lot of work and a huge accomplishment. I hope that your searching and connecting with ALC will bring God and the people of ALC along on your journey with you and bring you hope and healing.


Marjory Heinrichs over 1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your story. It's refreshing when people are real and it leads to others feeling safe and sharing too.

Congratulations on being clean for 16 years.

It sounds like you're on a good path and I pray you are making connections. We need each other.

Warren & I started attending ALC recently and we enjoy the teaching and look to meeting you at a service in the future.

God bless,
Marj


Marjory Heinrichs over 1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your story. It's refreshing when people are real and it leads to others feeling safe and sharing too.

Congratulations on being clean for 16 years.

It sounds like you're on a good path and I pray you are making connections. We need each other.

Warren & I started attending ALC recently and we enjoy the teaching and look to meeting you at a service in the future.

God bless,
Marj

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