The man mounted the platform, shaking with nervousness as the awaiting crowd displayed great expectation upon their faces. He face shone brightly of overwhelmness and uncertainties, yet the purpose that was placed upon his life for that moment had come. He wasn't flamboyantly dressed with the finest suits nor did he stand in place with designer shoes. But, what he had was courage and the will to accept the great challenge that was before him. Finally at last, he positioned himself firmly at the podium, looked out among the crowd, cleared his throat and began to say, "Once an alcoholic is always an alcoholic is the greatest lie that's ever been told". He shared his story of heartache, disappointment, and shame as he'd battled alcoholism for the greatest part of his life. He shared how traumatized his wife and children were after trying so very hard to love him even when he felt as though he wasn't worthy of love from them. . .and even from himself. He spoke about choices and wrong decisions that had compromised him and his family. He continued his message with tears streaming down his face and as his hands begin to clinch the podium. The message was heartfelt and the observers were clearly shocked as they listened to this man bring forth such transparency when so many of them struggled with issues that they wouldn't dare expose to their best friend.
He continued his story and allowed time in the end for questions. One audience member raised her hand. With tear stained eyes, she asked, "What was your turning point? I hear you say how you got your life back together, but what was your turning point? What happened to make you want to change?" He looked at her and showed a boyish grin. He replied, "I don't know, it wasn't a big moment, nor was it a life changing event. I realized that life was full of options, choices, and decisions, if you will. For many years, I had a loving family, wonderful job, friends, and every other element that promoted life around me, yet it was my choice to waste and compromise that in order to have a drink. So, one day, the realization came that I have a choice to live or to die. . .and I chose both. I chose death to the life of an alcoholic and life to the purpose for which I was created."
Perhaps this can be some type of catalyst for someone that's struggling with a way of life that's been plaguing you for quite some time. Perhaps this way of life has received its share of labels that no longer offer you hope of ever recovering. However, I want to share with you that each day is a day of new beginnings, the opportunities to do things differently and to make the best of what life you have left. You too can make a choice today and say that it may have been your life once. . .but not always.