A story you cannot stop reading!!!!

fear4freedomfear4freedom Posts: 920
edited January 2012 in A Moving Train
Well I just awoke for some reason very early at about 5:30 am on my day off here in Virginia, west of DC. I decided to go online and check my email and PJ Forum. Your post was the very first one I clicked on and I began to read your story and felt refreshed to see a faithful post such as yours. You probably wont get many responses on here cause many people on here wont have time or interest to read the whole thing, but when Jesus, The Father and the Holy Spirit are involved, all things are possible! That should be enough to keep reading for all people! Your story and message are great! I love you as a brother in Christ

My story is this: I grew up never going to church, never praying or blessing my meals, never giving thanks to God unless it was Thanksgiving Day! I grew up in a family of drugs, alcohol, porn, gambling, etc. I never did drugs until 18, so i was a good kid with a strong mind. I was a postive, happy kid. Me and my family had to work hard just to get by, so I had to deliver papers, pump gas, wash dishes...while i was in Highschool. No sports for me! When I went to College, for three weeks, I couldnt handle my math professor, so i quit school! I went to work construction, then moved to the beach to carry out my HIPPIE INTENTIONS! After 3 years of experiementing with all the hard drugs, hacky sacking, working at the beach... I almost died one night at the beach while on acid during a hurricane on the beach.Instead of leaving the beach, we had a HURRICANE PARTY ON ACID! I went out in the ocean that night and a huge wave knocked me into the boulder rocks! I was trapped between these huge rocks, knowing that another wave is coming! I ripped my feet out that were jammed and ran as fast as I could to the beach to dive for cover!
I moved back to Pittsburgh, PA that month and stayed there for 10 years. During that time I abused drugs, women, money, relationships, etc. Never with bad or evil intentions, I was a good kid, remember? So with a loving heart I only hurt myself, not others....or so I thought! During this 10 year period, I almost got killed, overdosed, killed others, hurt others, etc. You can say I lived, worked and partied hard but I almost died hard also. I almost died at least 5 more times in this period. I had a gun put to my heart from 3 men who were very evil looking high on PCP. I almost shot a guy with a gun in my home when being invaded but had to HOLD OFF! I almost overdosed many times! I almost killed friends from being a drunk driver and I almost died from a friend sleeping at the wheel going 80mph. Never thought much of it....just another day i guess!
I never thought about Jesus, church or God much at all! Actually, after witnessing what the Roman Catholic church was doing to little boys, I decided I would never go to church or support the Catholic church. I
didnt understand religion much nor did I care to. I was tired of the life that I had experienced thus far and I was working hard and doing well at my work doing construction, jewelry making, home design, etc. I worked hard and too hard for the little money I made! It became tiring and I needed true change! Inside I knew I needed to move away from PGH and find new friends and a new career. I decided to move to Virginia and start a new business with Concrete. Yes, only if i could quit drugs, work hard, become a family man, etc, things would be GREAT! So I moved away, quit drugs, except marijuana, and tried my hardest in Virginia!
So now i have a new life in Va with my gf and her two girls. So suddenly i am raising a family in a nice middle class neighborhood! Things seemed great but working very hard to get by. I had to work hard to just get by, and then the Recession hits! I was not worth much and now a recession that will kill me has arrived! Soon after I was standing in line for free food at a church in my town. I thought that this church is doing a good thing for many people here today. So me and my gf and children started to go to the church once in awhile. Over the next year, her and I lost our home and we seperated. I lost my home, gf and children, and now my business! I found myself now living in a town house basement selling my tools to stay alive! I had nothing left, in a new place, where I knew noone well! It was a very humbling year you can say. Humbling through pain, sorrow and loss.
It was then, my cousin came to my house one evening and said he felt "called" to come over. He came over and prayed The Prayer of Salvation" with me. I said ok Im ready. I didnt know what it really was or how I was supposed to feel. But we prayed it and it did make me feel good to just say it as he did. I didnt truly recive the Holy Spirit at that moment, but the door to my heart certainly opened that night. My cousin said that I need to find a Non-Denominational Bible based church! So I went to the biggest Mega Church in DC, McLean Bible Church! When I went I was awestruck! It was like a music hall not a traditional church. The worship service was like a Rock Concert...I was like WOW! I love good live music! Im a Pearl Jam Fan!
Then, the church service was just as good! I actually felt something that day! It was the first time i ever felt that way in church! It was awesome! I finally, began to listen to the good music, attend church, give thanks, pray over my meals, etc.
It was amazing!! I could not believe what i was experiencing. I found the good music that was necessary for me to move forward and feel this new life being born in me. I approached everything with an open mind and gave alot of thought to creationism, history and MAN. I also now realized that I am not religious, I just seek a relationship with TRINITY! The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit that resides in all of us. I now have what I never thought I would have. Now I make cds of the good music and give them to people who are struggling in life and need God! They say that the music has done them wonders. I have witnessed what God has done in me! I have seen what my cds have done in others. When you see it, you will then believe it!
How my heart has changed? When you put anything above you, you will change the way you live. So when you put God above you, you will be a more loving person! If it werent for the music, im not sure i would be here today!
I have given myself to others completely. I will do whatever I can for anyone. I feel sorry that I didnt do this earlier. I feel as if i wasted alot of time. God has opened up my heart to love everyone the same! I am a white man and i am in love with an African woman who has been in the USA for two years now. I dont see color, class, creed like i used to. I dont judge at all! Everything seems right and genuine now. I feel earthly, I feel global, I feel universal! I feel complete, mellow, easy-going, loving! I have patience, peace, joy, humility running through my bones! I have changed sooooo much just in 3 years, I cannot explain it! I would have killed myself if I didnt find God and recieve the Spirit! I didnt care at all back then, now I care so much I dont want to die yet. I have so many ideas and love to share. Its amazing what can be done in all of us. I wish everyone could feel this way I feel. I wake up feeling wonderful and now its time to pray on my knees!

