A Quiet Country Soul
Finds a Peaceful New Home at
Because help and hope are welcoming for everyone Stand Inc.
W e are all products of our environment. Sometimes our childhood environments help us to grow and sometimes our barren soil keeps us from growing as we should or otherwise might. As a shy, lonely country boy from Macon, Georgia, Harold H. found precious little solace wherever he could with his small family and even smaller Baptist church congregation. Growing up in his small, struggling community Harold encountered his own struggles both socially and academically which eventually led to him—and so many others like him—finding unhealthy outlets for escape. And this eventually led straight to adult cycles of substance abuse and addiction. In February of 2022, after years of solitary struggle Harold somehow managed to see that the lights of STAND Inc. were shining brightly in front of him, although he could hardly imagine he’d be welcome to join. His family was gone, his job lost, his life completely unmanageable, he was no longer able to cope with his own addictions and he wanted to just give up. “My pride was really hurt but somehow I saw that the DOOR program really was open and cooperative. In my low state, I’d just never even imagined and certainly never been to such a welcoming environment. I Just couldn’t even believe that a place like STAND existed. Even at that low point I was really inspired.”
Today he proudly shares that he’s found a reliable and healthy daily procedure that works and is more than willing to follow it with the help of STAND Inc’s programs. He’s also found a new focus with the help of a sponsor and is looking forward to getting his life back. But he’s also looking forward to giving back what was so freely given by staying connected, continuing to take suggestions and, harkening back to his Baptist roots- “praying on my next move and anything I can do to help STAND, I’ll be more than willing to.” Harold also remains focused on regaining trust in himself and others, fortifying his patience with himself and others, and remaining grateful and humble as he moves forward. This is perhaps best expressed when he recently shared the favorite part of his day at STAND Inc.- “When the good lord wakes me up in the morning. I’m really appreciative because STAND truly helps those who want to help themselves… and I am a living witness.” And that is a state of clear-eyed grace we could all learn to appreciate as we witness!
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