For 19 years, I lived in the grip of addiction. It controlled my life, destroyed relationships, and nearly cost me everything I held dear. I remember feeling like a complete failure—worthless, unworthy, and incapable of doing anything meaningful for God. I thought I was too far gone, too broken to ever be restored. But God had other plans.
That’s why I’m writing my first book, Rising from the Ruins: A Story of Addiction, Redemption, and Unshakable Hope. This book isn’t just about my struggles; it’s about God’s power to redeem and restore even the most shattered lives. It’s a story of rebuilding, of finding purpose after devastation, and of the unshakable hope that comes from surrendering your life to God.
Here’s why this book matters so much to me and why I believe it will resonate with so many others.
1. Addiction Almost Destroyed Me
For nearly two decades, addiction controlled my life. Drugs and alcohol consumed me, and I was on the brink of losing everything—my family, my future, and my life. I thought I was destined to fail.
Then came a moment of surrender. I cried out to God, asking Him to take away the desire for addiction, and He spoke clearly to my heart: “Give me 30 days.”
I didn’t understand why God needed 30 days, but I obeyed. Those 30 days were transformative. By the end of that time, I realized my desire for drugs and alcohol had disappeared. I had been set free.
Looking back, I see that every miracle in the Bible is preceded by an act of obedience. One powerful example is Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1-14. Naaman was healed of leprosy after he obeyed God’s simple command to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Despite his initial resistance, he humbled himself and was healed.
Those 30 days were my act of obedience, just like Naaman’s. God asked me to surrender, trust Him, and let go of addiction. It felt impossible, but it was an act of faith. And God honored that obedience, breaking the chains of addiction that had bound me. Just as Naaman emerged healed, I emerged from those 30 days with a new life and renewed hope.
Today, I’ve been free from addiction for almost 17 years.
2. Redemption is Possible for Everyone
One of the key themes in my book is redemption. When I was at my lowest, I thought I was too broken to ever be used by God. But God doesn’t see us the way we see ourselves. He sees potential, purpose, and a future.
Isaiah 61:3 says, “To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory.”
This verse reminds me that God specializes in taking the ashes of our lives and turning them into something beautiful. That’s what He did for me, and it’s what He can do for anyone who surrenders to Him.
3. The Message of Hope
Hope is a powerful thing, especially for those who feel like their lives are beyond repair. I want this book to be a beacon of hope for anyone who feels lost, broken, or defeated. Whether you’re struggling with addiction, facing challenges in your marriage, or simply feeling stuck in life, Rising from the Ruins is for you.
I’ve learned that hope isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s a confident expectation that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. Romans 5:3-5 says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment.”
4. Your Story Can Inspire Others
While this book tells my story, it’s also about encouraging you to reflect on your own. You don’t have to have battled addiction to understand what it feels like to live in ruins. Maybe you’ve faced a broken marriage, a loss of purpose, or a devastating setback. Whatever your story, it matters. Sharing it can bring healing to you and hope to others.
I used to think my story was too messy to inspire anyone. But I’ve come to realize that our scars tell a story of God’s faithfulness. Your experiences, no matter how painful, can be the key to someone else’s breakthrough.
5. Lessons Learned Along the Way
Through my journey, I’ve learned several important lessons that I want to share:
- Obedience Precedes Miracles: When God asked me to give Him 30 days, I didn’t understand why. But my obedience opened the door for Him to work in my life. Sometimes, we just need to take that first step of faith.
- God’s Grace is Sufficient: No matter how far you’ve fallen, God’s grace is deeper. He’s not done with you, and He can restore what seems beyond repair.
- Hope is a Lifeline: When everything seems lost, hold onto hope. It’s not just a feeling; it’s a promise rooted in God’s character.
- Community Matters: Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Surround yourself with people who will support you, pray for you, and walk alongside you.
Why This Book Matters
Writing this book is deeply personal for me. It’s not just about sharing my story; it’s about pointing others to the God who saved me. I want readers to see that no matter how broken their lives may seem, God can take their ruins and turn them into something beautiful.
Galatians 6:9 has been a verse I’ve clung to during this journey: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not lose heart.” This book is a way for me to keep doing good, to share the hope and redemption that God has given me.
A Call to Action
As I work on this book, I’m reminded that it’s not just about my story; it’s about the lives it will impact. If you’re reading this and feel inspired, I encourage you to reflect on your own story. What has God brought you through? How can you use your experiences to help others?
If you feel like your life is in ruins right now, know this: God isn’t finished with you. He can rebuild what’s broken and make it more beautiful than you ever imagined.
Let’s rise from the ruins together. Let’s embrace the hope and redemption that God offers and share it with a world that desperately needs it.
Living a God-Inspired Life,
Chris