I have been searching for answers to my medical symptoms but I cannot afford the diagnosis. So I will try to eat healthy, be healthy and pray for good health! Thats my health insurance! I completely destroyed my temple body in the past with drugs, sex, alcohol, mal-nutrition, etc, all because I was incoherent, ignorant, foolish due to lack of faith in God!

Sometimes we need to look at things from many points of view and multiple perspectives. Give Faith a second chance or second look! Maybe it was not presented to you properly....i know my parents didnt do anything right when it comes to God! I forgive them and I forgive myself and all others from all past activities! I feel FREEEEEE!!!!

Now I dont smoke marijuana, drink beer, gamble, watch porn! WOW What a difference! Cant explain it!

What is important is Salvation, Love, Revelation, Repentance while embracing the principles and values to carry out our mission! We all have a purpose and mission! We have all the tools necessary to do great things.....but its not the big things....its the little daily things we do!

Theres no time like the present

fear4freedom Posts: 92Joined: 18 Jul 2009 16:03


Top

Theres no time like the present

A man that stands for nothing....will fall for anything!

All people need to do more on every level!
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • Jamminonthe1Jamminonthe1 Posts: 1,243
    Actually it was too long and I stopped after the first sentence. ;)
  • Actually it was too long and I stopped after the first sentence. ;)

    I hope you dont approach life that way!
    Theres no time like the present

    A man that stands for nothing....will fall for anything!

    All people need to do more on every level!
  • Jamminonthe1Jamminonthe1 Posts: 1,243
    It was either pay attention to my kids or keep reading. I took the safe route.
  • inmytreeinmytree Posts: 4,741
    just curious, is this story a PM you received...?

    anyhoo, I'm glad this person is happy with the life they are leading and I respect their right to follow that path...

    I would hope that person and you would respect those who choose not to follow the same path...
  • Go BeaversGo Beavers Posts: 9,192
    Somehow, I was able to stop reading.
  • It was either pay attention to my kids or keep reading. I took the safe route.

