Door of Hope Testimony

My name is George, and I have been in the rehab program at Door of Hope Rehabilitation center, of Free the Oppressed Foundation, for almost 5 months.  I am 46 years old and for about 30 years I have been living a double life.  I was addicted to drugs and pornography.   I became an expert at putting up a façade of success and happiness using deception and lies.  I had degrees, corporate success, a good family name, a pretty wife, pretty children, a pretty house, a nice car, and went on nice vacations.  But like anything else built on lies it comes crashing down.  At the time I am writing this my wife has divorced me, she has threatened to take my children away from me, my oldest daughter thinks I am a looser, my oldest son has become a atheist, the next oldest son is following my footsteps, and my little girl is growing up in fear and anxiety.  I came here with my heart broken, with my soul crying out for mercy.  God has heard my cry, not because I deserve it, but because He is a merciful God.  

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. –Psalms 34:18

Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside.  I was so foolish and ignorant- I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.  Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.  You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.  Whom have I in heaven but you?  I desire you more than anything on earth.   – Psalms 73:21-25

During our darkest days and nights, when we feel abandoned, when it may seem we are all out of options; turn to God, realize that it is through Him alone that we can reach salvation.  I have experienced for the first time who I am, why I am on the earth, and how much God truly loves me.  I cannot adequately state the importance of these three basic tidbits of fundamental wisdom, nor the profound sense of gratitude that comes with learning about them, and how peace fills the person who embraces them.  This is the mysterious nature of God’s blessings.  I am now able by His grace to sow good seed in the lives of my children.

It is only by the grace of God that I am alive and He is helping me change my life.  I am grateful for Rev. Jimmy Hughes and the staff at Door of Hope rehabilitation center for their patience and willingness in helping me in this process that I am in.  

-George