You’re Not the Only One

by Texas Stready

[box] “My name is Stephanie Peck and I’m 35 years old.

When I was incarcerated, I ran across the book Deep in the Heart of Texas. I began to read it and, like everyone else, I couldn’t put it down. As I read I was able to identify with all her thoughts and feelings. There’s not many books like that, especially in jail.

In the end, simply knowing Texas was free gave me encouragement and hope for my future.

If Texas can overcome addiction and start her own ministry…so can I.  I got out of jail shortly after I read the book. Now, 2 years later, I’m still off drugs and I work on staff at a ministry named Motivated by Love. Most women in jail or prison are broken, defeated, and hopeless. That’s where God shows up and puts people, or books, around you that can alter your life—if you choose to let them. I chose to and Deep in the Heart of Texas motivated me to go for it.”[/box]

How great is that to read? That’s exactly what A Radical Difference is about.

 

Get Real

What is it about being human that makes us automatically think we have a corner on the market?

Good or bad.

In high school I was sure I was the only girl who was ugly.

Too tall. Too fat. Not athletic enough. Not smart enough.

I was the only student who didn’t come from money, the only child who didn’t read well out loud, and the only teenager who didn’t drink or smoke.

There were also times in my life where I thought I was the only one who knew how it should be done.

• Only I knew what was right for me.
• Only I cared about my feelings.
• Only I could beat the system.

And on and on.

Back-and-forth we go—placing ourselves in isolation—fully convinced that no one can relate.

We Are Related

In the AA “Big Book” it states that all addicts suffer from terminal uniqueness. Meaning they believe no one can really relate to them.

Well I have come to recognize that everyone’s addicted, so we all experience this.

Let me clarify.

Anything we use to distract us from negative emotions can become an addiction.

• anger
• fantasizing
• work
• exercising
• sleep
• nail-biting

There’s no end to the list.

Our personal preferences may differ but the thought patterns are identical.

This fact is not a terminal diagnosis.

It’s actually the cure.

If the thoughts and feelings that caused the reaction are common—then the solution is too.

Listen Up

Here’s what the “Good Book” tells us:

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB – New American Standard Bible

• Common to man – don’t think you’re alone in your struggle.
• Tempted beyond – don’t let the lies get the best of you.
• Endure it – don’t give up, you’re almost to the other side.

Are you kidding me, everybody goes through the same junk; but that doesn’t mean God’s not loyal. He is, so no matter what thoughts, feelings, or actions you’re caught up in, He wants to show you the way out. This doesn’t mean it will happen with the snap of a finger; it just means He won’t give up till you’re free. 1 Corinthians 10:13 TIV – Texas International Version

Whatever you suffer from, or with, the problem is the same—and the answer is too.

The Good News

My beautiful and powerful friend Stephanie and I are now on the other side. Yay!
We found a way to be individual yet united, and most importantly we’ve found the common solution to every problem.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

Your ways not working, so give it up and trust God. Turn everything over to Him and He’ll tell you what to do next. Proverbs 3:5-6 TIV