    "Keep them busy and drinking kool aid, so we can pass our agenda" Craig Fear 1/6/12
    Theres no time like the present

    A man that stands for nothing....will fall for anything!

    All people need to do more on every level!
  • JonnyPistachioJonnyPistachio Florida Posts: 10,219
    I have been searching for answers to my medical symptoms but I cannot afford the diagnosis. So I will try to eat healthy, be healthy and pray for good health! Thats my health insurance! I completely destroyed my temple body in the past with drugs, sex, alcohol, mal-nutrition, etc, all because I was incoherent, ignorant, foolish due to lack of faith in God!

    Sometimes we need to look at things from many points of view and multiple perspectives. Give Faith a second chance or second look! Maybe it was not presented to you properly....i know my parents didnt do anything right when it comes to God! I forgive them and I forgive myself and all others from all past activities! I feel FREEEEEE!!!!

    What is important is Salvation, Love, Revelation, Repentance while embracing the principles and values to carry out our mission! We all have a purpose and mission! We have all the tools necessary to do great things.....but its not the big things....its the little daily things we do!

    Theres no time like the present

    fear4freedom Posts: 92Joined: 18 Jul 2009 16:03


    Top


    I'm happy to hear you've turned over a new leaf. Sounds like a positive path you're on.
    I did find it curious that you blamed sex, drugs, and other (what you refer to as) negative habits on your past lack of faith in God.
    Pick up my debut novel here on amazon: Jonny Bails Floatin (in paperback) (also available on Kindle for $2.99)
  • It was either pay attention to my kids or keep reading. I took the safe route.

    "Keep them busy and drinking kool aid, so we can pass our agenda" Craig Fear 1/6/12

    As others have said, I am glad whoever wrote this is happy. However folks can get on the right path of respecting and helping others (which starts with respecting and helping yourself) is wonderful. For some folks that's a crooked (as in not straight) path, for some it includes a belief in a higher being, and for others it includes knowing right from wrong without any "external" belief. However one is able to reach that point, we should respect what others choose.
    Sorry. The world doesn't work the way you tell it to.
  • BELLZDEEPBELLZDEEP Posts: 289
    I read the whole thing, and I have nothing but the utmost respect for someone who can turn their life around in a positive manner. Good for you! Its easy to WANT to change, but can be very difficult to do. I'm happy for you!
  • Go Beavers wrote:
    Somehow, I was able to stop reading.

    Same here
    DC-9/24/96
    Philly-8/28/98, 8/29/98, 9/1/00, 9/2/00, 4/28/03, 7/5/03, 7/6/03, 10/3/05, 5/27/06, 5/28/06, 6/19/08, 6/20/08, 10/27/09, 10/28/09, 10/30/09, 10/31/09, 10/21/13, 10/22/13, 4/28/16, 4/29/16
    Jones Beach-8/25/00
    PSU-5/3/03
    Irvine-6/2/03
    San Diego-6/5/03
    Hershey-7/12/03
    Reading-10/1/04
    The Gorge-9/1/05
    Vancouver-9/2/05
    AC-9/30/05
    E. Rutherford, NJ-6/1/06,6/3/06
    Bonnaroo-6/14/08
    VA Beach-6/17/08
    MSG-5/20/10,5/21/10
    Baltimore 10/27/13
  • Jason PJason P Posts: 19,156
    You don't watch porn??? Why get on the internet then?

    ;)
    Be Excellent To Each Other
    Party On, Dudes!
  • brianluxbrianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,430
    I've known a number of people who turned from drugs to religion and in most cases their lives seem better. I'm happy for them and if getting religion helps them get through life more productively, who's to argue? The only problem I have is when some of these people believe that I too must accept their beliefs and if I don't I will somehow be judged. I don't need mythology/religion to get me through the day and I find it irritating when others don't respect that.

    What about faith you might ask? Faith to me is like hope: not expecting things to turn out the way I want them to but continuing to do what makes sense no matter how things turn out.
    "Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!"
    -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"

    "Try to not spook the horse."
    -Neil Young













  • BELLZDEEP wrote:
    I read the whole thing, and I have nothing but the utmost respect for someone who can turn their life around in a positive manner. Good for you! Its easy to WANT to change, but can be very difficult to do. I'm happy for you!


