My Prodigal Return Part 1: Crossing the Line

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink;

Proverbs 31:4 NKJV

I was new to the faith and my recovery from alcohol. I had 30 days under my belt after spending my time chasing my drugs of choice, booze and, sadly, women. I wasn’t on the right track in my life and things were about to get much worse. Then I got the phone call. My finaceé killed herself. This sent me into a downward spiral. I spent the next two weeks in a complete black out bender of binge drinking. I woke up to the sound of my door being kicked down by my sponsor.

He put me in his car and took me to his place, in the meantime he was trying to get me into a recovery center. And, two days later I was staring at a run down motel in rural Florida. My sponsor dropped me off and I got myself checked in. I spent a week detoxing from alcohol, I was dead spiritually and was on the verge of dying in a lonely motel room. I finally got over the hurdle with the help of great men that will forever hold a special place in my heart. You don’t find those type of men easily nowadays. If you do find one, cherish it.

After my detox, I got into the classroom and took a deep dive, head first, into the Bible. I got my “days up” and I was starting to earn privileges, such as gaining access to the recreation room, mail and church visits. I spent my free time reading the Bible, getting into shape and tending a garden. The more I participated in class and did things outside, I was eventually able to go out on work blessings. We’d basically go help little old ladies move or cut their yards and, if they we’re nice, they’d get us a pack of cigarettes and a soda, but it was a good way to get off the main compound.

As the days turned to weeks and the weeks to months, I knew my time was starting to wind down. I asked God for the wisdom and clarity for me to make the right decisions, as I was coming up on my three months (out of a five month program). It was time for me to start thinking about the future and God’s plan for my life. Old faces would leave and new faces would come in and I found myself being that guy who would give new guys advice and help them through their detox.

I saw the hopelessness and desperation in their eyes – the same look I had when I came to this place. I heard their stories of how they lost everything and ruined their families. I took a few under my wing and we ate together, lifted together and prayed together. I truly saw the power of God transform these men from hopeless and broken, including not having seen their children in years, to watching them break down and cry when they got their first visit at church. It was then that I knew what I was put on this Earth to do.

Eventually, I needed to move on from the center. I packed my bag, said my goodbyes and walked to the end of the driveway. Staring down that two-lane country road, with nothing but my Bible and the clothes on my back, I knew if I crossed this line there was no turning back. I took a deep breath, said a prayer, lit a cigarette and crossed the line.

-Eric

And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

Romans 6:18 NKJV