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For years, Haywood had thought of nothing, but getting drugs and alcohol. “Everything else went on the back burner,” he admits, “I manipulated, I stole and I felt everyone had turned their backs on me ... but I had betrayed myself.” As summer turned into fall, Haywood’s emotional pain grew and he came to Raleigh Rescue Mission for help. The staff welcomed him and shared God’s pardon and love. “I connected with the God of my understanding, Jesus Christ,” he says Haywood joined the Life Plan Recovery Program, and counselors helped him begin taking responsibility for his addiction. Soon he was even assigned a tutor to help him learn to read! “Not being able to read had always made me feel small,” he says today. “The Mission provided me with shelter and clothing; they gave me time to work on myself and get myself together.” “I truly think this Mission is a blessing for the person who seriously wants to get his life back,” Haywood says. “They’ve given me back the feeling I had when I was younger—that I am somebody, that I can love myself and trust people. Now I’m dealing with my anger and my attitude.” The people Haywood once manipulated and stole from are beginning to trust him again. “I’ve had a chance to do some amending,” he says simply. “I’m feeling the bond I once had with them as I get credibility” Today, Haywood continues preparing to live independently without drugs and alcohol. His reading skills are improving and he in the process of getting his driver’s license. The deep, dark hole of depression has disappeared and he looks toward the future with relief and joy. “I want to go out and drag others in here for help,” he laughs, “but they have to want it. So I just pray for ‘em.”
To read other stories of changed lives, click here. |
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