I can only share my own experience but I think perhaps many have gone through what I am about to describe…

As  a child, I was given a Catholic upbringing. I attended Catholic grammar and jr. high. I attended mass on a regular basis throughout each week of my education. I went through the sacraments yet nothing really connected with me. I was too immature and self centered to open myself up to the love of God. I am however, very thankful to have had that upbringing, because I gave me an early understanding of the story of Christ.

At fifteen I was attending one of our catholic jr. high get together’s and wanted a particular girl but, I was too shy and there was another boy in the way. My friend that night suggested I go with him for a while. We left and he took me to an underage drinking spot. I had never drank before. We drank a few beers I got tipsy. I thought I had found “IT” what ever it was. I went back to the school function pushed the guy out of the way and got the girl. That night was the beginning of the end.

When I arrived at my first AA meeting at a rag tag AA clubhouse deep in the Appalachia eighteen years later hopelessly addicted,  I thought to myself this will never work for me but, I was too frightened to go back for I had had an extended visit from the four horsemen the night before. As my good friend Dale put’s it, “I came all the way in and sat all the way down.”

Now in my thirty- eighth year of recovery I have been taught, by the fellowship, a new understand of the reality of God. Now I enjoy a fresh communion with God every day and even attend church to hear and understand more that true blessed gospel story.  A story that had become true in my life as with millions of others. Yes, God has become a close personal friend that I hope to stay reasonably close to for the rest of my life here on earth and supremely close to in the life to come. 

Thank You Jesus!