Joey’s Story

I have so many experiences that have increased my faith in Jesus over my lifetime, but the most sacred experience came in the form of an observation.

My mother, who I love dearly, is someone who slowly over time, let the darker side of the world get to her. She struggled with many addictions during my childhood: pills, smoking, sex, and on occasion, illicit drugs. During that time she was fairly neglectful of me and my brother and there was a lot of abuse by the men in her life. In all honesty, I struggled with having much love for her and my own life as a child.

She often mentioned she was trying to stop some or all of these addictions and struggles at various times, but for almost a decade (which she now calls the decade that she lost), she failed to do so over and over again.

During these difficult times, the only solace I found was my belief in Jesus and my attempt to live as the Savior would want me to live. There was always a hope that I was able to maintain because of these beliefs, and because of how that belief influenced my life.

Then one day, my mom asked if she could have those same feelings in her life. She said she was ready. Over the course of less than 6 months, I saw my mom completely change. It wasn’t easy by any means, but I can attribute the only reason she changed was because of her growing faith in Jesus Christ and the power that He can truly bring into someone’s life. The kind of power that can beat even the worst addictions.

Watching my mom finally give these up and completely transform her life through a belief in Jesus is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

My mom and I are so much closer now than I would have ever guessed we could be. I can’t stress how grateful I am for the power that comes from having a belief in the Savior, Jesus Christ. Especially now, in a world where that kind of thinking is starting to sound old fashioned and mocked by so many.

I will never lose that feeling I have gained, I’ve experienced too much in my life to doubt and I know that the love that Jesus has for everyone is very real, and if we will accept that, there is so much happiness that you can find for yourself.