At times, life can be difficult. Maybe this is an understatement, yet the truth is that we’ll all experience difficulties at various times in our lives. On some level, one can say that we are either headed into, going through, or coming out of trouble. Unfortunately, this is the order of things, another consequence of the fall of man. This trouble can come suddenly or gradually, but eventually, it will come. Our response to trouble is crucial. Fortunately, we have each other to get us through those tough times.

Tim Currie, TC for short, a resident of the Isaiah House on Dearborn, chose to isolate himself after losing his wife to a ten-year battle with cancer. He says of that time, “Ten years with cancer is enough for anybody. She put up a good fight.” He pauses reflecting on its lingering effect on him, “Takes a lot out of you.” He began to abuse alcohol and found himself in prolonged legal trouble because of it. Through programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, he has discovered when he’s troubled, he self-isolates and eventually boredom triggers his desire to drink. Alcohol becomes his refuge.

Housing was a problem for TC because of persistent legal issues. “I was struggling to find a safe and secure place to live.” Thankfully, a friend told him about Brookside Community Reentry. “I came one Sunday and then on a Monday to ask questions and inquire about it.” He says of the experience, “It was amazing, I felt at ease, I was welcomed with open arms, no judgement. Just legitimate love from people who care about you…who are just willing to meet you where you are at in life. And help you walk in your journey to have a more peaceful life.” 

When asked how he recognized the authenticity of the people of Brookside he says, "The smiles. Sometimes a smile will say a whole lot more than words ever will…I've been to a lot of different churches over the years. I've never had the feeling I had when I came here.” TC goes on to describe his first impression of how the people of Brookside made him feel at home, encouraged, and immersed in what he describes as unity. "For me, it is just the amazing amount of unity. There are people from all walks of life here and they all just come together. And it’s a beautiful thing…It’s just amazing that you can sit down to a table and have a conversation with anybody…it's all circled around Christ." 

Recently, TC relapsed into alcohol abuse. This time, he was embraced and encouraged by Brookside Community Reentry staff who enrolled him in a live-in sobriety program. He is better now and knows that he is not alone, “I’m going to push myself to get outside of that comfort zone. Instead of just relaxing at home.” He plans to be more intentional in his volunteering. “It’s just a few extra hours a week that I won't have thoughts about drinking. And just be around a good, fun, wholesome, Christian family environment.” He goes on to say, “I have found when I put God's will first over my own will, I find that my life is much easier and much more manageable, I have less anxiety because I am working towards something else, versus working towards myself. I find a lot of peace and comfort in that.”

When asked what advice he would give his younger self he says, "Surrender young man. Not you but Him. Let Him lead and take the Lord on as your savior. Try to imitate His walk. It is a difficult walk, but it’s never made alone.”

Personal crises require power to overcome; often more power than we can muster on our own. TC experienced this, finding that his tendency to self-isolate when troubled exacerbates his circumstances, yet he is encouraged by Brookside who walks with him during those times, nudging him to the right path. TC sums it up by mentioning the golden rule, (treat people the way you want to be treated) and adding, “Always be willing to lend a hand to anybody. We as Christians should be convicted to show great hospitality to others.”

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