Feeling Alive

Romans 6:1

One of the things I had to deal with in my life is addictions. I don't keep the fact that I was an alcoholic and drug addict a secret, and instead mention it to people who are dealing with their own "addictions" as a way to let them know there is help and a way out of that lifestyle. I can only speak for myself when it comes to knowing how badly addictions can affect one's life, but I most certainly can understand the things which lead up to, as well come out of, a life imprisoned by things which make one feel less than alive.

In my case I fell into a life where I forgot I had some worth; a life where I forgot how to love myself. It took many years to finally realize that I was someone worthy of love, and that others were capable of loving me as well. I had used my addictions as a way of being accepted, rather than acknowledging that I am already accepted by my God and many people around me.

Paul reminds us that we all have to go through our own times of separation. He also reminds us that we need to reconcile ourselves with whatever we've become separated from before we become renewed in life. My reconciliation with my self didn't happen overnight, neither will your reconciliation to that which you're separated. All I can really offer is somewhat a peace of mind that if we hold on, if we hold on strong to the things that can bring us into a new life, it will happen.