David had battled with his inner demons for years, struggling to overcome the grip of alcoholism.
After years of false starts and broken aspirations, the true turning point came about a year ago when he stumbled from his pew and fell sobbing across the church altar. His cousin had been urging David for a long time to attend church with him and he finally relented. In one pocket, just in case he couldn’t handle this situation, was a small flask of whiskey.
He prayed fervently, accompanied by his cousin and a few men whom he did not know, until his soul was flooded with peace. In faith he met Jesus Christ as his savior and realized everything would change for him. When he left the altar the bottle of whiskey remained behind.
A few days later he entered the hospital and began three weeks of horrifying alcohol detoxification along with preparation for kidney dialysis and treatment for liver failure. A kidney transplant had been in his future only if he was sober for a year. But his medical team was soon baffled by the recovery and restoration of both organs, taking him off the transplant list. Those brutal three weeks of treatment have been followed by a year of getting used to sobriety and becoming acquainted with his new-found family of faith.
One evening, David sat with me and my wife at our dinner table with a small group of his new friends. He said to us, “You are my pit crew.” In that moment of vulnerability, he acknowledged our indispensable role of uplift in his journey of recovery. Every Sunday when he walks through the doors of our church, he finds a sanctuary of support, understanding and steadfast encouragement from his fellow believers. We tell him, “You belong here.”
Like a pit crew at a racing event, David’s church community works tirelessly to lift his spirits, provide guidance and offer a shoulder to lean on during the most challenging laps of his race. The Body of Christ fuels his determination and provides the strength he needs to stay on the track of sobriety.
Through our collective empathy, understanding and dedication, David finds the support system he needs to navigate the treacherous twists and turns of his recovery journey. The Body’s unwavering commitment to his well-being is a beacon of hope guiding him through his darkest moments.
In return, David is a living testimony to the power of faith, community and resilience. His journey not only inspires others, but also strengthens the bonds within our church, forging a collective spirit of compassion and support extending far beyond the pews.
This column may include both fiction and nonfiction, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of The SUN. Submissions can be sent to editor@pagosasun.com.
