Life before grace felt like an unending cycle of guilt, shame, and failure. I lived under the heavy weight of alcoholism — a relentless burden that kept me chained to habits and patterns I couldn’t break. No matter how hard I tried to free myself, the chains only seemed to grow tighter. But then, grace stepped in, and everything changed.
Sin wasn’t merely about the wrong things I did but the deeper reality of separation from God. I sought fulfillment in the wrong places — in alcohol, drugs, and even in trying to be “good enough” by my own strength. These pursuits left me emptier than before, and my efforts to escape the cycle only highlighted how powerless I was. I was painfully aware of my shortcomings and felt trapped in a pit of my own making.
Then came the turning point: understanding the grace of Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” These words ignited a light in my darkness. I realized that my freedom didn’t depend on my efforts but on Jesus’ finished work on the cross. When I surrendered to Jesus, I experienced the power of His grace — not just as a concept but as a transforming reality. The chains of sin that had held me captive for so long began to fall away.
Through the Holy Spirit, I’ve been given the strength to walk in newness of life. In practical terms, this freedom has reshaped my daily life. I no longer strive for perfection to earn God’s love; I rest in the truth that I am already loved. My relationships are healthier because they’re no longer built on selfishness or insecurity. When I stumble, I don’t fall back into despair—I turn to Jesus, who continually extends His grace.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, I want to encourage you that there is hope. Freedom is possible, and Jesus is the way to that freedom. He has given me 41 years of sobriety, and I know He can do the same for anyone who surrenders to Him.