I was riding my bicycle last Saturday (yes, the same bike I fell and broke my hip from a year ago) when I was about 8 miles from home, and I heard a loud splat. I knew immediately my bsck tire had gone flat.
Thankfully, my girlfriend was riding with me, because I had failed to bring my cellphone and was out in the middle of nowhere. She rode on to our residence where she retrieved our vehicle and returned an hour later to retrieve the flattened bike and I.
In the meantime, I rested the bike against a tree and sat down next to it waiting for her arrival. About fifteen minutes a long-haired scruffy guy came up asking if I needed help. I told him I was fine, but he insisted on sitting with me until I knew my ride was going to arrive.
So, we sat and talked. He told me his whole life story- how he had worked most of his life at Ford Motors, and then wanted to become a hippie and live on the beach. But his dream of beach life became a nightmare as he became an alcoholic, consuming 20 beers a day, and a little bit of vodka for good measure. He had a refrigerator at the side of his bed so when he got up at night to use the bathroom, he could consume a beer. He was a mess.
Then one day he had a seizure. He was on the floor, writhing in pain and anxiety for what seemed an eternity and then suddenly the seizure stopped, he climbed to his feet, and was more clear-headed than he had been in years.
He had no desire to drink alcohol. He had a huge desire to praise Jesus and the Lord, because in his mind, they had created the miracle that made him a new person. That was 10 years ago, and instead of spending his days drinking his life away, he spends his days helping others, particularly those that consume too much alcohol. He loves to tell his story and hopes he can change the minds of others along the way.
I tell this story because there was something in the sincerity of this individual that really struck me. His recovery and new belief in the Almighty made me believe that miracles can happen. His story was fascinating but not unlike others that I have heard.
We all know a family member or friend who has been snakebit by the alcohol devil. It is as common as the $20 bill. Breaking away from the alcohol devil is one of the most difficult aspects of life. It is extremely hard and usually takes a ton of willpower and counseling. Many can quit alcohol for a week or a month but return to it as soon as a bad event occurs in their life.
My heart goes out to those that are struggling with any addiction. Just know there are many stories like this bicycle hippie. You too can beat the addiction devil. You don’t need alcohol or drugs to numb the pain you may be experiencing from an unexpected loss or disruption in your life. Just turn to Jesus Christ, and he will help you overcome. I’ve seen it happen many times. It can happen to you too.
