We have a guest blogger this week, Allison Miller, the author of the book Desperate For Love, and a speaker at ATB in December. You will find this compelling and right on the mark. Enjoy! - Glenn Remembering - Our Rescuer
When I was a young teen we traveled south to the beach. During time there I came to befriend some of the lifeguards. I was asked to pretend I was drowning to test some of the newer lifeguards. I agreed and being an excellent swimmer took off for deep waters. I was confident I could fool these newbies, put them to the test as asked and be back on shore within a few minutes. As I swam farther out, the seas became rough and my feet no longer touched the ocean floor. I treaded water for a while and then began to splash around and panic as I was asked. It was then that I truly began to sink. I was tired, my arms and legs begged for a rest. No one was there to hold me up or lean on and I could no longer keep my head above water. I was scared, screaming for help and gulping saltwater, believing I might die. All of a sudden, a hand came under my chin and lifted my head out of the water. I heard, “Just rest, I've got you." A lifeguard was pulling me to safety, but I didn't know if I was going to make it until I was on shore, had my breath and could stand again. In the same way that lifeguard rescued me when I was a teen, God rescued me from the hand of my enemies as an adult. I was a prisoner, blinded from the truth and had gotten into such deep waters I was drowning. I was paralyzed in fear and could no longer function. I was desperate for someone to love me, to care about me. I called for help. I called for anyone, someone. It was then, while 10,000 miles from home and in my most broken state that suddenly a Hand lifted me from those deep waters, and delivered me to solid ground! A voice said, "Rest in me, I've got you." Our loving Father heard my cry and “He reached down from heaven and rescued me; He drew me out of deep waters." (2 Samuel 22:17 NLT) I will never forget where I came from and that it was Him who rescued me. Thank you Lord Jesus that you are our loving God, full of mercy, compassion and grace as you say you are. I love you with all my heart, mind, soul and strength and am SO thankful that you opened my heart to your love and drew me to You—the Way, the Truth and the Life. Love, Allison
2 Comments
Erin Thomas
1/28/2015 02:59:26 pm
Hello Ms. Allison! I am so incredibly grateful that you have shared with us your most private and painful past through your book "Desperate for Love". A very dear friend of mine surprised me with a copy and from cover to cover you were telling my story! I couldn't believe the similarities in our circumstances and with each page I was able to uncover, revisit and recover from the beautifully crazy mess my life had become over the years. I wanted to thank you for not only your willingness to share such intimate details of your own journey...but most importantly...for being obedient to our Father and Healer, without whom my own personal recovery would not be possible. Your book has touched me deeply and blessed me beyond measure. It has been instrumental in guiding my heart back to the only One who could ever truly put the pieces back together. Thank you....and Thank GOD!!!
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Erin, My heart is deeply touched by your words. What a gift to have a friend who cared and provided you with "Desperate for Love." We never know what God will do in our obedience. I am so thankful for your heart of love for God and that my story was instrumental in your personal recovery journey. I can't tell you the joy I have for you, and I am confident angels are singing in heaven! Thank you for your thanks, and yes...let us thank our wonderful loving God, for He is the One!
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Glenn YankowskiGlenn is an ex-Marine Viet Nam vet who is also a recovering alcoholic, clean and sober for 30 years. He has been involved in start up and ongoing recovery ministry at North Atlanta Church and Campus for the last two decades. He has a passion for outreach and to spread the message that the answer to lasting and fulfilling recovery from addiction is in a relationship with Jesus Christ. He and the ATB team are available to assist in your questions or needs on an individual basis and will do so maintaining complete confidentiality. You may e-mail him at [email protected]. Archives
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