Harry

Nine years ago, I was lost. Addiction had taken everything from me—my peace, my relationships, my sense of self. I’d tried other recovery programs before, but nothing stuck. I was a functioning addict, working as a chef, making good money, but inside I was broken. My body might have been in church, but my mind was in the streets. I drank, smoked crack, and kept up appearances, but I was just surviving, not living.

My pain started early. I was molested as a child, and by eight or nine, I was already drinking and smoking marijuana. I spent my life trying to be accepted, doing what others wanted, but I never felt whole. Football was my outlet, but my relationship with my father was strained. He was a great provider, but I wanted his love, and he didn’t know how to show it. It wasn’t until I got sober that I understood him better that he didn’t have a father figure himself, so he couldn’t teach me how to love myself.

The turning point came in 2016. I’d lost family, tried to take my own life twice, and blown through a $55,000 check on drugs and hotels. One night, I looked in the mirror and finally saw what I’d become. That was the moment I knew I had to change. My sister took me to Houston, and I ended up at Open Door, a place for people experiencing homelessness. I stayed eight months, and that’s where my journey with ISP began.

My first ISP retreat was life-changing. I saw what Jim Broderick King, my brother was doing, and I wanted to do the same. ISP was different from other recovery groups. It connected faith and healing in a way I’d never experienced. The Ignatian movements: fear, trust, and healing spoke to me deeply. I learned to examine myself and trust God. The story of St. Ignatius, who didn’t quit even after being wounded, inspired me to face my own pain and come out wanting to help others.

Today, my relationship with my higher power is strong. Every morning, I do my devotion, read Jesus Calling, journal, pray, and send words of encouragement to others. God is sweet and He gets sweeter every day. I’ve found peace, and I’d rather have peace than a million dollars. With money come problems, but peace is something no one can take away.

ISP taught me to love myself so I could love others. Now, I mentor five guys, spending about six hours a day helping them grow, read Scripture, and ask questions. I tell them the truth. I do not sugarcoat it. Recovery is life or death for me, and I take it seriously. I’ve seen people relapse and die, and it hurts. But we build friendships, not just recovery.

I’ve made a full turnaround. I traded my Cadillac for a minivan, and I thank God for it. He pulled me out of the pit I dug for myself. No one else could—only Jesus. ISP is my dynasty, my championship team. We might have differences, but together we’re champions. Winners never quit, and quitters never win.

I’m headed to Chicago soon for an ISP Ambassador retreat. Every trip feels like a blessing. Someone sees my worth, and that means something. ISP changed my life. I tell people: let God drive. Sit in the back seat, stay quiet, and let Him take you where He wants you to go.

I’m from Georgia.  ISP is my footstool I can use to reach up for the best tasting, sweet peaches around! That is how I think of my recovery, me savoring the very best peaches God has to offer me.

Harry, Houston