This Time It’s My Time
By Chris (Men’s Recovery Program Resident)
This is not my first time in the Recovery Program at Western Carolina Rescue Ministries. I left the program the first time because of a relationship. At the time, I thought it was the right thing to do, but looking back, it just pulled me off course. The relationship turned out not to be what I thought it would be. I lost focus and lost my way, again. Some other bad decisions landed me in jail, where I had time to slow down and reset my direction. I felt God telling me, “Go back. This is your appointed time. This is where you’ll shine.”
I was nervous to call back—afraid I’d be rejected. But I’d left on good terms, and I knew if I could speak with someone, they’d hear my heart. I’m so
thankful the door opened again. What’s different now? Me. The people are great, but I’m different. I’m not trying to be someone I’m not. I’ve got a sense that God wants to show me how real He is and how much He loves me. That’s what keeps me steady—knowing that this time has purpose.
I’ve learned that recovery takes readiness. You can’t fake it. You can’t do it for somebody else. If you’re not tired of being broken, it won’t stick. But the moment you’re ready—and I mean really ready—God makes a way.
For me, this is the first time I’ve passed a drug screen that wasn’t because of probation or pressure. This has been on my own. That’s huge, and I can say I’m so proud of my progress because of how far I’ve come. You see, my drug use started early. I was 14 when I first tried marijuana, and by 15, I was hooked on pills. After my grandmother died, I remember standing at the funeral and family members handing out Xanax to help everybody “get through.” It opened a door I didn’t know how to shut. For years, I was stuck in addiction.
By the time I came to the mission, I was smoking fentanyl and shooting meth. Nothing about it was fun anymore. It was survival. I was homeless, on the streets, and even though I was broke… people would give me drugs. I was that guy. Friendly, maybe. Familiar. But I was lost.
Now, being in this community, helping in the kitchen, serving meals—it’s mind-blowing how good it feels. In no time at all, you realize it’s not you on the other side of the line anymore. You’re not begging for a plate. You’re holding the serving spoon. And somehow, that heals a part of you. Living with other men again in a dorm environment sharpens you. You learn patience, and let God shape you. I used to think independence was the goal, but independence got me on the streets.
What I needed was connection—people to challenge me, teach me, walk with me.
The teaching here is solid. Different pastors, different styles, different voices.
But everything we’re taught – whether it’s Scripture, life skills, or recovery truths –
it connects. Through God’s word I hear Him saying, “You’re not alone.”
I want to be a peer support specialist one day. I want to help others get free, because I know what it’s like to be bound. If somebody can hear my story and feel less alone, if they can believe that life can change, then maybe my pain wasn’t wasted. I want my past to have a purpose. Now that I’ve seen His light, I want to shine it!
