My Story, His Glory

 

A couple of Sundays ago Kasey and I got the opportunity to share our story of sexual brokenness to our church in hopes that God would use our story to reduce shame, provide hope, and encourage others to pursue healing and wholeness in their lives and relationships. Since then, so many people have mentioned to me what courage that must have taken. Being able to stand up multiple times in front of thousands of people and tell of my lifelong addiction to pornography didn’t happen overnight.  It has taken almost four years of being around brothers in Christ who continually remind me of my identity in Christ and help me live in that identity. Listening to podcasts and doing recovery work that slowly helped me reduce the shame in my life and heal the wounds of my past. Learning how to identify and talk about my feelings with my brothers and my wife which helped build intimacy in my relationships.

Being around a group of men on a weekly basis who are being honest and vulnerable about their struggles and issues has helped me realize that though all different, we are all also very much the same. We are all addicted to something. We are all sinners in need of a Savior. I was listening to a podcast just this morning that mentioned Jesus’ sermon on the mount where Jesus says that “everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart”. And the guy on this podcast said that he thinks so often we read this and see Jesus pointing his finger at us in condemnation. But really, what he is doing is leveling the playing field. We all have sin in our lives that we need God to redeem. Continually having a community around me that talks about our sin and struggles has reduced the shame in my life that caused me to isolate and medicate.  And ultimately got me to a place where I can stand up unashamed and tell my story of God’s redemption.

Why am I sharing this publicly? A few years ago, I was open and honest on Facebook and it allowed me to reconnect with a family member that is now a blessing in my life. There are people who sometimes need to hear they aren’t alone. Whatever you are going through right now, you don’t have to do it alone. Send me a message if you don’t have your safe people already. There is no story that God can’t redeem and use for His glory.  In four years, you just might be telling your story of God's deliverance.