    +1
  • brandon10brandon10 Posts: 1,114
    I read the first paragraph and the last one about religion helping to get off drugs, gambling, and porn.

    My thoughts are that this person wanted to get away from those things and uses religion as a crutch. Those in power within the religious community love these weak individuals. The largest church in my city (Calvary Temple) constantly tries to recruit weak people like this through radio and TV commercials. The pastor on the radio always exclaims things like "are you happy with your life? If not, come investigate Jesus!!". It's such a pathetic sham
  • Jason PJason P Posts: 19,156
    brandon10 wrote:
    I read the first paragraph and the last one about religion helping to get off drugs, gambling, and porn.

    My thoughts are that this person wanted to get away from those things and uses religion as a crutch. Those in power within the religious community love these weak individuals. The largest church in my city (Calvary Temple) constantly tries to recruit weak people like this through radio and TV commercials. The pastor on the radio always exclaims things like "are you happy with your life? If not, come investigate Jesus!!". It's such a pathetic sham
    If a sham involves helping people reclaim their lives, then it's a very good one.
    Be Excellent To Each Other
    Party On, Dudes!
  • brandon10brandon10 Posts: 1,114
    Jason P wrote:
    brandon10 wrote:
    I read the first paragraph and the last one about religion helping to get off drugs, gambling, and porn.

    My thoughts are that this person wanted to get away from those things and uses religion as a crutch. Those in power within the religious community love these weak individuals. The largest church in my city (Calvary Temple) constantly tries to recruit weak people like this through radio and TV commercials. The pastor on the radio always exclaims things like "are you happy with your life? If not, come investigate Jesus!!". It's such a pathetic sham
    If a sham involves helping people reclaim their lives, then it's a very good one.


    I suppose...anything to make a buck.
  • Jason PJason P Posts: 19,156
    brandon10 wrote:

    I suppose...anything to make a buck.
    Pay the rehab clinic or pay the preacher. ;)
    Be Excellent To Each Other
    Party On, Dudes!
  • Godfather.Godfather. Posts: 12,504
    brandon10 wrote:
    I read the first paragraph and the last one about religion helping to get off drugs, gambling, and porn.

    My thoughts are that this person wanted to get away from those things and uses religion as a crutch. Those in power within the religious community love these weak individuals. The largest church in my city (Calvary Temple) constantly tries to recruit weak people like this through radio and TV commercials. The pastor on the radio always exclaims things like "are you happy with your life? If not, come investigate Jesus!!". It's such a pathetic sham

    another song....."someday you'll understand" ;)

    Godfather.
  • ledveddermanledvedderman Posts: 7,761
    This is very true. I couldn't even begin reading it.
  • brandon10brandon10 Posts: 1,114
    Godfather. wrote:
    brandon10 wrote:
    I read the first paragraph and the last one about religion helping to get off drugs, gambling, and porn.

    My thoughts are that this person wanted to get away from those things and uses religion as a crutch. Those in power within the religious community love these weak individuals. The largest church in my city (Calvary Temple) constantly tries to recruit weak people like this through radio and TV commercials. The pastor on the radio always exclaims things like "are you happy with your life? If not, come investigate Jesus!!". It's such a pathetic sham

    another song....."someday you'll understand" ;)

    Godfather.

    Another song...
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8aK4xbJ ... re=related
  • catefrancescatefrances Posts: 29,003
    it always disappoints me when i find out people have overcome their shitty past through religion/God. i wonder why they couldntve done it through themselves with the help and support of their friends and/or family... or even by reaching out to someone previously unknown. i guess because i dont have an addictive personality ive found myself strong enough to have overcome and lift myself out of anything that was thrown at me. the words God showed me the way make me shudder.
    hear my name
    take a good look
    this could be the day
    hold my hand
    lie beside me
    i just need to say
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