Hometown Heros

When one thinks of a word a hero, the first picture that comes to mind is that of a Greek or Roman warrior, muscular, tall and just returning from the battle, admired and worshipped by the people. In contrast, today’s heroes live silent lives and are usually not that famous. For many people, the word hero makes them think of caped crusaders or Hollywood characters with a muscular physique, square jaw line and who spend their days rescuing women from burning buildings or sinking ships.

When I think of my hometown - no my world wide heros that have impacted my life, and made such a impression on who I have become as of today, you would never guess or come to the conclusion that these people are the ones that saved my life.

Up until about four months ago, I was a methamphetamine addict, and I was heading down a path that I was most likely not going to survive. At the time I was unsure of what to do, who to turn to, because my Fiance was in jail and soon to be sent to a rehab facility. I was not sure I was going to be able to match up to the expectations he had for me, as I had promised I would stay clean and sober, and ride out the year program with him.

For many people, the word hero makes them think of caped crusaders or Hollywood characters with a muscular physique, square jaw line and who spend their days rescuing women from burning buildings or sinking ships.

My heros were those who I encountered the first time I showed up to attend Church with Eric(My fiance). They all knew who I was because apparently I was all he could talk about. And the welcome I received from these people, was >something I definitely was NOT expecting. The first sermon brought me to tears, because for the first time these strangers had reached a part of me that had been hidden and buried away beneath a substance that had kept me a slave for almost 26 years of my life.

My heroes are the men and women of The Journey Church in Dunn, North Carolina, as well as the members and residents of Hope Center Ministries Faith Rehabilitation Centers. Every day I thank Jesus and them for bringing me back to life, and giving me the encouragement and strength to not be another statistic on a D.A.R.E commercial. They demonstrate that when push comes to shove, your fellow man will be there to help keep this ship afloat.

These people who did not know me from Tom down the road, restored a light and yearning to live, that not only I, but my family and friends all thought I had lost. These are my heros. The people who saw me for the person and not the disease that I was and still to this day fight and struggle with. They did not judge me, label me, or treat me any different.

My Pastors, My congregation, My group leaders, My sponsors, and most of all My Lord and Family that didn't turn their backs on me, but gave me the knowledge and encouraging words to help me get my self out of the hole I had buried and hidden away in.

Without them, I highly doubt I would be sitting here writing this essay. Remember its the ones who dont get blasted in the lime light and headlines that are doing the real hero work,.