Back today at The Pantry in Douglas County.
It was only 14 years ago that my life was upended when I walked through the doors of the Douglasville Pantry needing food, and a place where I so selfishly could finally look down on others – to have a chance at feeling better about my life. Because I was drowning in so much sin, shame, and depression due to my 16 years of addiction and criminal destructiveness.
BUT… instead, I was met with people I was in line with that had nothing in their pocket, but a heart full of hope. Little to go home to, but a life filled with faith. That blew my mind and put my heart in check! And then… those beautiful servant leaders that were loving on all of us relentlessly. With joy in their hearts and encouragement in their soul, they loved me like I was the only person on the planet. For the first time I could remember, I felt like I was on Heaven’s radar, and my life of “me” was awakened to a life lived out by those around me for “you”.
I so desperately wanted to be one of those “influencers” that were shifting eternity for the people who came through those doors. So I kept coming back. I was far from sober, but it wasn’t long before I began sensing a passion and purpose developing within me for living out what little “life” I had to give for others who were broken like me.
Thus began a 6-month journey, ending in a final collision course with God on Christmas Day 2009. Waking up from an overdose off Fulton Industrial Blvd—in one of the worst places—doing some of the worst things. In the days to come, Jesus would save me, heal me, and by his grace and mercy allow me to start over and live a life fully alive!
I’m far from perfect, but thankfully, in that season, and all the seasons since, I know who is… Jesus.
I could easily thank 1,000 people for their help in my recovery, but for today I couldn’t be more grateful for Pastor Frank and Mrs. Pam, Executive Director and leader of The Pantry (among other organizations, like the free medical clinic called the Care Place). They discipled and mentored me. Taught me what it meant to truly “serve”. To invest. To be for the least and the lost, even when no one else is looking or clapping.
Thank you PF and Pam! Love you!
Dana