Salvation

And can it be
The canopy of God's blessings
Extends out to me,
Even me.

And just so likewise
The keen of His eyes
Sees through my disguise,
Keen eyes.

The kernel of faith
Delivered, displaces
A wandering waif,
Faith seed.

Now mornings are full
As this sauntering fool
Finds The Way is a Ray
That bleeds.

God of wonder
God of thunder
God who's under all we see

God of rising
Undisguising
Stripping down deceptive pleas

In our asking
Your unmasking
Makes us conscious of our state

Soon revealing
Sin congealing
Heal our hearts, renew our faith.

Have you heard the term "a personal relationship with God" but don't really know what that means?

Are you feeling spiritually lost? Far from God? Learn how to find your way back!

Is it possible to know your sins are forgiven? That you are going to heaven? Should you fear judgement?

I've struggled and been in horrible, depressing bondage most of my life because I had no concept of self-worth and somehow that became tied to my appearance. I've struggled since a young teen with BDD, "body dysmorphic disorder", a totally disabling disorder where the person sees themselves as so ugly and hideously deformed, they feel they have no right to even be alive and fear to be around others. I eventually turned to drink as my 'coping mechanism" because that was the only way I could be around others and feel somewhat human. I'd been in and out of the hospital 7 times and had seen more Dr's and taken more meds (often while still drinking) than I can remember. I even had shock therapy to try and overcome the overwhelming depression and hatred for myself.

No-one wanted to deal with me. I was a lost cause to all, that is except for God.

I have been told by many to remain silent. That God would not use a person such as what I was. That miracles do not happen now-a-days, and on and on. It's not understood, so I guess it isn't to be mentioned. That sentiment has came from numerous local believers & church leaders as well as from the majority, seemingly, from the twelve step community here.

But I am not to remain silent. I must serve God rather than man regardless of what others think or believe. I feel inadequate enough, and there is no time for hate and debate. Bill W. had one.

Hi my name is Steve I'm a recovering alcoholic and drug addict.

I was baptized as infant and attended a catholic school and there was rules and things were disciplined. That is where I started to rebel and was asked to leave or to straighten up. I continued my education in public school.

I was sexually abused by an employer of a fast food place where I worked sweeping the parking lot. When I was around 14 years old he would buy me things gave me beer and cigarettes and I was to ashamed to tell anyone.

"I'm not an Alcoholic, you are! Don't try to push your problem on me..." Sound familiar? This is what "they" call denial and I had it BAD. It wasn't until the good LORD broke me, that I faced up to the truth. I have a problem. Alcohol is NOT my friend.

I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior but my walk really began six months before that when I had only two choices... death or life. Since I chose life, I had to make major changes. STOP Drinking had top billing. It's amazing how the other changes began falling into place after that... only something was missing. I began going to church, but I was missing something... was it my attitude? I thought, if I can find young people like me, I'll be okay. HA HA