Growing up my family was always involved in our church, we'd be there many nights a week. All my friends were there and for a long time I enjoyed being there. But, at some point in my early teens I began living a double life. Although I was heavily involved with my church, I had another group of friends that brought out a different side of me. I would often drink, do drugs, and act like a completely different person when I was with them. Throughout all of this one of the biggest things I struggled with was stealing.

Later on, in my early 20's I was arrested for stealing from my workplace. The worst part was the owners were people that I truly respected and was close with. I remember my lawyer telling me there wasn't much positive that could come of this, I'd have a criminal record and have to face whatever consequences the judge saw fit. Hearing this scared me like nothing else had before. After several court appearances I saw what seemed to be the harshest judge yet and by some miracle he decided that the charges against me should be dropped. That was a big turning point for me because I realized God's loving grace over my life and how many times I'd abused that. I knew I didn't want to do that anymore. I wanted to be honest and open with people about what I was struggling with.

It's been a process to get to this place but I feel like I am now, more than ever, comfortable and proud of the God that I serve. Before I only turned to God when I really needed Him, I'm aware now that he's more involved in the minute details of the simple every day things going on in my life and allowing him into these details has changed so much inside me. I now know I can turn to Him for wisdom, comfort and grace at any point not just in moments of fear or desperation.

ANDREW'S STORY

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