I once was lost ... but now I am found

To me, April fools’ day is not a day where I tell jokes or plan to elaborately trick others. Instead, this date marks one of the best decisions that I have ever made. It marks the date that I stopped drinking.

Ten years ago, on the morning of April 1, 2014, I checked myself into rehab for alcohol use disorder. Before this day, by my own approximation, I had consumed alcohol for over 3200 consecutive days. I didn’t and couldn’t take a break; my body refused to go one day without it. By definition: I was an alcoholic.

Since that day, I haven’t had another drink. As a result, I consider the events that have happened in my life to be a Miracle. That year, I became a follower of Jesus Christ and I began attending Chestnut Ridge Church in Morgantown, WV. In addition, I began the long journey to become the father that my son Jack needed me to be.

One year after becoming sober, I was accepted into Harvard Business School (a tall feat when you take into consideration that I almost failed 6th and 10th grades). Three years after becoming sober, I graduated from Harvard University, I resigned my job at my family’s business, and I met my future wife, Kyla. Two years later, we got married, and my son Anthony was born. Six years after becoming sober, I published my first book, a memoir – Appalachian Kid (which became a bestseller on Amazon). And most recently, I became President of United Infrastructure Group.

During this journey there were many times that I thought my circumstances would be impossible to overcome. Who wouldn’t?

Well, I was wrong. What I learned: with God anything is possible.

When I say that today marks ten years of sobriety, I don’t say it to get accolades. I share it because of the those I wish to thank. Many helped me along my journey. I owe these individuals a debt of gratitude that I likely will never be able to repay.?

First and foremost, I would like to thank God. Scripture states in the book of Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” I prayed for and received just that. I call it amazing grace! ??

Next, I would like to thank Chestnut Ridge Church. What this church was able to do for me in my time of need was lifesaving. Thank you to Pastors Tim Haring, Bruce Lane, and Josh Rhodes for helping me so much along my way. And a special thank you to Pat Weaver for inviting me to attend with you and your family so many years ago.

Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my family – my wife Kyla Boyle, my sons Jack & Anthony, and my aunt Susan McCabe. I would also like to thank my close and dear friends who supported me during my life’s low point: Moose & Kim Moyers, Kiley & Lindsay Jenkins, Ken & Shannon Craig, and Dan & Katrina Graham. You all are a blessing to me, thank you for everything you have done.

I’ll leave you with this quote by Oswald Chambers, “We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.” It’s so true! God changed my life. He is real and He loves us.