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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Omnishambles (05/01/14)
I was once in the deepest place one could actually go without reaching Hell. In fact, I was close enough to knock on its door. I think I did a couple of times, but for some reason I got no answer. My personal life was in shambles. I was divorced, and my beloved son had gone to live with his father. I started drinking heavily to numb the loneliness. I had no one, and nothing, except a terrific job as a computer operator with a very prestigious company.

I had been able to keep my alcoholism a secret from my employer. Somehow I managed to do my work with a minimal amount of mistakes, and to this day I don't know how. Sometimes I was shaking so bad inside I was sure I would fly into pieces any minute because I had enough of a work ethic not to drink while I was working.

I drank at home every night, alone, and had no friends to speak of. Only associates at work who thought I was this great person with a shy personality. They would have never guessed that my time away from work was spent in a total drunken state of mind. I worked the second shift, so after midnight I could drink till four in the morning, sleep all day, and get up and go to work in the afternoon.

One day I decided to stop drinking, and I did for a full week. With the help of a sleeping aid, I was able to leave the vodka alone. However, come Friday night, things were slow at work, and my boss told me I could leave early if I wanted to. I jumped at the offer, and on the way home stopped and bought a six pack of beer. Surely that wouldn't hurt me, would it?

I drank that six pack within two hours, jumped in the car, and headed for the liquor store. I bought a half gallon of vodka, and that weekend I consumed the whole bottle. I would pass out, come to, and drink more. I couldn't stop.

When I tried to get out of bed the following Monday, I could barely move. My arms and legs wouldn't work, and my heart was beating so fast and hard I feared I was dying. My breath was short, and my eyes wouldn't focus. I had hit rock solid bottom

I stayed in bed for five days. I called in sick every day, claiming I had the flu. No one questioned me. On the third day, I made my way to the kitchen for some badly needed water. Fortunately, there was no alcohol in my home, and I was physically unable to go buy any at that time. The rest of the week I lay staring at the ceiling, praying to die.

I called telephone information and got the number for an alcoholism hotline and spoke to a very nice man who talked me through some of my fears. I called every night, and what he said to me resonated in my fried brain.

I remember his words distinctly. "Whatever you're looking for you won't find in the bottom of a bottle."

Friday morning I was able to walk across the street to a neighborhood store ( it had been most convenient for my drinking habit) and buy a six pack of beer. I drank two cans for courage, and then I called a rehab center. They told me to pack a bag and come on down. I did.

God was with me, even though at that time I was not a Christian. I remember walking through the doors of that rehab center thinking that something or someone was doing that walking for me. I was the last person in the world ever to ask for help.

I spent thirty days there. That month of rehabilitation and education saved my life. I learned so much about the disease of alcoholism and what perpetuated my need to drink. I made real friends. I actually hated to leave the center when my time came.

My boss welcomed me back with open arms and was very kind of understanding of my illness. A co-worker entered rehab several weeks later. He told me I had given him the courage to do so.

By the grace of God, I haven't had to drink for twenty-five years.
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This article has been read 784 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
05/08/14
Thank you for sharing your powerful and personal testimony with us. The Lord was with You the entire duration, and when you said someone was doing the walking for you, I got chills...knowing it was God who catapulted you into rehab! Praise His name.

This was a personal account that fit the topic in unique way. I can see how that tough period in your life fit the topic perfectly.

Well written and completely inspirational story of how we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.
Your candor and words touched my heart. Congratulations on your twenty-five year mark.

May God continue to inspire and uphold you through all things.

Keep shining His light my friend.

God bless you~
Robert Douglas Brown
05/09/14
This is an article that everyone who writes articles for Faithwriters should read. This too a ton of courage to write. It is very well written with a powerful message of hope for anyone going through this horrible disease. I am sure it will do very well and is no doubt a winner!

God Bless!
Robert Douglas Brown
05/09/14
I meant it took, not too.
Robert Douglas Brown
05/09/14
I meant it took, not too.
Robert Douglas Brown
05/09/14
This took several tons of courage to write this. It is an excellent article that was well written. Many people can identify with this, and can gain courage as you did to meet this problem head on. I am sure it will be at the top and deserves nothing less.

God BLess!!
Gregory Kane
05/10/14
Good illustration of the topic
Francie Snell 
05/10/14
This is such a powerful testimony of how great God is and how He can turn pain into pearls through writing. Excellent work!
Joe Moreland
05/11/14
I know it is hard to share something so personal, and a bit scary too, but the courage to do so comes from letting God replace the fearfulness in your heart that lead you down that road in the first place. It is through authentic stories such as this, that others can find the courage to do what they need to do.

Great job! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Graham Insley
05/12/14
A powerful and well written testimony -- the evidence of a very real relationship with Yeshua. I take my hat off to you for your candid honesty and willingness to reach out to others by telling the truth of your past.

For red ink, which is very little, I recommend a more careful proof read.

I know it's the second last paragraph, and it is at the end of stories that I often make my slip ups in proof reading. You wrote:

"...and was very kind of understanding...

Just a little more careful proof reading would have turned excellent into perfect.

You are a brilliant writer, an awesome winner and a great reflection of our Lord.

Blessings.
Laury Hubrich 
05/13/14
I applaud you for writing your testimony. I pray God uses it for His glory!
Judith Gayle Smith-Owens Vitouswykegardinerclark
05/13/14
What a brave survivor you be, milady. What an inspiration you are to us all. Loving you muchly . . .
Bea Edwards 
05/14/14
The transparency in your testimony touched me deeply and will perform the work God intended when He gave you the courage to share it.
Dave Walker 
05/15/14
I see you labeled this as fiction. Was that a mistake. Either way, it is excellent writing. Very descriptive without getting into hyperbole. It is an inspiring article that breathes hope and encouragement. You have great talent which I'm sure the Lord will use mightily to His glory.